1956 Mercedes-Benz 190SL Roadster

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Description

(SOLD) This truly original, and very well-kept 190SL Roadster came from a long-term collector who owned it for many years. It is in wonderful condition, benefiting from an excellent history of maintenance and care. Beautifully presented in Ivory with a luxurious Beige interior and sitting atop a set of period-correct white-wall radial tires, the Roadster stands as a sleek and elegantly restored example from a time gone by that is ready to driven and enjoyed today. Benefiting from recent restoration services by Mercedes-Benz professionals, the 190SL has received a comprehensive detail and servicing, including the installation of new brake components, a hydraulic system bleed, professional restoration of the cooling and fuel systems, electrical system diagnostics, re-chroming of the brite work (as was needed), along with a full detailing of the roadster's undercarriage. The car comes equipped with a number of desirable features that are sure to please collectors, including full factory instrumentation, an original Becker radio, and authentic German carpets and top. With its timeless, classic design, backed by an exceptional reputation, this vintage Mercedes-Benz is an excellent choice for the collector or enthusiast looking for an elegant driver with tremendous originality and appeal.

History

Conceived by Max Hoffman, the renowned U.S. Mercedes-Benz importer, and aimed squarely at the crucial American export market, the 190SL debuted at the 1954 New York Auto Show alongside the 300SL “Gullwing” Coupe. A more affordable, yet similarly styled open companion model for its complex and costly stable-mate, the 190SL featured advanced monocoque construction and conventional front-opening doors and normal-width sills, providing occupants with ease of entry and exit. The “SL” or “Sport Leicht” designation translates into “Sports Light” and denotes the model’s lightweight aluminum hood, doors, and rear deck lid. Fritz Nallinger led mechanical development of the 190SL. Utilizing relatively humble but proven sedan-based mechanical components; the 190SL was in fact a highly competent road car, yet less demanding than the 300SL. Walter Hacker and his design team executed the handsome open bodywork for the 190SL under Mercedes-Benz designer Chief Karl Wilfert. Design cues shared with the 300SL included stylish “eyebrows” atop the front and rear fenders and massive upright front and rear bumper guards, plus the trapezoidal grille of the 300SL. The 190SL was an unqualified hit from introduction. Confirming Max Hoffman’s keen sense of American car buyers and their specific tastes, the 190SL went on to outsell the 300SL by an eye-opening factor of eight to one. In all, nearly 26,000 examples of the 190SL were produced during the model’s run spanning 1955 to 1963. In testimony to the car’s excellent original design, only a few detail changes were made during the 190SL production cycle. Satisfying to drive and quite refined even by today’s jaded standards, the 190SL is also highly usable in modern traffic conditions, while providing excellent fuel economy. Survival rates are quite good, thanks to their maker’s renowned quality standards, rendering the 190SL an outstanding classic car purchase today.