1958' Mercedes-Benz 190 SL

A beautifully restored 100% original car.

Compatibility of all numbers, SOLEX carburettors radio Becker watch, suitcase set, two roofs.

Class 1 car with a Mercedes Benz Classic valuation at € 210,000.

Please do not hesitate to contact me

I will buy any Mercedes Benz convertible or coupe model for restoration, manufactured between 1950-1970

History; Mercedes Benz Typ 190 SL (W 121), 1955 - 1963

In a manner reminiscent of the design of the 300 SL, which was assembled from existing structural components, another sports car was developed on the basis of the 180. Unlike the famous swing door coupé, the roadster 190 SL is not designed to be a true sports car, but an elegant and sporty GT two-seater. The body, designed by Karl Wilfert and Walter Häcker, is stylistically derived from the body of the older brother. The shortened design of the 180 model served as the undercarriage; a sophisticated space frame like that of the 300 SL was not required due to the less extreme driving characteristics. The mono-articulated transverse axle of the 220 a ensured a high level of driving safety, which was met with great recognition by the press and automotive audience. The front axle suspension, including the subframe concept, was taken over from the 180/180 D types. The 190 SL was powered by a new 1.9-liter overhead camshaft four-cylinder unit that gave rise to an entire engine family and was also used in the in a relaxed form on the 190 D-220 pontoon limousine. As with the 180 D - 220 A limousines, the engine rested on the subframe at the front only; however, from January 1956 on, a modified subframe was used which included two additional engine mounts and, in a slightly modified form, was also integrated into the new Types 190 and 220 S.

The 190 SL was unveiled to the public along with the 300 SL at the "International Motorsports Show" in February 1954 in New York. While the 300 SL was almost ready for series production, the 190 SL was still a prototype that had neither been technically tested nor stylistically refined to the appropriate level. Both aspects were carefully reworked so that series production started in January 1955 (preserie) and May 1955 (main series) respectively. The final version was presented for the first time at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1955 with clear changes to the exterior: The most important change was that the model was now available without a stylized air intake on the hood. There are lancets above the rear wheel arches, as well as modified bumpers and indicators and headlights.

The 190 SL was available in three different versions: as a roadster with a bonnet but without a hardtop, as a coupé with a removable hardtop, optionally with or without a bonnet.

Of the numerous improvements in detail that were not applied to the 190 SL at the time of its production, some can be clearly distinguished from the outside: in March 1956 wide chrome strips were attached to the top door rim, and in June of the same year the 190 SL was fitted with larger rear the lights of the 220 a, 219 and 220 S models. In July 1957 the rear number plate lighting was moved to the bumper covers, making it easy to install new, wider license plates. Thus, the rear bumper covers, which were previously only standard on American models, now became part of the basic equipment, but were only available on the front bumpers at an additional cost. From October 1959, the coupes were equipped with a new hardtop with an enlarged rear window, which guaranteed much better visibility. Finally, the boot lid lock was changed in 1960; at the same time, the bar handle was replaced with a recessed handle, which was also included in the 180 Db - 190 b models.

The production numbers show how truly successful the 190 SL was in its time: between May 1955 and February 1963, as many as 25,881 cars were produced in Sindelfingen, most of which were destined for the American market.