1958 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL

Registration No: 551 XWD
Chassis No: A1210428501142
MOT: July 2025

• Subject to a thorough brake overhaul, new battery, replacement engine mounts and fresh bushes earlier this year
• Offered with a collection of invoices and current V5C document
• Subject to a repaint in Ivory plus an engine overhaul as part of a major refurbishment in c.2005
• Current ownership since 2018

The 190SL was introduced in 1955 – the year Mercedes swept all before it on the Mille Miglia with the 300SLR. Indeed, 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 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.

Factory finished in the rare and attractive hue of Ivory (DB608), this particular example was one of just 2,722 190SLs completed during the 1958 model year. Thought to have begun life in Europe - if only because of its KPH speedometer (and other metric instruments) - the two-seater subsequently migrated to the USA. Acquired by its penultimate American keeper in 1994, the Mercedes-Benz emerged from an extensive refurbishment eleven years later. As well as a bodywork restoration and repaint, the work encompassed an engine overhaul, interior re-trim and a soft-top and sundry re-chroming. The gauges were renovated, the brake servo / water pump / shock absorbers replaced and the wheel bearings repacked etc. A popular upgrade, the original Solex carburettors were removed in favour of Mikuni units (which deliver more power as well as easier starting and smoother running). Resident in Maine between 2015 and August 2018 when it entered the current ownership, the 190SL journeyed across the Atlantic that same year. Kept in climate-controlled storage since arriving on these shores and road registered with the DVLA as ‘551 XWD’, the two-seater was entrusted to Southern Classics of Twickenham some four/five months ago where it was treated to a thorough brake system overhaul, replacement propshaft coupling, alternator mounting kit, new engine mounts (x4) and fresh anti-roll bar bushes (x8) plus a new chrome starter button at a cost of £5,813.06. Believed to retain its original carpets, the vendor has also ordered a new 14-pc set to be included in the sale (or post-sale depending on production time and shipping). Passing an MOT test on July 2^nd 2024 with ‘no advisories’, the 190SL has barely been driven since. Indeed, it has covered minimal miles in the 19 years since the big 2005 renovations. Still presenting well as an older restoration and seemingly ready to be enjoyed by a new owner, ‘551 XWD’ is offered for sale with V5C Registration Document and sundry paperwork.

The vendor informs us plans for romantic weekend country lane jaunts and pub lunch stops, have for the past few years given way to children immersed in weekend sport and with time needing to be spent with other classic cars he has, so, with a heavy heart, it is now offered to market for someone else who will have the time to use, enjoy and share such an example of a beautiful Mercedes marque.

For more information, please contact:
James McWilliam
james.mcwilliam@handh.co.uk
07943 584760