1958 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL

Lot details
Registration No: Un-Reg
Chassis No: 1210408500683

- Simply stunning left-hand drive example

- Delivered new to the USA and offered with both hard and soft tops

- Subject to an extensive restoration by its long-term keeper before his death

The 190SL was introduced in 1955, the year Mercedes-Benz swept all before it on the Mille Miglia with the 300SLR, the graceful new two-door convertible grand tourer being 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 a monocoque construction. The 190SL also boasted an all-new engine, an over-square SOHC straight-four unit of 1897cc that produced some 105bhp, sufficient to propel the car to a maximum speed of 112mph. 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, notably comfortable for its occupants with relatively generous luggage space. Under the circumstances, even the steep asking price did nothing to deter purchasers. The convertible could be ordered with or without a removable hard top. There was also the option of a third seat that was placed transversely behind the front ones and big enough to carry an adult. The 190SL continued in production until 1963, when both it and the 300SL were replaced by the Pagoda. By this time over 25,000 190SLs had been built.

This simply stunning left-hand drive example has Black bodywork matched to a Red hide interior. Having vacated the Stuttgart production line, it is understood to have been delivered new to the USA and has recently found its way back across the Atlantic to the UK. We are informed it received an extensive restoration by its long-term US keeper before his death. The vendor currently rates the bodywork, paintwork, interior trim, four-cylinder engine and all-synchromesh transmission as all being in 'excellent' condition. Offered with duties paid and NOVA document, this handsome Mercedes is now ready to be UK registered.