1958 Mercedes-Benz 190SL

Vehicle Description

DATE OF MANUFACTURE: 1958 | COLOUR: Anthracite Gray Metallic DB172 | INTERIOR TRIM: Light Red 1088 | PRICE: REDUCED BY £10,000 TO £135,000

WE ARE DELIGHTED TO OFFER THIS LEFT HAND DRIVE MERCEDES-BENZ 190SL. RESTORED TO EXCEPTIONAL LEVEL BY MARQUE SPECIALIST.

THIS VEHICLE
A numbers matching car, presented in the nicest period Anthracite Gray Metallic (DB172) exterior paintwork with Light Red Leather interior complimented by Red Mohair softtop. A total body-off restoration was carried out by Marque Specialist with every component seen or unseen restored to a very high level, all outer panels were replaced where necessary and every sub-assembly stripped and rebuilt to exacting standards. The vehicle will come with a complete run down by Lux Classics with any post-restoration adjustments necessary completed.

Currently running superbly on Weber carburettors which can be converted for the purists by LuxClassics to the original Solex PHH44 Carburettors. Spare set available with the vehicle for conversion.

This vehicle will represent a good acquisition opportunity for a collector, investor or first-time classic car buyer as being a most desirable model reminiscent of the much valued 300SL Roadster & Gullwing coupe. It's available for viewing in the UK near Stanstead Airport on an appointment basis.

FINANCE & WARRANTY AVAILABLE ON REQUEST


MODEL HISTORY & PRODUCTION
In 1954, Mercedes displayed a concept version of the 190SL at the New York Auto show alongside the 300SL “Gullwing”. This concept came to market in 1955 as the 190SL, a more approachable, less intense sports car compared to the record-breaking 300SL 'Gullwing'. The factory offered for the causal weekend racer a Rennsport package, options of an aero screen, cut down doors which one could convert, removal of bumpers & lighten the 190SL. While the 190SL features a carbureted 1.9 liter inline four cylinder engine compared to the 300SL's direct-injected 3 liter slant six, they share basic engine design, suspension system, and level of detail and craftsmanship that defines Mercedes-Benz.

The new engine, which shared the same bore and stroke of the 300SL, was paired with dual Solex carburetors and produced just over 100 horsepower. This powerplant was paired with a fully synchronized 4-speed transmission that sent power to the rear swing axle. The 190SL implemented the same suspension systems as the 300SL, all it be a much stable low pivot point assembly, affording it confident handling and drivability without the tail happy nature of the 300SL “Gullwing”.

The 190SL is immediately recognizable as a Mercedes, featuring dramatic curves and through yet restrained use of brightwork that defined this era of Mercedes. Many styling cues are borrowed from the 300SL “Gullwing” as well, notably the massive three-pointed star in the grille, head lamps, bumpers, dash, early 190SL bucket seats as well as 'eyebrows' over the wheels all it be finished with chrome.

While the 190SL did not quite offer the performance of other sports cars of the era, the impeccable quality and attractive styling made the 190SL 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 demeanor and elegant styling were highly valued. The 190SL is an important part of the culture of small roadsters in the 1950s, as it demonstrated how luxurious the platform could be. Now much sort after & highly collectible due to its “Style & Beauty”.

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