Estimated Price:

$45,000 - $55,000

Realized Price:

$52,875

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1960 MERCEDES-BENZ 190SL ROADSTER

Chassis No. 121042-10-016670
Engine No. 121921-10-016795

Ivory with red leather interior and black top

Engine: four cylinder, single overhead camshaft; twin Solex carburetors, 1,897cc, c.120bhp at 5,800rpm; Gearbox: four speed manual synchromesh; Suspension: front, independent, coil springs, rear independent, swing axles with coil springs; Brakes: four wheel drum. Left hand drive.

The Mercedes-Benz 190SL first appeared in 1955 and rapidly gained a reputation for its sporting good looks, robustness, reliability and respectable performance from its 1.9 liter, four cylinder engine which produced a healthy 120bhp. Although it was a convertible with sports car appeal, the two seater interior was leather trimmed and well appointed providing its occupants with excellent weather protection. The 190SL was considered by many to be one of the most attractive looking post-war Mercedes-Benz motor cars and was praised by MotorSport for its ability to cover great distances quickly and economically with the minimum of driver fatigue.

Of the few changes that came to the 190SL of 1960, the most notable were a range of new color schemes for the interior and exterior, a wider trunk handle and new front screen washers. The headlight casings were newly galvanized to improve rust prevention and safety door locks by Bormoro were added as was a modified Bosch distributor.
Even in the 1950s the manufacturer's catalogs presciently described the 190SLs as having 'elegant and timeless beauty' which is a reason the model continues to be one of the most desirable Mercedes-Benz to own today.

This charming example was purchased new in Germany by an American couple who used the car to tour Europe for two months prior to shipping it back to the US where it enjoyed being the vehicle of choice for the country club commute. Upon the original owner's passing, the car then changed hands within the family and took residence in Nevada. A much-coveted example, it has traveled just over 51,000 miles since new and is phenomenally original throughout, indeed it has only just had its very first clutch replacement!

Assumedly when new, the car had 'Ziebart' treatment (a rust proofing technique) thus evidence of this can be seen in the door shuts; nonetheless it was either a benefit of caring ownership or the enduring qualities of 'Ziebart' which has ensured this 190SL to remain very sound indeed. To revive the car somewhat yet retain its originality, it has just recently been repainted and has been sympathetically detailed to ensure presentation is immaculate but with an admirable degree of patination. The soft-top was replaced some years ago yet is unmarked and fits well, and a new top boot has been fitted. The interior remains original (even down to the rubber undermats) and the only replacement trim is the carpet behind the drivers' seat, as the seats were able to be spared thanks to an arduous connolising treatment. Though not driven, this 190SL starts and runs very well indeed and the vendor assures us that it is as much of a joy to drive as it is to view.