Registration No: 4 GKY
Chassis No: 12104010018177
MOT: Exempt

• Fitted with a 3.8 Litre V6 and Five-Speed Manual Gearbox for baby-300SL Roadster performance
• Imported from the USA in 2018 and registered for UK roads
• Supplied with the registration '4 GKY'

The 190SL was introduced in 1955 – the year Mercedes-Benz swept all before it on the Mille Miglia with the 300SLR. Indeed, the graceful 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 1897cc that produced some 120bhp, which was sufficient to propel the car to a maximum speed of 112mph. The engine was coupled to a manual four-speed gearbox. 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. The 190SL continued in production until 1963, when both it and the 300SL were replaced by the 230SL (W113). By this time 25,881 190SLs had been produced.

Although this car has obviously been very well cared for, little is known of its history prior to 2014, when it was owned by an American enthusiast in Washington, Connecticut. From December 2014 until March 2017, he spent some $20,500 on mechanical work, before the car was offered for sale and imported into Britain, being registered with the DVLA in 2018.

Very soon after it landed on English soil, the new owner invested in further improvements, including repairs to the chassis rails and clutch master cylinder, and upgrades including oversized brake shoes and uprated front springs, so that he could best enjoy this unique car. Unique it certainly is – besides the aforementioned brake and suspension modifications, this SL has also been fitted with a puissant 3.8-litre V6 with Edelbrock inlet manifold mated to a very capable five-speed gearbox, plus power-assisted-steering - although you’d struggle to tell from the pretty exterior that there’s anything non-standard about it. With these upgrades, the 190SL really fulfils its grand-touring potential, offering some of the sought-after performance qualities of the 300SL for a fraction of the price.

The paint and the chrome are showing some signs of age which a new owner may wish to address, but with its rather ‘hot’ specification, this 190SL is not supposed to be a concours queen. It’s been prepared for long-distance drives and it strikes us as ideal for the purpose, especially with its sumptuous interior, which the vendor describes as “very good.” On that note, interested parties will be pleased to see the Nardi Signature steering wheel, a desirable period aftermarket item often seen on 300SLs. Other enhancements include an attractive classic-style modern radio and a pair of discreet speakers in the rear.

When we went to see the car, we found it was running and driving well - and the vendor attests to it being 'very good' mechanically. It has all the characteristics of a real Q-car, and should certainly please the enthusiast who believes that old cars really are for driving.

PLEASE NOTE: Whilst at the sale it has been noted that the clutch needs adjustment as its biting point is close to the floor, although it should be noted that the car was driven to the Imperial War Museum from the vendor’s address.

For more information, please contact:
Lucas Gomersall
lucas.gomersall@handh.co.uk
07484 082430