1961 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL

Built alongside and sharing many of the iconic styling features of the legendary 300 SL Roadster, the Mercedes-Benz 190 SL combined superb build quality with understated styling and a, not insignificant, 104bhp from the 1.9-litre four-cylinder engine. An instant hit, the three-pronged star sparkled amidst the gloom of post-war austerity. The 1955 launch of the 190 SL cemented Mercedes-Benz' 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.

The comparison with the legendary Mercedes-Benz 300 SL is obvious and often made when writing about the 190 SL, but it is extraordinarily rare for one to compare the two cars at the same time alongside the owner of both, not least within these British Isles. As consignors we have the privilege to meet enthusiasts of every kind, whether buying their sole dream car or adding a specific car to their Collection.

Our vendor’s obsession with the 'Sport-Leicht' designation is well known and highly regarded owning, as he does, a 300SL 'Gullwing' and a 280 SL 'Pagoda', both of which we had the pleasure of selling to him. The factory issued copy data card confirms that this 190 SL was manufactured on 20th October 1961 and was destined for the United States. The paint and interior codes confirm the car was supplied in the rare colour of Havana Brown (408) with a dark brown leather (210) interior. it was imported into the United Kingdom and registered with the DVLA on 18th July 2003. The car joined our vendor’s Collection as a 'rolling restoration' project six years later to the day and was last MOT'd on 21st May 2009 at 97,023 miles, the current odometer reading today.

Important Collections are under-pinned by halo cars, bought for show rather than enthusiasm, whether an early Ferrari, a Le Mans Aston or a 300 SL, deep pockets don’t necessarily equate to passion. However the ambition of restoring this little 190 SL has been overtaken with more frequent international business trips and the pleasure derived from driving the 'on the button' SLs in the Collection when free time permits.

Presented to auction as a restoration project that appears to be original in the metal, with a history file that includes the V5C, aforementioned factory build records and the opportunity to make this car pretty little car shine once more.