To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sothebys' The
Elkhart Collection event, 23 - 24 October 2020.
- Early first-year-production example
- Attractive restoration, ideal for touring and rallies
- Original chassis, engine, and body tags and stampings
- Offered with top boot, white steering wheel, spare, and
jack
- 69,837 miles recorded at time of cataloguing
While the performance-driven and expensive 300 SL came out of
Mercedes-Benz's racing department, the 190 SL (internally coded
W121) was an open-air boulevard cruiser that had been developed by
the passenger car team. It was based on the popular "pontoon"-style
sedans, coupes, and cabriolets that were introduced in 1953. The
190 SL made an immediate impression and presented sleeker body
lines that were purposely reminiscent of its senior sibling. It was
available as a convertible with a folding soft top or a removable
hardtop, or both.
Mercedes-Benz successfully marketed the 190 SL as a grand touring
sports car from 1955 to 1963 alongside the 300 SL, and it was the
only open SL choice until the Gullwing was replaced by the 300 SL
roadster in 1957. It was solidly built in the Mercedes-Benz
tradition, with a flawless finish and exquisite detail, and it
found favor among the international elite. Such celebrities as the
Aga Khan, Grace Kelly, and Zsa Zsa Gabor owned 190 SLs. In 1955
Road & Track wrote, "The outstanding achievement of the 190 SL
is...its quality in design and workmanship. But a close second is
the general feeling of solidity, which it immediately conveys...We
say it's well worth the money."
The car offered was the subject of an excellent cosmetic
restoration in Fire Brigade Red (code 534) over a solid rust-free
body and has since been fitted with a new tan leather interior. It
retains satisfying originality under the hood, with the original
engine block stamping and identification plates intact, along with
the serial-number plate and stamping and the original body tag and
firewall stamp. Even the original Solex carburetors remain. The
steering wheel in the car has been leather-wrapped, but a new white
steering wheel does accompany loose, along with the full-size
spare, jack, and color-coordinated top boot. At the time of
cataloguing, the car had recorded 69,837 miles.
This is a charming 190 SL, perfect for sunny climes.To view this
car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit
the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/el20.