Chassis number: (121040)-10-016045
Colour number: DB40 G 158 G
Body number (front apron): 121040-10-00178
Body number (front right fender): 121040-10-00178
Engine number: (121.921)-10-016183
Gearbox number: 01.629.6
French registration

Presented in 1954 in New York, the 190 SL was designed for the American market at the instigation of the Daimler-Benz importer in the USA, Mr Hoffman, the "little" 300 SL which caused a sensation across the Atlantic after a victory in the Carrera Panamericana.
It was the work of in-house designers Karl Wilfert and Walter Hackert.
Powered by an 1897cc four-cylinder engine with 105 horsepower and twin Solex carburettors and an overhead camshaft, the 190 SL could reach a top speed of 175 km/h. Together with the 300 SL, the two cars were the first in the SL range, which stands for "Sport Leicht", and although the 190 was fitted with aluminium doors, it still weighed more than 1100 kg, a very Germanic concept of lightness compared to the British roadsters that proliferated in the mid 1950s. Thanks to a chassis based on independent front suspension and rear swing axles with coil springs and 4 hydraulically operated drum brakes, the 190 offers a very secure comfort to its occupants and is very pleasant to cruise in a German quality cabin in leather, chrome and bakelite. Just over 25,000 were produced until 1963 when it was replaced by the W113 Pagoda model with a design that was a departure from the 190.
The bodywork was made of steel, but the four doors (doors, rear boot and engine bonnet) were made of aluminium. The 190 SL ended its career with a total production of 25881 units.

The car shown is a Mercedes-Benz 190 SL that left the factory in 1960, delivered new to the USA. It was imported into Europe in 1992.
The condition of the car is satisfactory, it looks very good in an unusual English green, and runs normally: the engine runs well when hot, the gearbox has no problems, neither does the steering and brakes. A lot of work has been done on the car, accompanied by numerous invoices and documents.
The bodywork has undergone significant work between 2013 and 2016, which seems to have been done correctly: a global tour of the bodywork with a magnet does not suggest any hidden corrosion or hazardous repairs.
The upholstery has also been professionally redone, the comfortable seats will make long journeys enjoyable for the future owner.
The engine has been fitted with twin Weber 40DCOE106 twin barrel carburettors, which gives it extra power and a nice sound. The vehicle is also equipped with an electronic ignition system which makes cold starts easier.