The sales brochure we have on file for the “Mercedes-Benz Type 190 SL” begins with “You will lose your heart at first sight of the Mercedes-Benz touring sports car type 190SL”, we whole-heartedly agree, these cars are simply beautiful. The example we have here, presented in grey with a contrasting red hood and interior, is simply a sight to behold. You can understand how today these cars are celebrated as a symbol of mid-century design.

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This Car

The current owner has had this 190 SL in his stable for 13 years, where it has been kept at home in his heated garage. He purchased the car knowing it was in need of some cosmetic restoration, therefore work commenced immediately including a full respray in Cement Grey, interior retrim including leather upholstery and carpeting, a new hood and renewed chrome work all round to ensure the car presented perfectly, whilst being done it was also treated to some rust protection for longevity. There was also some gentler mechanical work required at the time such as replacing diff seals, new fuel pipes and a full service and inspection. All this work is of course documented in the history file of this car, along with photos of the respray process, and more recent ongoing maintenance invoices.

Following the works the car went on to win several trophies at several shows and events, culminating in being put on display in the gallery at Mercedes-Benz World, Brooklands.

Also included in the file are some utterly charming brochures and leaflets from the time detailing the 190 SL range, an immaculate parts catalogue for the 190SL and a letter from Mercedes-Benz UK confirming the details of the car.

The car itself is thoroughly enjoyable to drive. Although not fast certainly by the standards of today, that matters little. It is the theatre that comes with driving a car like this and the concentrated inputs required which ensure it is such a rewarding experience. Nuanced period details of the day such as the indicators, operated by the inner rim of the steering wheel, which make driving this 190 SL such a charm and a real pleasure.

Thanks to the 190 SL being a sales hit over 25,000 were made, however, only 562 were made in right-hand-drive, making this a very rare automobile indeed.

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The Model

First introduced as a prototype in 1954, the 190 SL was unveiled alongside its bigger sibling the 300 SL. Where the 300 SL was designed to be Mercedes’ exotic, competition-derived car, essentially a roadgoing version of the W194 300 SL race car. The 190 SL, by contrast, was created to offer the same unmistakeable Mercedes-Benz glamour in a more relaxed, open-top touring package.

The two cars became a commercial hit and ultimately icons of the era, albeit for different reasons. The 300 SL went on to become the supercar of its era thanks to its racing pedigree. The 190 SL, meanwhile, became a hallmark for the rich and famous, and a regular on the silver screen, most famously driven by Grace Kelly and Frank Sinatra in the 1956 film High Society, whilst Ringo Starr and Alfred Hitchcock were amongst celebrity owners.

The 190 SL not only shared styling cues with the 300 SL but also engineering, such as double wishbone front suspension and swing axles at the rear. The 190 SL was powered by a new for the time 1.9 straight-four engine, also based on the 300 SL’s straight-six.

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In Summary

The 190 SL is a style icon of the 50’s and 60’s, a wonderful reminder of a revered era. Another brochure quote sums it up perfectly: ‘Fashioned to be admired, the 190 SL offers distinction, delight and prestige to its owner.’  We believe that rings truer today than ever

This example really is beautifully presented, it’s Cement Grey bodywork really set off by the burgundy hood and interior, it is ready to be enjoyed and endear its new owner with a style and grace only delivered from a bygone era.

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