1957 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL

Built alongside and sharing many of the iconic styling features of the legendary 300SL Roadster, the Mercedes 190SL combined superlative build quality with understated styling and a not insignificant, 104 BHP from the 1.9 litre four-stroke engine. An instant hit, the three-pronged star sparkled amidst the gloom of post-war austerity. The 1955 launch of the 190SL, cemented Mercedes-Benz"s reputation as the car manufacturer for those who wanted elegance, build quality and a decent turn of speed. Its hugely successful production ran to 25,881 cars from 1955 until 1963, mainly in left-hand drive form, with most going to the North American market.

This striking, left-hand drive, 190SL is finished in a fabulous shade of Ruby Red Metallic. It's a manual gearbox car fueled through Weber carburettors, and was brought into the UK by our vendor in 1997 from British Columbia, forming part of his significant collection ever since. The exterior looks to be in fundamentally good condition with excellent chrome and bright work, the cream hood fits well and looks recent, and under the bonnet everything is tidy and functional. The interior looks superb with cream leather, fresh tan weave carpets, crisp instruments, and the original white 'Bakelite' steering wheel and gear knob, and the car has obviously been subject to a lot of detailing in preparation for this sale. Offered with its owners manual and on a NOVA, this is an honest, practical and useable fifties roadster.

These are classically beautiful cars, and in this delightful colour combination would engender serious pride of ownership.