1959 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL Roadster

1959 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class 190 SL Additional Info:

FOR SALE

1959 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL Roadster

Vehicle Details:

Production: 1955-1963 only 25,881 built

Class: Grand Tourer

Body Style: Roadster

Layout: FR Layout

Platform: Mercedes-Benz W121

Related: Mercedes-Benz W198 (300SL)

Mercedes-Benz W120/121

VIN No.: 121921110950059

Engine: 1,897 M121 SOHC 4 Cylinder

Transmission: 4-speed manual,fully synchronized

DESCRIPTION

1959 Mercedes-Benz 190SL Roadster

When Mercedes-Benz released the fabulous 300sl coupe in 1954, it was a success, although sales were limited to those who could afford a car that cost three-times what the new Corvette roadster cost. One of the greatest marketing minds in America’s post-war import automotive world was Max Hoffman. In the fall of 1953, at a special board meeting in Stuttgart, he recommended that Daimler-Benz should develop a lightweight, sporty car based on their new and popular 180 series could reflect the styling of the 300SL. Fritz Nallinger was given the task and within five months had produced a working prototype ready for exhibition at the 1954 New York Auto Show.

Designated the 190SL, it won rave reviews based on its looks and it was announced production would begin for the 1955 model year. Mounted on a detachable sub frame along 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 power 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.

The fact that the 190’s ride was more boulevard than sporting, and that many contemporary sports cars could outperform it while costing a good deal less, did nothing to deter sales. The model was a big hit in the US, where a good percentage of the slightly fewer than 26,000 produced between 1955 and 1963 found homes.

Several private teams took the 190SL’s racing with mixed results. In Hollywood, a number of famous celebrities loved these little sports cars such as Grace Kelly, Zsa Zsa Gabor, Yul Brenner, Alfred Hitchcock and even Beatle drummer Ringo Starr.

In just the past few years, the beauty of the design of the 190SL has been recognized by collectors from around the world and as a benefit the values of these wonderful roadsters risen dramatically, especially for as restored example such as the car on offer. The car maintained in excellent mechanical condition this car starts easily and the shifting is tight and sure with superb clutch action. Handling is solid and responsive, while delivering a ride that provides just enough feel of the road to maintain control.

As befitting of a car restored just a few years ago, this 190SL presents itself beautifully with straight and smooth body panels, the paint shows quite well. The black canvas top raises and lowers in a one-person operation with the ease and precision one expects in a finely engineered sports roadster, and the car is fitted with an original VDO clock and a proper Becker Europa multi-band radio. The 13-inch wheels are covered with a set of red and chrome wheel embellishers. Completing the look is a set of whitewall tyres.

On close inspection all the chrome remains in exquisite order, having been either re-chromed or replaced where necessary to ensure a show-quality finish. A beautiful two door luxury roadster presented in a stunning color combination of red over beige leather complete with the original, matching numbers engine, and copies of the factory build sheet; this incredible 190SL offers a great opportunity to purchase an outstanding example of a charming and iconic roadster.

The 190SL presented an attractive, smaller, lighter and more affordable alternative to the exclusive Mercedes-Benz 300SL (Gullwing), sharing its basic styling, engineering, detailing, fully independent suspension and powered by a new, slightly over square 105PS (77kw; 104hp). This beautiful example is ready to show, or drive & enjoy, but either way you will be hard pressed to find a finer example. For further enquires please contact Mr. Eddie Chen by email to eddiechen@hotmail.com or contact +60166906699.