1962 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL
Rare and desirable UK-supplied, RHD example

Registration No: 940 EYH
Chassis No: 12104220025563
MOT: Exempt

• One of just 562 cars built across all right-hand drive markets
• Entered from a deceased estate, that of Geoffrey McArdle, inventor of the breathalyser
• In Mr McArdle's ownership since 2001
• One of just 2,246 190 SLs produced in 1962, the final full year of production
• Benefitting from a full engine overhaul including an uprated cylinder head

The 190SL was introduced in 1955 – the year Mercedes 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, of which just 562 were right-hand drive examples.

Manufactured in 1962, the 190 SL's final full year of production, the example offered is a rare and desirable right-hand drive example that was supplied new to the United Kingdom, being first registered here on the 12^th of December that year as ‘940 EYH’. Finished in White paintwork with Red leather interior upholstery, hood, and tonneau cover, the 190 SL is now offered having a recorded mileage of c.65,600 miles on the odometer. Purchased into current (late) ownership in 2001, that of Geoffrey McArdle, the inventor of the breathalyser, during Mr. McArdle’s ownership, ‘940 EYH’ has benefited from significant improvements, including a full engine overhaul with uprating of the cylinder head for unleaded fuel, and a new exhaust system. Primarily used for leisure trips and garaged throughout his ownership, the 190SL started readily and ran well during the recent photography session. Still among the most attractive Mercedes-Benz cars ever made, this rare and desirable right-hand drive 190SL from long-term ownership is accompanied by photographs of the improvement works in the current ownership.

For more information, please contact:
Paul Cheetham
paul.cheetham@handh.co.uk
07538 667452