To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys' Amelia Island event, 8 - 9
March 2019.
Estimate:
$200,000 - $250,000
- Factory-correct Medium Blue over Aero Gray
- Comprehensive, concours-quality restoration
- Includes extensive restoration documentation
- Fully serviced in the spring of 2018
- Includes a tool kit, owner's manual, and fitted luggage
The 190 SL, Daimler-Benz's first volume sports car, known
internally as the W121, used a shortened version of the W120
platform and topped it with the unique roadster body. It shared the
180's 120-bhp, 1.9-liter, four-cylinder engine and all-independent
coil-spring suspension, including the swing axles, which provided
considerable flexibility during aggressive cornering. The 190 SL
was produced from 1955 to 1963, and Mercedes-Benz built a total of
25,881 units over the production run. The car was marketed as more
of a comfortable cruiser than the powerful 300 SL sports car, and
its performance was quite capable for the era, with a top speed of
110 mph and 0-60 mph times of 13.3 seconds, all the while affording
upwards of 26 miles to each gallon.
Styling was intentionally similar to its bigger 300 SL sibling,
with the most notable features being the rounded overall lines, low
nose, and wide grille with the Mercedes-Benz three-pointed star,
causing no one to mistake this for any other vehicle. Luggage space
was provided by a comparatively large trunk and a roomy interior,
which befits the sports tourer yet preserves its practical status
in the Mercedes-Benz hierarchy. At $3,840 when new, it was half the
price of its muscular brother, which had introduced a roadster
model of its own in 1957.
This lovely first-series Mercedes-Benz 190 SL is the beneficiary of
a comprehensive and documented concours restoration that was
completed in Europe. A binder of photos (before and after
restoration), receipts, and related information are available for
inspection, along with a copy of the original data card from the
Mercedes-Benz Classic Center, which verifies the car's original
equipment, numbers, and colors. The engine was also fully restored
and rebuilt using original German parts. In addition, a complete
set of tools, owner's manual, and beautiful fitted leather luggage
are included.
This example, painted a factory-correct Medium Blue (DB350) with a
black cabriolet roof and an Aero Gray (1140) interior, makes for
what is arguably one of the most handsome combinations offered on
the jaunty 190 SL. Outside, the car is equipped with wide whitewall
tires that perfectly accent the period-correct color combination.
Inside, the driver is greeted by crisp, clear gauges and
Mercedes-Benz's characteristic ivory steering wheel and shifter,
which is mated to the four-speed manual transmission. It is
equipped with the appropriate Blaupunkt factory radio, and the
leather interior has been beautifully and expertly crafted by Sig
Vigilia.
This 1956 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL Roadster was fully serviced in the
spring of 2018 and is ready to be enjoyed on the road. It has never
been shown, providing its new owner with a superb opportunity to
participate in Mercedes-Benz club events, concours, and rallies.To
view this car and others currently consigned to this auction,
please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/am19.
