Description
This lot will be auctioned via Iconic Auctioneers, The Iconic Sale at the NEC Classic Motor Show 2024 - Cars on Saturday the 9th of November, NEC, Birmingham, B40 1NT. During the 1950s, when Mercedes-Benz were the dominant force in top-level motorsport, the undisputed flagship of the firm’s production car range was the stunning 300SL sports car. Highly desirable as it was, it was also financially out of the reach of most enthusiasts. Keen to capitalise on the 300SL’s numerous competition successes and find a foothold in the increasingly lucrative sports car market, Mercedes-Benz introduced its smaller stablemate, the equally beautifully engineered 190 SL. The 190 SL was powered by a new, slightly over-square, 1. 9-litre straight-four SOHC engine that developed 120bhp with twin-choke dual Solex carburettors and, when mated with a 4-speed manual gearbox, endowed the sleek aerodynamic and comparatively light 190 SL with a top speed of 115mph and a respectable 0-60 time of 13. 0 seconds. The fact that the 190's ride was more 'boulevard' than sporting, and that many contemporary sports cars could out-perform it while costing a good deal less, did nothing to deter sales. The 190 SL cemented Mercedes-Benz's reputation as the car manufacturer for those who wanted elegance, build quality and a good turn of speed and, unsurprisingly, most of the 26, 000 units were sold to the North American market.
Full details to follow.
