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Mercedes-Benz 190SL Roadster

Mercedes-Benz 190SL Roadster

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Mercedes-Benz 190SL RoadsterMercedes-Benz 190SL RoadsterMercedes-Benz 190SL RoadsterMercedes-Benz 190SL RoadsterMercedes-Benz 190SL Roadster
Mercedes-Benz 190SL RoadsterMercedes-Benz 190SL RoadsterMercedes-Benz 190SL RoadsterMercedes-Benz 190SL RoadsterMercedes-Benz 190SL Roadster
Mercedes-Benz 190SL RoadsterMercedes-Benz 190SL RoadsterMercedes-Benz 190SL RoadsterMercedes-Benz 190SL RoadsterMercedes-Benz 190SL Roadster
Mercedes-Benz 190SL RoadsterMercedes-Benz 190SL RoadsterMercedes-Benz 190SL RoadsterMercedes-Benz 190SL RoadsterMercedes-Benz 190SL Roadster
Mercedes-Benz 190SL RoadsterMercedes-Benz 190SL RoadsterMercedes-Benz 190SL RoadsterMercedes-Benz 190SL RoadsterMercedes-Benz 190SL Roadster
Lot number 104
Hammer value £64,000
Description Mercedes-Benz 190SL Roadster
Registration N/A
Year 1961
Colour White
Engine size 1,897 cc
Chassis No. 12104010022709
Documents Customs import docs; shipping docs; 2008 bill of sale; owner's handbook

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 its own when it came to refinement and build quality, a 1955 test by ‘Road & Track’ stating: “The outstanding achievement of the 190SL its quality in design and workmanship but a close second is the general feeling of solidity which it immediately conveys”.

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 25,881 examples were made before production came to an end in 1963, of which all but around 1,500 were left-hand drive.

This particular 190SL dates from 1961 and has been in the current ownership for the last eight years. The vendor acquired the car in 2008 from an RM auction in Ontario, Canada, at which point it was somewhat casually catalogued as being: “Imported from Germany in the early ‘70s. It is a great looker, great driver and in great shape” (Brightwells could teach them a thing or two in this regard!).

Fortunately all these statements proved to be accurate and the car does indeed present very well and looks to be in fine shape structurally, as a ramp inspection reveals (see underbody photos on our website). It certainly drove nicely when we were treated to a short test drive on the occasion of our visit, starting promptly, running sweetly and exhibiting good oil pressure.

Since the vendor acquired the car it has not been used on the road, being mainly kept in Carcoon storage along with a number of other classics which he is fortunate enough to own, with the odd quick outing on private land to keep everything turning freely. It will thus doubtless benefit from a thorough service before being put back into regular use.

Never UK registered, it does come with the RM purchase invoice and associated customs and shipping documents so getting a V5C should be little more than a formality with the requisite DVLA forms, the vendor stating that he is happy to assist with this matter if required. An original owner's handbook is also included.

Given the way that values of this model have rocketed in recent times with top examples now fetching well in excess of £100,000 at auction (a fully restored 1956 LHD example making over £198,000 at the RM sale in Arizona in January 2015), it looks stonking value at the guide price suggested and is only reluctantly being sold due to imminent loss of storage and consequent downsizing of the vendor’s collection.

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