1961 MERCEDES-BENZ 190

The 190SL was introduced in 1955, the year Mercedes-Benz swept all before it on the Mille Miglia with the 300SLR, and the graceful new two-door convertible grand tourer was sold alongside the road-going version of the SLR, the 300SL, whose styling it strongly resembled. In fact, the underpinnings of the two cars were quite different and while the 300SL had a purpose-built tubular spaceframe (W198), its smaller sibling was built on a shortened version of the 'Ponton' saloon (W121) platform, which was of monocoque construction. The 190SL also boasted an all-new engine, an over-square SOHC straight-four unit of 1,897cc that produced some 105bhp, which was sufficient to propel the car to a maximum speed of 112mph. The engine was coupled to a four-speed manual gearbox operated by a lever between the seats. The suspension comprised double wishbones and coil springs at the front and a coil-sprung swing axle at the rear. Steering was by recirculating ball and braking by power-assisted drums all round. Built to the highest standards and among the quickest comparable cars of the time, the 190SL featured a well-appointed cockpit, notable comfort for its occupants and relatively generous luggage space. Under the circumstances, even the steep asking price did nothing to deter purchasers and by 1963, when production ceased, over 25,000 had found homes.

Superbly restored and beautifully presented in gleaming white over a delightful navy blue leather interior, this 1961, right-hand drive 190SL appears to have hardly been used since its restoration. The work included a full engine rebuild to Mercedes specifications, a new cooling system and radiator, new fuel system with refurbished original Solex carburettors and fuel pump, new clutch, reconditioned gearbox, and a recondition swing-axle assembly.