1962 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL 'Rennsport' Roadster
Chassis no. 121040-10-023145
Engine no. 11595412043337

'The outstanding achievement of the 190 SL is without doubt its quality in design and workmanship. But a close second is the general feeling of solidity it conveys.' – Road & Track.

In 1954 Mercedes-Benz had introduced the 300SL sports car, a 'Gullwing' coupé inspired by the German manufacturer's highly successful 300 Super Leicht series of sports-racers that had spearheaded its return to international competition. Expensive and exclusive, the 300SL caused a sensation and set new standards for high performance sports cars. Introduced at the same time was a cheaper, less exotic but no less refined sports roadster: the 190SL. 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 alterations aimed at strengthening the saloon's shortened platform to compensate for the open body's reduced stiffness.

Mounted on a detachable sub-frame together with the four-speed manual gearbox, front suspension and steering, the power unit was a 1,897cc overhead-camshaft four - the first such engine ever to feature in a Mercedes-Benz. Breathing through twin Solex downdraft carburettors, this M121 unit produced 105bhp at 5,700rpm, an output sufficient to propel the 190SL to 100km/h in 14.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 171km/h. It was also relatively economical. The 190SL was more comfortable than the typical British sports car but the fact that its ride was more boulevard than sporting did nothing to deter sales. The model was a big hit in the USA, where many of the slightly fewer than 26,000 produced between 1955 and 1963 found homes.

For Mercedes-Benz's wealthier customers wanting to race, the 300 SL sports car was the weapon of choice. For those with shallower pockets, the factory offered the Rennsport and Clubsport packages of performance improvements for the 190 SL, which were available for only two years with only some 30 of the former being built.

This matching numbers 1962 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL has been upgraded to Rennsport specification, though it is not known when or by whom. With its last owner for eight years, the car has been fully restored in Germany with factory support and is described by the vendor as in 'perfect' condition. Said to be both fast and reliable, it features lightweight aluminium doors, bonnet, boot lid, etc together with twin aero screens and a factory competition hardtop.