Mercedes-Benz 190SL Roadster

Launched in 1955, the Mercedes-Benz 190SL was a beautifully refined cruiser aimed at the mere mortals who could not afford its hyper-expensive race-bred sibling, the mighty 300SL, which it closely resembled. 

Sharing the same wheelbase as the 300, it also had similar double wishbone suspension at the front and swing axles at the rear. However, the 190 did not use the 300's purpose-built tubular spaceframe platform, but was instead built on the shortened monocoque platform of the 180 saloon, with aluminium doors, bonnet and boot-lid to save weight.

Power came from an all-new 1.9-litre overhead-cam straight-four producing around 110bhp that combined 100+mph performance with 25-30mpg economy. With a four-speed manual synchromesh gearbox, servo-assisted hydraulic drum brakes and excellent handling, the car was in a league of it's own when it came to refinement and build quality. Even today, a well-sorted example is one of those rare classics that you could hop into and drive to the heel of Italy with no fear of getting stranded on the way. In total around 25,800 examples were made before production came to an end in 1963, the vast majority in left-hand drive.

Dating from 1961, this particular 190SL is an original right-hand drive example although it is not clear where it spent the first few years of its life as it was not UK registered until May 1978. Since then it has only had three owners, the current vendor acquiring it about two years ago from a gentleman who had owned it for 10 years.

When the vendor acquired the car it had been in storage for many years and the engine had been removed for some reason. He set about returning it to roadworthy condition with the following work carried out: engine stripped, examined and reassembled with new head gasket fitted; new Weber carbs fitted; new radiator; new clutch; rebuilt back axle; full brake system overhaul including new servo, brake linings, wheel cylinders etc; suspension overhaul including new Spax shock absorbers front and rear; new front and rear bumpers; new grille; new carpets; seats retrimmed in red leather; bare metal respray in beige.

In October 2012 the car was ready for its first MOT in many years which it passed with no advisories recorded. Since then it has been very little used and although it is said to run and drive well, it may yet benefit from a precautionary running-in period before any long runs are undertaken. There are also some cosmetic items that need attending to, such as the rechroming of certain parts like the windscreen surround, the door handles and the rear light surrounds.

It comes with an original factory hard top and the original frame for the soft top (although the hood itself is missing) plus a quantity of spare trim parts including the chrome side strips and rear wing stone guards. MOT’d until October 2013 and taxed until the end of September, this rare and handsome roadster should amply reward the final detailing that it now requires.