For Sale: 1962 Mercedes-Benz 170D in Sarasota, Florida

Inspired by legendary U.S. Mercedes-Benz importer Max Hoffman, the W121 series Mercedes-Benz 190SL debuted at the 1954 New York International Motor Sport Show alongside the 300SL Gullwing. Similar in appearance to the 300SL, yet less complex and costly, the 190SL was purely a sporting road car without racing pretensions. The sleekly styled 190SL lived up to its SL (Super Leicht) model suffix with lightweight aluminum used for its hood, doors, and rear deck lid. Styling was led by Walter Hacker working under Mercedes-Benz design chief Karl Wilfert. Notable among the 190SLs designers was Paul Bracq, soon to become Mercedes head of design, responsible for the celebrated W113 generation 230/250/280 SL of 1963-71 and the range-topping 600 models yet to come. Unlike many contemporary sports roadsters, the 190SL was a product of strict quality, featuring rigid monocoque construction, roll-up windows, and an available removable aluminum hardtop. Fritz Nallinger led 190SL engineering, using the robust, proven mechanicals from the contemporary Ponton line, with power delivered by an SOHC 1.9-liter 4-cylinder engine mounting twin Solex carburetors and producing 104 hp. Other highlights included a four-speed manual gearbox, fully independent suspension and four-wheel, power-assisted Alfin drum brakes, plus a snug folding top and roll-up windows. Internally designated W121, the production 190SL debuted at Geneva in 1955. An immediate success, the 190SL earned design awards in Holland, Switzerland, and at Frances Grand Prix dElegance. In competition, quietly supported by the factory, the 190SL won overall at the 1956 Macao Grand Prix ahead of a Ferrari Mondial and scored a class win at Casablanca. This 1962 Mercedes-Benz 190SL carries known history through three owners. Purchased new in Scottsdale, Arizona, the car relocated to Tucson with its original owner, who retained it for approximately 30 years before selling it as a rust-free, functioning example to a friend in Tucson. This second owner drove the car sparingly and eventually decided to begin its restoration, entrusting the renowned Mercedes-Benz specialists at Metric Motors in Canoga Park, California, to rebuild the engine. This individual kept the 190SL until selling to a gentleman residing in New York State and Fort Lauderdale, Florida, who had the rust-free and complete vehicle completely restored to as-new condition by Wayne Carinis F40 Motorsports in Portland, Connecticut. The restoration was completed in 2022 and included a bare-metal repaint in its original White. The underside was stripped and repainted the original Grey color as new. Thanks to its long lifetime in sunny states, the 190SL required no metalwork or rust repair during the restoration. Upon inspection, the body-panel fit and paint quality are virtually flawless and as original. The handsomely restored interior is trimmed in Red leather upholstery. Top-quality German square-weave carpets add further elegance. Other highlights include a Blue convertible top, a matching boot cover, and 13-inch steel wheels fitted with trim rings and body-color hubcaps, wrapped in vintage-style wide whitewall radials. The passenger compartment also features a two-spoke steering wheel and VDO instruments including a 140-mph speedometer, a 7k-rpm tachometer, and gauges monitoring oil pressure, coolant temperature, and fuel level. The five-digit odometer indicates 1,400 miles at the time of writing, with total mileage unknown. Power is delivered by an SOHC 1.9-liter M121 inline four-cylinder engine, utilizing a period factory replacement engine block, rebuilt as aforementioned by Metric Motors. Published factory ratings are 104 horsepower and 105 lb-ft of torque. Desirable s include an electric fuel pump with a fuel return line and an auxiliary cooling fan. Power is delivered via a synchronized four-speed manual transmission. Hand-selected and recently acquired by Vintage Motors of Sarasota, this striking late-production 190SL is accompanied by a factory data card, owners manual, service records, restoration receipts, a car cover, and a Florida title document. Removed original parts and components, plus miscellaneous spare items, include a radio, cigarette lighter, steering wheel, leather sun visors, and additional door and trunk gaskets. The car was delivered new with an original German radio, now with a proper radio block-off plate. The original, late-production aluminum hardtop with large backlite was disassembled and repainted in Strawberry Red however, it requires a replacement headliner and re-installation of the original rear-window glass. All required hardware for the hardtop has been organized into individual bagged packages, and new rubber gaskets are included as well. In addition to a selection of historical photographs, this 190SL also comes with professional images and restoration-in-progress images, including one taken with previous owners and Wayne Carini inside the F40 Motorsports workshops. A late-production, collector-grade example of a postwar sporting icon, this 1962 Mercedes-Benz 190SL clearly benefits from the outstanding care of its prior caretakers and the top-quality restoration it received at F40 Motorsports. Needing nothing but a new owner, it is ready to show, tour, and best of all, enjoy on your favorite stretch of open road.