1959 | Mercedes-Benz 190 SL

• A comfortable and well-appointed sports roadster

• Benefits from single ownership for the past 20 years

• Equipped with charming features of its era, such as a dash-mounted clock and push-button radio

• Powered by a 1.9-litre four-cylinder engine paired with a four-speed manual transmission

• Carefully maintained example

• Finished in desirable color combination

• The 190 SL is a car that still commands the presence and attention it did when new

“It proved to be fast and tireless, exhilarating to drive and was probably created with long distance, comfortable travel in mind…” – Autocar on the Mercedes-Benz 190 SL, 10th January 1956.

Introduced at the New York Auto Show in 1954, the 190 SL was an instant hit with buyers in the market for a luxurious open-topped sports car.

It was presented as a more affordable alternative to the 300 SL, while sharing similar design cues and engineering advancements.

The engine of the 190 SL was based on the 300 SL’s popular straight-six, and took the form of a 1.9-litre straight-four with identical bore and only slightly reduced stroke.

With its four-speed, all-synchromesh gearbox, servo-assisted hydraulic drum brakes and fully independent suspension, the 190 SL was both more refined and more comfortable than any contemporary British sports car.

With an advertised price of $3,998 in 1955 versus $7,463 for the 300 SL, the 190 SL outsold its bigger brother by about eight to one.

ABOUT THIS SPECIFIC EXAMPLE

This particularly well-presented 190 SL was formerly resident in the USA and comes with a State of California Certificate of Title. This means the car has been in a warm culture for most of it’s life.

The Mercedes-Benz went on to spend considerable time in the United States.

The Mercedes was titled in Los Angeles on 18 April 1996 and remained in North America until being sold to a Belgian enthusiast in July 2003, where it was road registered the following year.

This attractive roadster is finished in Dark Blue with a Tan leather interior, complemented by a Dark Blue-coloured hood. This color combination, is arguably one of the most desirable combinations offered on the 190 SL.

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

Charming period features punctuate the interior, such as the dash-mounted clock and push-button radio.

This beautifully finished and stylish 190 SL is accompanied by a folder of invoices of works carried out by the former Belgian owner.

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

The former owner decided to part exchange this Mercedes for a Jaguar in our collection and therefore traded in this car.

CONDITION EXTERIOR

Doors open and close smoothly and have a very nice fitting.

The exterior has been recently professionally polished resulting in a beautiful deep shine.

The windows and glasses as well as the rubbers are in a very nice condition.

The Blue folding roof fits beautifully, folds away easily and is hidden from view by a beautiful tonneau cover.

The roof is from mohair which is the nicest possible material for a hood for a 190.

The chrome on the car is very nice.

CONDITION INTERIOR

The interior of this handsome 190 SL features a full suite of fresh Beige leather upholstery throughout, contrasted with an ivory steering  wheel and shifter, which fronts a full complement of VDO instrumentation housed inside a beautiful Dark Blue dashboard.

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

We personally love the interior of the 190 SL’s. The shape of the dashboard with all the meters which are surrounded with chrome rings is just great to look at.

As known by Mercedes, the quality was already in those years extremely high so all meters and buttons function perfectly.

DRIVING EXPERIENCE

With the rapidly appreciating values of the 300 SL, the 190 SL has benefited accordingly, as it provides a more affordable alternative to its stablemate.

Driving a 190SL gives the feeling to drive a modern car. The styling inside looks to be very classic but the drivability of this car feels very modern.

If one drives this 190SL it is just clear that these cars are made on an absolute excellent German way.

Thanks to the solid technology and the excellent driving comfort, it is the perfect companion for every classic car trip.

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.