1961 Mercedes-Benz 190SL

The Mercedes-Benz 300SL was the first iteration of the 'SL' Class of 'grand tourers' and the fastest production car of its day. Introduced in 1954 as a two-seat coupé with distinctive gull-wing doors, it was later offered as an open roadster. Hugely successful in Europe and across the pond, coupé and roadster production topped out at 3,258 cars. For those not wealthy enough to afford the 300SL, or simply not able to find one, Mercedes-Benz offered the less exotic but no less refined 190SL. Announced in 1954 and based on the 180 Saloon, whose all-independently-suspended running gear it used, the 190SL did not enter production until January 1955, the delay being caused by the time taken to strengthen and develop the saloon's shortened platform to compensate for the open car's reduced stiffness. "

Mounted on a detachable subframe along with the four-speed manual gearbox, front suspension, and steering, the power unit was an1,897cc overhead-camshaft four, the first such engine ever to feature in a Mercedes-Benz. Breathing through twin Solex downdraft carburetors, this M121 power unit produced 105bhp at 5,700rpm, enabling the 190SL to arrive at 60 mph in 14.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 107. The fact that the 190's ride was more boulevard than sporting, and that many contemporary sports cars, and even a few saloons, could outperform it while costing a good deal less, did nothing to deter sales. The model was a big hit in America, where a good percentage of the slightly fewer than 26,000 produced between 1955 and 1963 found homes.

This 190SL has a long history that was fully documented from the previous owner's acquisition of the car in 1969 up until it became the property of our vendor, some 12 months ago. Unfortunately, an unforeseen house move has resulted in our vendor misplacing the files containing the majority of this car's history. Naturally, we are all hoping they can be found by the time of the sale but cannot guarantee this. References later in this description to the car's history are accurate but can't be established as fact until we find the missing files. According to the records, this 190SL was delivered new in its current configuration of DB190 'Graphitgrau' (grey) with red leather, matching red carpets and a black soft top.The proud first owner was John J. Termini of Southampton, New York in 1961, and he kept the car until the summer of 1969 when he sold it to its second custodian, Dr. Costanzo, on June 24th. For the next three decades, the small Mercedes roadster would be a stylish daily driver used as a car should be, commuting to work, country clubs, and events in Dr. Costanzo's home town on Long Island. One can imagine it cruising elegantly down 45th Avenue attracting admiring glances and effortlessly holding its own against the bloated excesses of American chrome and fin.

At some point early in its life, the original Solex carburetors were replaced with more performance-oriented Webers which are still fitted, however, the correct Solex carbs will accompany the car at the time of sale. Photos from when the car was originally purchased and throughout its history, document its progression through the years.(in the missing file).

In 2003, the decision was taken to comprehensively refurbish the Mercedes and the car was fully stripped. The body was taken back to bare metal, repairs were made in the areas that required it and the shell was then carefully prepared and professionally painted in its original colour. The car was completely gone through mechanically and again any single item that was worn, broken or simply sub-standard was either refurbished or replaced. The car was then retrimmed and reassembled as time permitted. After over thirty years of ownership, there was little hurry to complete the work which was not finished until last year. Photos and receipts documenting the tens of thousands of dollars invested in this project are with the car.(in the missing file).

The history file(when we find it) also contains dozens of New York registration documents tracing its history, old photos, and receipts in addition to its original owner's manual, tool roll, service booklets, and more. Extra parts accompanying the car include its original hardtop in matching colour, two old spare Weber carburetors, the early Solex carbs as mentioned, a new silencer, extra Mercedes badges, and a quantity of parts from the restoration. We understand that the documentation with the car substantiates that the 93,000 miles currently showing on the odometer is the mileage since new. Currently, we do have copies of maintenance bills from 2003, the original manuals and service books, the original Bill of Sale from June 1969 and the car's current UK V5c. It has just been granted a fresh MOT with no advisories which pays testament to the quality of the recent restoration.

This lovely, charismatic, fifties Mercedes Roadster has spent a lifetime staring up at the New York skyline and is really looking forward to an afternoon or two burbling down an English country lane.