1958 MERCEDES-BENZ SL

1958 Factory Roadster

22,482 Miles Indicated

Blue Coachwork

Cream Leather Interior

1,897cc M121 Engine

Four Speed Manual

Extensive Mechanical Recommissioning

Speedsters are delighted to present this beautiful 1958 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL Roadster, finished in an exceptionally attractive shade of blue with contrasting cream leather upholstery.

Manufactured in Germany in 1958, this elegant example represents one of the most celebrated periods in Mercedes-Benz history, when engineering excellence, timeless design and exceptional craftsmanship combined to create some of the world’s most desirable motor cars.

The 190 SL was developed alongside the legendary 300 SL Gullwing, sharing many of its distinctive styling characteristics while offering a more refined, comfortable and accessible grand touring experience.

Today, the 190 SL is universally recognised as one of the finest examples of 1950s European automotive design.

Factory Identification and Original Specification

The vehicle carries chassis number1210428501728, identifying it as a genuine 1958 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL Roadster.

The factory chassis designation provides important information regarding the vehicle’s original production specification.

The first three digits, 121, identify the Mercedes-Benz W121 model family, while the following 042 designation confirms the original Roadster body configuration, rather than the alternative factory Coupé derivative, which carried the 040 designation.

The 85 production prefix establishes the 1958 manufacturing year, with 01728 identifying the vehicle within that year’s chassis numbering sequence.

The 190 SL Roadster was manufactured at the Mercedes-Benz Sindelfingen factory in West Germany, where the company’s renowned attention to detail and engineering standards were applied throughout production.

This particular example is presented in left-hand-drive configuration, with the characteristic two-seat open Roadster bodywork.

Original Mercedes-Benz Engineering

The 1958 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL was equipped from the factory with the M121 B II engine, designated 121.921.

This sophisticated 1,897cc four-cylinder petrol engine featured a cast iron cylinder block, aluminium cylinder head and single overhead camshaft, with fuel supplied through twin Solex 44 PHH carburettors.

Developing approximately 105 bhp at 5,700 rpm, the engine provided smooth and flexible performance, ideally suited to the grand touring character of the 190 SL.

Power was transmitted to the rear wheels through a fully synchronised four-speed manual gearbox.

The engineering specification included independent front suspension with coil springs, a low pivot swing axle rear suspension arrangement and hydraulically operated drum brakes on all four wheels.

With a wheelbase of 2,400mm, a 65-litre fuel tank and a factory quoted maximum speed of approximately 106 mph, the 190 SL was a thoroughly capable long distance touring car by the standards of its era.

These mechanical characteristics, combined with exceptional build quality, helped establish the 190 SL as one of the most refined open sports cars of the 1950s.

Beautiful Colour Combination and Period Interior

The car is presented in a particularly attractive shade of blue, beautifully complemented by a cream leather interior and matching blue painted dashboard.

The elegant cockpit retains the distinctive character of the 1950s Mercedes-Benz design, including the wonderful ivory steering wheel, chrome instrumentation surrounds, traditional analogue gauges and beautifully detailed dashboard controls.

The cream upholstery provides a superb contrast against the blue coachwork, while the period styling creates an interior that is both welcoming and unmistakably Mercedes-Benz.

Externally, the car displays the flowing wings, distinctive front grille, elegant chrome bumpers, characteristic rear lamps and beautifully proportioned bodywork that have become synonymous with the 190 SL.

The overall presentation captures the sophisticated elegance of the original design.

History and Mechanical Recommissioning

Following a period of its life in Texas, USA, the vehicle was imported into the United Kingdom and first registered with the DVLA on 1 July 2016.

Its recorded history includes an extensive programme of mechanical recommissioning undertaken by respected classic car specialists Silchester Garage Ltd.

The work recorded at that time included:

Historic records refer to invoices totalling almost £11,000 for the recommissioning programme.

The current odometer reading is22,482 miles, although the total lifetime mileage has not been independently verified.

Production and Exclusivity

The Mercedes-Benz 190 SL was introduced in production form at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1955, with series production commencing shortly afterwards.

The model remained in production until February 1963, when it was succeeded by the Mercedes-Benz W113 Pagoda SL.

During its entire production life, just 25,881 examples were manufactured.

Of these,only 2,722 examples were produced during 1958, making this an example from a relatively limited annual production run.

Its elegant styling was heavily influenced by the considerably more expensive 300 SL, although the 190 SL employed a more conventional unitary body construction derived from Mercedes-Benz’s contemporary passenger car engineering.

The result was a motor car offering the visual appeal of the legendary SL family with greater comfort and refinement, particularly suited to long distance touring.

Vehicle Specification

Manufacturer:Mercedes-BenzModel:190 SL RoadsterFactory model designation:W121 B II

Factory body code:121.042Year of manufacture:1958Chassis number:1210428501728

Production sequence:8501728

Engine type when manufactured:M121 B II / 121.921Engine capacity:1,897cc

Engine configuration:Four-cylinder, single overhead camshaft

Factory power output:105 bhp at 5,700 rpm

Original fuel system:Twin Solex 44 PHH carburettors Transmission:Four-speed manual, fully synchronised

Drive: Rear wheel drive Front suspension:Independent with coil springsRear suspension:Low pivot swing axle with coil springs

Brakes:Four-wheel hydraulic drums

Wheelbase:2,400mm

Factory quoted top speed:Approximately 106 mph

Body style:Two-seat Roadster

Steering:Left-hand drive

Exterior colour:Blue

Interior:Cream leather

Odometer reading:22,482 miles indicated

Registration:265 UYS

First UK registration:1 July 2016

Country of manufacture:West Germany

Factory production:Sindelfingen

An Iconic Mercedes-Benz Roadster

Few motor cars capture the glamour and sophistication of 1950s continental motoring quite like the Mercedes-Benz 190 SL.

Its beautifully balanced proportions, exceptional engineering and unmistakable styling have ensured that it remains one of the most admired classic Mercedes-Benz models ever produced.

Whether destined for an established collection, prestigious classic motoring events or leisurely summer touring, this beautiful 1958 Roadster offers a wonderful opportunity to experience one of the most recognisable sports cars of its generation.

Presented in a truly elegant colour combination, with an attractive period interior, recorded mechanical recommissioning and an interesting international history, this is a particularly appealing example of the legendary 190 SL.

Viewing strictly by appointment.

Further photographs, videos and additional information are available upon request.