1956 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL

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 300SL’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 190 SL 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.

The car presented here is a 1956 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL, classically presented in silver with a red leather interior. It's a left-hand drive car and was the subject of a full, bare-metal restoration carried out in 2020 by Red Castle Classics, followed by supplementary restorative work by the SL Shop, with documented invoices exceeding £180,000-plus (excluding the original £100,000 purchase price of the car). Now, with all elements attended to, including a new mohair hood and fresh tyres, it's in simply stunning condition. The attention to detail is incredible, everywhere you look everything is as it should be, all dials and levers, including the dashboard clock, all working as they should; to quote our vendor, 'it is concours-ready'.

This car represents the style of true Mercedes-Benz sports car motoring in the 1950s and 1960s, offering as much pleasure to drive today as it did when manufactured in 1965 and if maintained properly, will continue to do so for years to come.

We welcome any inspection of this highly impressive car; if a 190 SL has been on your ‘want list’, then this example merits proper consideration.