2015 | Scottsdale Auctions 2015
1957 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL
SOLD $126,500
Estimate
$220,000 - $250,000| Without Reserve
Chassis
121.042.6502590
Car Highlights
Ground-Up Restoration with Few Miles Covered Since
Beautiful Strawberry Metallic Finish with Black Leather Interior
Rare Third-Passenger Transverse Seat
Ofered with a Factory Hardtop
Technical Specs
Twin Solex Carburetors
105 BHP at 5,700 RPM
4-Speed Manual Gearbox
4-Wheel Servo-Assisted Hydraulic Drum Brakes
Independent Front Wishbone Suspension with Coil Springs
Rear Swing-Axle Suspension with Trailing Arms and Coil Springs
After the competition success of the 300 SL Gullwing in 1952, New York importer Max Hoffman told Mercedes-Benz he could sell 200 smaller luxury convertibles each month, if the company built them.
The 190 SL Roadster was launched at the 1955 Geneva Auto Show and sold alongside the 300 SL until 1963. In all, 25,881 190 SLs were built, 70% of which were exported to the US. At $3,998, the 190 SL cost approximately half the price of the Gullwing. It was weatherproof and quiet, with a top speed of 110 mph, and extremely popular.
The 190 SL is increasingly collectible, and few examples can match the car offered today. Featuring an older yet still concours-quality restoration, this Mercedes-Benz still presents particularly well and has AACA First, Senior, and Grand National Awards to its credit. Finished in the seldom-seen color of Strawberry Metallic over a black leather interior, the 190 SL is finished with a matching top boot and black cloth convertible top.
This Mercedes-Benz is also fitted with the rare third-passenger transverse rear seat, a factory hardtop, and a Becker FM/Short Wave radio. This lovely 190 SL awaits an appreciative new owner who will surely delight in this elegant favorite.
