• Offered from The Carrera Collection
• Presented in Anthracite Grey Metallic over natural leather with black soft-top
• Benefits from a multi-year restoration completed by 190 SL specialists, Doctor Classic in Lubiszyn, Poland
• Accompanied by an exhaustive collection of restoration photos for work completed between 2012 and 2015

On reflection of Mercedes-Benz’s 1950s model range, this era represents the bedrock of the Three-Pointed Star’s legendary reputation for making some of the finest road-going sports cars. Bosses at the Stuttgart firm realised the importance of meeting the growing trend towards convertibles, chiefly motivated by great demand for roadsters in the USA. And so, in 1955, the 190 SL joined the line-up alongside both coupé and roadster iterations of the all-conquering 300 SL.

The entry-level 190 SL was powered by a 1.9-litre inline-four that was derived from the 3.0-litre straight-six found in the 300 SL. The similarities did not end there, with the 190 SL marketed by Mercedes-Benz as a more affordable alternative to the Gullwing—and later, the 300 SL Roadster. Many of the shared styling cues are obvious, while beneath the skin both models made use of a similar independent suspension system. To keep costs down, engineers did away with the tubular spaceframe of the W198 platform, instead adapting the older W121 chassis for volume production. The 190 SL was positioned as a capable tourer to rival the likes of Porsche’s 356. It could comfortably accommodate two occupants along with the luggage for a weekend getaway, despite the upper part of the car being designed around its folding roof mechanism.

This particularly well-presented 190 SL is a German-market example produced during the 1960 model year. Any early history remains presently unrecorded, though by October 2012 it had been acquired by model specialist and restorers Doctor Classic of Lubiszyn, Poland as a disused and neglected, though notably original, project accompanied by several boxes of spares.

Over the ensuing three years, restorers at Doctor Classic invested approximately 3,000 hours of labour towards a restoration aimed at a “better than new” standard reflecting the many advances in automotive construction and repair realised since this 190 SL’s release half a century earlier. The period-correct combination of Anthracite Grey Metallic paint and natural leather upholstery complements its black cloth convertible top. The interior is an equally resplendent affair featuring jewel-like brightwork, German square weave carpeting, a Becker Europa radio, heater box, and full complement of factory correct VDO instrumentation.

During the restoration, the mechanicals, underpinnings, and 1.9-litre engine were all entirely torn down, rebuilt, and replenished with OEM parts throughout by Doctor Classic. As evinced by the meticulous presentation of this 190 SL, no system or assembly on the car escaped masterful redress during its extravagant restoration.

The undeniable charm of this excellent 190 SL will surely entice any Mercedes-Benz or cabriolet enthusiast to look to this handsome car for a unique open-top motoring experience.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/cc23.