Description
This lot will be auctioned via Iconic Auctioneers, The Iconic Sale at Race Retro 2025 - Collectors' Cars on Saturday the 22nd of February, Stoneleigh Park, Stoneleigh Rd, Coventry, CV8 2LG. The 190SL was introduced in 1955, the year Mercedes-Benz swept all before it on the Mille Miglia with the 300SLR, and the graceful new two-door convertible grand tourer was sold alongside the road-going version of the SLR, the 300SL, whose styling it strongly resembled. In fact, the underpinnings of the two cars were quite different and, while the 300SL had a purpose-built tubular spaceframe (W198), its smaller sibling was built on a shortened version of the 'Ponton' saloon (W121) platform, which was of monocoque construction. The 190SL also boasted an all-new engine, an over-square SOHC straight-four unit of 1, 897cc that produced some 105bhp, which was sufficient to propel the car to a maximum speed of 112 mph. The engine was coupled to a four-speed manual gearbox operated by a lever between the seats. The suspension comprised double wishbones and coil springs at the front and a coil-sprung swing axle at the rear. Steering was by recirculating ball and braking by power-assisted drums all round. Built to the highest standards and among the quickest comparable cars of the time, the 190SL featured a well-appointed cockpit, notable comfort for its occupants and relatively generous luggage space. Under the circumstances, even the steep asking price did nothing to deter purchasers and by 1963, when production ceased, over 25, 000 had found homes.
Dating from October 1959, this is an original, left-hand drive, matching numbers car imported from the States in 2012 and has had just one owner for most of its time here. It's stylishly presented in gleaming white with excellent chrome and a smart Navy Blue soft top. The interior is really impressive with quality Royal Blue leather and matching carpets and the dashboard presents well with good switchgear and chrome bezels and the Cream Bakelite steering wheel and gear lever knob remain in good condition.
It's accompanied by its MB Certificate of Origin, original Data Card (a very rare find), original hand book pack, other books and many invoices for work carried out during its time in the UK which includes an upgrade to Weber carburettors, recent new water pump, radiator core, tyres and service. According to our vendor it's " A very well pampered car in excellent condition throughout with excellent oil pressure, easy gear change with all good synchros, the car is a joy to behold and drive."
Values of these delightful late-fifties Roadsters have continued to strengthen and, this well-guided example, represents a great opportunity to acquire an attractive classic soft-top Mercedes at a very sensible guide.
