Vehicle Description
Despite suffering massive losses during World War II, Mercedes-Benz
wasted little time re-establishing itself as a dominant force in
the post-war automotive landscape. Mercedes Grand Prix and
sports-racing cars swept the racetracks of the world, and the
sensational 300SL raised the bar for production sports cars. At the
opposite end of the spectrum, their famously robust buses, trucks,
and taxi cabs were filling the streets of Europe - and strong sales
filled the coffers in Stuttgart. Despite their growing success,
Mercedes' presence in the US was still tenuous. In the 1950s,
Americans were still hesitant to buy German cars, but Max Hoffman,
the chief importer of Mercedes-Benz cars to the USA, knew precisely
how to get buyers into his showrooms. Mr. Hoffman suggested a
stylish, affordable sports car based on the W121 sedan, offered at
a significantly reduced price compared to the 300SL. The factory
had such faith in Hoffman that they readily obliged and created the
new 190SL, named for its 1.9-liter engine and sports designation.
The pretty roadster eschewed the 300SL's exotic tubular space frame
and fuel-injected engine for a shortened W121-sedan unibody
platform and a tuned version of the sedan's overhead cam
four-cylinder engine, fitted with twin Solex PHH carburetors. It
shared some 300SL styling cues and featured an independent front
suspension with a swing axle in the rear. With its generous boot,
optional removable hardtop, and easy-going nature, the 190SL was
more boulevard cruiser than a hard-edged sports car. Thanks to
Hoffman's input, Mercedes created a comfortable, fun, practical,
and sporty roadster with a surplus of style. After its unveiling at
the New York Auto Show in 1954, Robert Nitske ofSpeed Agedeclared
it "... a car suited for all purposes, the perfect synthesis of
touring and sporting characteristics." That sentiment remains true
for today's enthusiasts, who admire the 190SL for its versatility,
vault-like build quality, and unmistakable mid-century style. This
exceptional 1957 190SL Roadster is one of the finest examples we've
offered, coming to us from a world-class private collection.
According to the factory Data Card on file, this 190SL originally
left the factory around July of 1957 and was finished in strawberry
red metallic over light grey leather with a black soft-top. It was
purchased new in Germany by an American serviceman who brought it
home to Fort Riley, Kansas. It remained in Kansas for several years
and was eventually acquired by a Union Pacific Railroad executive
from nearby Junction City, KS, who maintained a vast collection of
classic cars stashed in warehouses around the West and South. The
190SL remained quietly tucked away in well-preserved, original
condition until the man's death in the late 1980s. Acting on a tip
from a friend, Mr. S. Schley of Corona, California, bought the
190SL from the estate and embarked on a comprehensive restoration,
entrusted to Eisenlohr Restorations. Mr. Schley chose an elegant,
period-correct shade of Mittleblau (DB 396) over a complementary
blue leather interior and dark blue top. After its restoration, he
showed the 190SL extensively in club events, winning a prestigious
AACA Grand National Award along the way. The car was serviced and
maintained through the years by the respected marque specialists
Hjeltness Restoration of Escondido, CA. The most recent owner
acquired the SL in 2016. Wishing to freshen the restoration and
elevate it even further, he turned it over to the experts at the
Mercedes-Benz Classic Center in Irvine, California. The Classic
Center specialists carefully evaluated the car for authenticity,
confirming that the engine, gearbox, rear axle, steering box, and
body numbers matched factory production records. They set to work
bringing the car up to the owner's meticulous standards, including
extensive detailing, refinishing of major components, and a
comprehensive mechanical service, totaling more than $125,000.
Naturally, they used authentically restored or genuine
Mercedes-Benz parts throughout the process. The results are
breathtaking, as this 190SL is undoubtedly one of the very best
available. The doors open and shut with the precision expected of a
50's Mercedes-Benz, and the car has a delightful, hewn-from-solid
feel. The paint and brightwork are superb, with beautifully
straight panels and factory-precise gaps and alignment. Dark blue
leather trim complements the paint color. Only period-correct
upholstery materials are used, from the correct smooth-finish
leather to the gray/blue square-weave carpet and genuine gray
rubber floor mats. Instruments and controls are fully restored with
beautiful chrome detailing, and fittings include a glovebox-mounted
VDO clock and a lovely Becker Europa HiFi radio. A beautiful set of
fitted luggage resides in the boot. The Classic Center restorers
paid particular attention to the engine compartment and
undercarriage. Not only is the engine bay exceptionally well
detailed, but the quality of the finish is beyond reproach. The
1.9-liter inline-four is meticulously detailed with correct paint
finishes, decals, and labels. The undercarriage also benefits from
the expertise of the Mercedes factory specialists. The floors are
properly finished in the correct shade of beige-gray, and every
suspension component has been carefully disassembled, refinished,
and re-assembled with accurately reproduced factory assembly marks.
Even the insides of the wheels are painted the proper shade of
olive green, just as they were when new. Since its meticulous
refurbishment, this 190SL has only been shown once at the La Jolla
Concours d'Elegance, where it took First in Class, beating out
another 190SL restored by the Classic Center. It remains in truly
exceptional condition, showing only minimal signs of use. It will
surely please the most devoted marque enthusiast and will
undoubtedly hold a place of pride in its next caretaker's stable.
Offers welcome and trades considered For additional details please
view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7235-1957-mercedes-benz-190sl-roadster/
