1955 | Mercedes-Benz 190 SL

• Restored in Germany

• Very rare 1st. series example

• The original 300SL seats (only in the first serie) are still in the car

• Finished in desirable color combination

• Mille Miglia Eligible, relatively recent findings (2016) make it possible for the Mercedes-Benz 190 SL to take part in the Mille Miglia

In 1954, Mercedes displayed a concept version of the 190 SL at the New York Auto show alongside the 300 SL ‘Gullwing’. This concept came to market in 1955 as the 190 SL. A more approachable, less intense sports car compared to the record-breaking 300 SL Gullwing.

It was solidly built in the Mercedes-Benz tradition, with a flawless finish and exquisite detail, and it found favor among the international elite.

Such celebrities as the Aga Khan, Grace Kelly, and Zsa Zsa Gabor owned 190 SLs. In 1955 Road & Track wrote, “The outstanding achievement of the 190 SL is…its quality in design and workmanship. But a close second is the general feeling of solidity, which it immediately conveys…We say it’s well worth the money.”
Relatively recent findings (2016) make it possible for the Mercedes-Benz 190 SL to take part in the Mille Miglia.
The right to participate is reserved for models represented in the original road race held from 1927 to 1957.
“We are delighted to have another Mercedes-Benz model for the Mille Miglia. This means that even more of the brand’s aficionados will now have the opportunity to participate in the event,” said Michael Bock, Head of Mercedes-Benz Classic and the Customer Centre.
The Mercedes-Benz 190 SL was entered in the 1956 Mille Miglia by the French driving team of Michel Bianco and Jean Loup Pellecuer. It had the starting number 347, corresponding to a start time of 3:47 in the morning, and took 121st place after a race time of 16 hours, 6 minutes and 15 seconds.
The fact that even specialist circles were largely unaware that the 190 SL had competed during the original Mille Miglia era is probably due to the official reports issued by the Brescia Automobile Club at the time referring to the vehicle as a Mercedes without specifying the model designation.
The Mercedes-Benz 190 SL Roadster since 2016 qualifies as a participant in the Mille Miglia as a result of this development.

ABOUT THIS SPECIFIC EXAMPLE

Dating from the second year of production, it is believed to be one of 1,849 examples from that model year sold in the United States.

A copy of its original data card indicates that it was dispatched on 28th March 1956 to the Mercedes-Benz dealer in New York, USA and it was originally finished in “Perlgrau DB 125”, (Pearl-Gray) over a Black leather interior (953) and featured a soft-top (970).

Much of this 190 SL’s early life was reportedly spent in California.
Subsequently, in approximately 2015, it was shipped to Germany, where it received a restoration at the renowned classic Mercedes specialist Wallner Classic in Munich to exact specifications.
The former Dutch owner purchased the Mercedes in Munich in August 2022 from a Prof. Dr. Wirtz.

In the history file copies of receipts and invoices are available.

This stunning 190 SL has been carefully used over the years for a variety of trips and rallies and has proven its reliability.

CONDITION EXTERIOR

The 190 SL still looks spectacular with its gleaming Dark Grey coachwork.

This color combination, is arguably one of the most desirable combinations offered on the 190 SL. It’s a very chic and warm color.

The panel gaps and fit are extremely good throughout and the paint is very nice with some very small signs of use.

A unique feature on the early 190 SL’s are the small rear lamps as well as some details in the interior.

The glass is excellent/new throughout as well, and a new top has been installed at the time of the restoration.

A set of period-correct 13-inch steel wheels are fitted with color-matched hubcaps.

CONDITION INTERIOR

The interior is extremely nice as well and exactly restored as it should be. So period correct.

The original 300SL seats (just in the first serie) are still in the car.

The door panels are excellent, the dash top and the gauges are excellent, everything has been restored.

An appropriate / period correct Becker Europa High Fidelity radio AM/FM Radio is centrally mounted in the dash between the two seats.

The Beige floor mats are of the correct original type and are excellent Also in the boot of the 190 SL is looking exactly as she should be.

DRIVING EXPERIENCE

The driving capabilities of the 190 SL are just perfect. As has been written just after the introduction by the Motor un Sport magazine from German, “the Mercedes 190 SL is an elegant and fast touring sports car that can be used as an ordinary workaday vehicle, but additionally offers the possibility of successfully competing in sporting events” and that’s exactly how we would like to describe the driving capabilities of the 190 SL nowadays.

It is a fantastic tourer with which you can easily drive on a comfortable way towards a nice weather holiday location but if you have to do a test during a rally you absolutely do not have to shame about the result.

Disclaimer

The information provided on this website has been compiled by The Houtkamp Collection with the utmost care. The information contained within this advert is provided ‘as-is’, without warranties as to its accuracy whether expressed or implied and is intended for informational purposes only. The Houtkamp Collection is not liable for any errors or mistakes.