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Mercedes 190 SL

Car Make/Model
Mercedes 190 SL

A concours condition 190 SL finished in Black over Red which has benefitted from a nut and bolt restoration.

190 SL - B - 1.jpg


Daimler-Benz decided, in the post war era, to re-enter the single passenger car market with the absolutely stunning 300. A car based on the hugely popular pre-war 170V that it had offered until 1951, the 300 used a 2996 cc overhead cam 6-cylinder engine, mounted to a 120" wheelbase and was available in a sedan or four-door variant. This car paved the way to the timeless 300 SL, the classic competition car which drew heavily from the 300.

The Mercedes line lacked a moderately priced sports car and filled the gap with the absolutely incredible 190 SL, which in essence served as a junior 300 SL. The platform utilised a shortened W121 monocoque which was strengthened to accomodate the lack of a roof. The engine was a 1897 cc SOHC unit that was created by taking the 300 SL engine, removing two cylinders and shortening the stroke. The engine used dual downdraft solex carbs, developed 120 bhp and was attached to a four-speed manual transmission with a floor mounted shift lever.

The suspension comprised of four wheel independent coil-spring double wishbones in front and swing axles in the rear. The windows were manual roll-up windows, the roof was a folding soft top and cockpit heating came as standard on the car. An optional steel removable hard top was available and an optional side-facing seat gave the car the ability to carry a third passenger. The car was relatively expensive for it's day, but it was somewhat in a class of it's own as a true Grand Tourer, it's only real competitor was the Alfa Romeo Guilietta Spider.

The car debuted at the New York Auto Show in 1954, entered production in the following year and remained in production until it was replaced by the 230 SL in 1963; by which time nearly 26,000 cars had been built.

The example we have to offer is a matching numbers example, and has undergone a "frame-off" restoration; restoring every nut and bolt to perfect, factory condition while maintaining it's original colours. The car comes complete with a three-piece set of matching luggage and an owner's manual. Further features comprise of a Becker-Europa four-band radio, heater defroster and a dashboard clock.

This car is truly a sight to behold, and would be a fabulous investment for any discerning motoring enthusiast.


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