"For those insufficiently wealthy to afford its hyper expensive, race bred sportscar, the 300 SL, Mercedes-Benz offered the less exotic but no less refined 190 SL. Announced in 1954 and based on the 180 saloon, whose all-independent suspension it used, the 190 SL did not enter production until January 1955, the delay being caused by alterations aimed at strengthening the saloon’s shortened platform to compensate for the open body’s reduced stiffness. Mounted on a detachable sub-frame along with the four-speed manual gearbox, front suspension and steering, the four-cylinder engine was a 1,897cc with an overhead camshaft, the first such engine to feature in a Mercedes-Benz. Breathing through twin Solex, downdraft carburettors, the M121 unit produced 105bhp at 5,700rpm, an output to propel the 190 SL to 100km/h in 14.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 171km/h. With its four-speed, all-synchromesh gearbox, servo-assisted hydraulic drum brakes and fully independent suspension, the 190 SL was more refined and more comfortable than any contemporary British sports car.
This exceptional, left hand drive, 1959 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL was supplied new in Sweden and was the subject to a ground up restoration in the early 2000’s. This included stripping it back to bare metal, carrying out repairs to the body including using the traditional methods of using lead to fill in the seams. Repainted in light blue with tan soft top roof and tan leather interior, this very good example was purchased and imported from Sweden to the UK in 2020 and placed into storage. Recently recommissioned and detailed, this lovely 190 SL is supplied with a NOVA certificate, Swedish registration documents, the original service book, two copies of the Swedish handbook, some photographs of the body restoration and a large file containing the vehicle documents and invoices relating to the restoration. With its superb colour combination, this beautiful 190 SL is a suitable acquisition for the discerning collector.
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