1956 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL Roadster (RHD)

During the 1950s, when Mercedes-Benz were the dominant force in top-level motorsport, the undisputed flagship of the firm’s production car range was the stunning 300SL sports car. Highly desirable as it was, it was also financially out of the reach of most enthusiasts. Keen to capitalise on the 300 SL’s numerous competition successes and find a foothold in the increasingly lucrative sports car market, Mercedes-Benz introduced its smaller stablemate, the equally beautifully engineered 190 SL. The 190 SL was powered by a new, slightly over-square, 1.9-litre straight-four SOHC engine that developed 120bhp with twin-choke dual Solex carburettors and when mated with a 4-speed manual gearbox, endowed the sleek aerodynamic and comparatively light roadster with a top speed of 115mph and a respectable 0-60 time of 13 seconds. The fact that the 190's ride was more 'boulevard' than sporting and that many contemporary sports cars could out-perform it while costing a good deal less did nothing to deter sales. The 190 SL cemented Mercedes-Benz's reputation as the car manufacturer for those who wanted elegance, build quality and a good turn of speed and unsurprisingly, most of the 26,000 units were sold to the North American market, with some 562 arriving in the UK in right-hand drive.

Offered from long term ownership with a full restoration completed some nine years ago, this original UK, right-hand drive Mercedes 190 SL has had the benefit of being fully rebuilt from a bare shell with the bodywork superbly refinished in Opalescent Blue by PF Autos of Stoke on Trent. Redcastle Classics Ltd, Mercedes Specialists, based in Caerphilly, were entrusted with a complete engine overhaul including new pistons, liners and balanced crankshaft all breathing through twin Weber 40 DCIOE carburettors. Additional upgrades included a fully recommissioned steering box, an alternator upgrade and a fully refurbished drivetrain illustrating that this clearly was a no expense spared exercise. Internally, the same attention to detail continued with a full Burgundy leather interior and replacement carpets as required, all beautifully highlighted by the distinctive padded dashboard with an abundance of period chrome details such as the horn ring and courtesy light and the Bakelite steering wheel and gear knob.

The car is accompanied by a comprehensive history file containing numerous bills and invoices and a photographic record of the extensive refurbishment. This is a lovely example of these late-1950s Continental Roadsters and would be welcome in any Collection or, as was obviously the intention, very much at home out on the open road with numerous trophy-winning outings covering the UK and even longer road trips to Classic Le Mans already under its belt. Your early inspection is welcomed and encouraged to fully appreciate the charismatic styling that truly epitomised the bright sense of optimism and 'anything is possible' feeling that pervaded Western Europe ten years after the end of hostilities.