Vehicle Description
To be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at Auctions America's Fort
Lauderdale event, March 31-2, 2017.
Chassis No.
12104010015706
Estimate:
$ 75,000 - $100,000 US
Following the success of the 300SL Coupe and Roadster,
Mercedes-Benz's United States importer, Max Hoffman, suggested that
a similarly styled, less costly alternative might be just as
successful. The resulting car was the 190SL, and it featured
styling that was derived from the Gullwing, which many an
enthusiast adored but only few could afford. The car proved to be
popular with the public at the 1954 New York Auto Show, and it
remained in strong demand throughout its nine-year production
run.
While the performance-driven and expensive 300SL came out of
Mercedes-Benz's racing department, the 190SL (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
190SL made an immediate impression and presented sleeker bodylines
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 190SL as a grand touring
sports car from 1955 to 1963, alongside the 300SL, and it was the
only open SL choice until the Gullwing was replaced by the 300SL
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 190SLs. In 1955,
Road & Track wrote, "The outstanding achievement of the 190SL 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 fact that the 190SL was both stunning to behold and a good deal
more practical for real-world use helped to seal the deal for
well-healed buyers. More than 26,000 examples found owners during
the 190SL's production run from 1955 to 1963, and they are very
well regarded to this day.
The car offered here is beautifully finished in red over tan, as it
was the recipient of a restoration by Precious Metals in Grand
Rapids, Michigan. Equipped with the desirable Becker Corona TR
radio, VDO clock, and the very desirable removable hardtop. The
beautiful chrome wheels, with their distinctive body-color centers,
are shod in whitewall tires, an elegant match to the finishes of
the body. Chrome throughout is sparkling, and the interior shows
presents well and is still very attractive.
