This 1959 Mercedes-Benz 190SL Roadster is an absolutely stunning
German-imported convertible with great options and upgrades! Few
automobiles in the entire canon of classic car collecting evoke the
sense of refined sophistication and timeless beauty that surrounds
the Mercedes-Benz 190SL Roadster. Graceful yet purposeful,
luxurious yet engaging, the 190SL represents one of the most
perfectly realized expressions of postwar European automobile
design - a car that embodied the very best of German craftsmanship
in its day and remains among the most coveted and admired classics
in the world more than six decades later. By the early 1950s,
Mercedes-Benz was rebuilding its reputation as one of the world's
premier automobile manufacturers following the devastation of World
War II. The company's return to motorsport with the legendary 300SL
Gullwing had captured the imagination of the automotive world, but
the 300SL's exotic nature and substantial price placed it well
beyond the reach of most buyers. Mercedes-Benz recognized the
opportunity to offer a more accessible expression of that same
sporting elegance, and the 190SL was born. Introduced to the world
at the 1954 New York Auto Show alongside the iconic 300SL, the
190SL was designed from the outset to deliver open-air European
motoring to a broader and more discerning audience. If the 190SL is
celebrated for one thing above all others, it is the sheer,
timeless perfection of its styling. Penned by legendary
Mercedes-Benz designer Paul Bracq and his colleagues, the 190SL's
long hood, sweeping fenders, graceful tail, and perfectly
proportioned roadster body created a silhouette of enduring beauty
that has lost nothing in the six decades since it first appeared.
The chrome detailing, the three-pointed star proudly mounted on the
hood, and the elegant simplicity of the overall design combine to
produce an automobile that looks equally at home on the C�te
d'Azur, at a prestigious concours d'elegance, or parked outside a
fine restaurant on a warm summer evening. Beneath the 190SL's
beautiful exterior lay a sophisticated and well-engineered
drivetrain that delivered a driving experience thoroughly befitting
the Mercedes-Benz name. Powered by a 1.9 liter dual-overhead-cam
inline four-cylinder engine producing approximately 105 horsepower,
the 190SL was never intended to be a raw performance machine -
rather, it offered a refined, balanced, and genuinely enjoyable
driving experience that rewarded its owners with every mile. The
independent suspension, precise steering, and carefully tuned
chassis gave the 190SL a composure and sophistication on the road
that few contemporaries could match. The 190SL was produced from
1955 through 1963, with total production of 25,881 examples built
during that span, of which it is believed that 3,949 were produced
in the 1959 model year - modest by any measure, and a figure that
underscores the genuine rarity of these cars today. The 1959 model
year sits squarely in the heart of the production run, representing
a car that benefited from years of refinement and development while
retaining all of the original model's charm and character. Each
190SL was built with the meticulous attention to detail and
uncompromising quality standards that defined Mercedes-Benz
production during this remarkable era. Nearly seventy years after
leaving the Stuttgart factory, the Mercedes-Benz 190SL Roadster
occupies a place at the very pinnacle of the classic car world.
These cars are treasured by collectors on every continent for their
extraordinary beauty, their historical significance, and the
irreplaceable driving experience they deliver. This particular
example comes to us from a southern collector who took meticulous
care of this outstanding automobile. Under the bonnet of this 190SL
Convertible is a 1.9 Liter M121 Inline 4 cylinder engine fed by a
pair of upgraded Weber carburetors that provide a sporty, more
reliable, and enjoyable driving experience. The 1.9L engine is
mated to a 4 speed manual transmission that makes cruising in this
imported classic Mercedes a very fun car to drive. A single exhaust
setup produces a muted rumble from the rear-exiting tailpipe. Like
most imported sports cars of the day where features were somewhat
spartan, this particular 190SL roadster is equipped with some
notable options! With power brakes, bringing this German sports car
to a complete stop is easy, requiring minimal effort. A driver's
side chrome outside mirror, as well as an optional passenger's side
outside mirror, greatly assists with parking efforts and lane
changes because side visibility is much improved. A pair of front
and rear chrome bumper guards further elevate the upscale look of
this '59 Mercedes-Benz. The Chocolate-colored cloth convertible top
is in wonderful condition and when in its lowered position, tucks
neatly below a matching convertible top boot. Riding on a set of
brand new wide whitewall radial tires that are mounted on painted
steel wheels and accented with Mercedes emblem emblazoned hubcaps,
this '59 190SL Roadster has a truly luxurious look and an even
better ride. The body of this 190 roadster has been refinished in
gorgeous burgundy-toned Mercedes Red paint that completes the
exterior look of this classic Mercedes. The interior of this 1959
Mercedes-Benz 190SL Roadster is absolutely stunning! The plush
bucket seats, as well as the matching door panels, have been
reupholstered in beautiful Saddle hued leather that provides a
wonderful contrast to the tastefully reserved exterior. The
matching padded dash, Biscuit Creme colored carpeting, ivory
painted steering wheel, and dash-mounted rearview mirror are all in
fantastic condition as well and all retain a wonderful stock
appearance. One interesting feature of the 190SL's steering wheel
is the turn signal controls that are integrated into the chrome
horn ring. This Mercedes 190SL comes equipped with an impressive
array of stock VDO instrumentation including a 140 MPH speedometer,
7,000 RPM tachometer, temperature gauge, oil pressure gauge, and
fuel gauge. Under previous ownership, the radio has been tastefully
upgraded to an Alpine AM/FM/Bluetooth entertainment system complete
with upgraded JL audio speakers and an Alpine subwoofer, so that
you can enjoy all of your tunes while cruising the open road. The
dash is finished off with various controls, a map light, cigar
lighter and ash tray, and a locking glovebox with an integrated
clock. Whether you are an experienced Mercedes-Benz collector, a
connoisseur of European classic automobiles, or a discerning buyer
seeking one of the most beautiful and rewarding classics ever
produced, this 1959 Mercedes-Benz 190SL Roadster represents an
acquisition of the very highest order. Give Ellingson's a call
today at 763-428-7337!
*1.9 Liter M121 Inline 4
*Upgraded Dual Weber Carburetors
*4 Speed Manual Transmission
*Power Brakes
*Brand New Wide Whitewall Radial Tires
*1 of only 3,949 Produced
*Refinished in Mercedes Red (Burgundy)
*Saddle Leather Bucket Seat Interior
*Chocolate Cloth Soft Top w/ Matching Boot
*Upgraded Alpine/JL Audio Entertainment System
*Stock Instrumentation
*Odometer Reads: 15,707 Miles
If an inaccurate automobile price is inadvertently listed on this
Website, Seller reserves the right to NOT honor the erroneous
price. All vehicles over 20 years old are sold "mileage
exempt."
For more information and a current list of vehicles, call
763-428-7337.
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