1958 | Mercedes-Benz 190 SL

Lot details

Year: 1958
Make: Mercedes-Benz
Model: 190 SL
Registration: 255 UYH
Chassis No: 01210428502666
Engine No: tbc
Mileage: 38,918
•: One of 562 right hand drive examples
•: Rare hardtop included with the car
•: Exceptional example

In 1954, Mercedes-Benz 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. While the 190 SL featured a carburetted 1.9 litre in-line four-cylinder engine compared to the 300 SL's direct-injected three litre slant six, they shared basic engine design, suspension system, and level of detail and craftsmanship which defined Mercedes-Benz. The new engine, which shared the same bore and stroke of the 300 SL, was paired with dual Solex carburettors and produced just over 100bhp. This powerplant was mated with a fully synchronized four-speed transmission, which sent power to the rear swing axle. The 190 SL implemented the same suspension systems as the 300 SL, albeit with a more stable low pivot point assembly, affording it confident handling and drivability without the tail-happy nature of the 300 SL Gullwing. While the 190 SL did not quite offer the performance of other sports cars of the era, the impeccable quality and attractive styling made the 190 SL a massive success - selling 25,881 units before production ceased in 1963. Many of these models were delivered to the United States, where its driving demeanour and elegant styling were highly valued. Nevertheless, the factory did offer an option for the casual weekend racer: a Rennsport packaged 190 SLR, which included options of an aero screen, cut down doors which one could convert, and bumpers removed to reduce weight. A Rennsport derived 190 SL participated in the Mille Miglia, hence its eligibility today. Other notable achievements include a 1956 Macao Grand Prix victory for Doug Steane, and Mr W. Sulke's SLR won the 1958 Rally of Hong Kong.

Very few of the right hand drive examples were delivered to the UK and this is understood to be one of those few. The car spent a large portion of its life in Australia, but the speedometer reads in MPH, which points towards this being an original UK delivered car, opposed to an Australian car, which would have a KMH speedometer fitted. Right hand drive cars made up just 2% of total production and it would be safe to assume that a large number of them no longer survive, so this presents a very rare opportunity. The car returned to the UK in 2014 and went into storage for a number of years. Our vendor was offered the car around two years ago, it was painted white at the time but its original colour was silver, so the decision was made to return the car to its original colour combination, at great expense. The car was taken back to bare metal and we are told the condition of the body was extraordinary. Pictures of the car during the bodywork process are shown in the gallery and show that absolutely no filler or welding was found or needed. Our vendor says that the bodyshop simply could not believe how good the structure of the car was and exclaimed that they had never seen a 60 plus year old body in such good condition, the Australian climate had been particularly kind to it. The quality of the paintwork is incredible, the panel gaps are excellent and the brightwork gleams. The car is also fitted with an exceedingly rare, and very handsome, hardtop. The red interior is understood to be all original, except for the carpets, and if the mileage of 38,918 is correct, it is very likely this could be the case. The seats have a very light patina and certainly look as though they could be original, as to the door cards.

Mechanically, the car is running on the correct Solex carburettors and starts and idles beautifully, it has received a large amount of attention to ensure it is reliable and drives as good as it looks. We would highly recommend viewing, to full appreciate the condition of the car. Supplied to auction with a V5C registration document and MoT test certificate, valid until May 2025. Consigned by Fraser Smith