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 Numbers Matching 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!
*Numbers Matching 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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