1959 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL 2146371097 Tweet

In 1954 the Mercedes-Benz catalog was headlined by the exotic and beautiful 300SL and filled out with a wide array of four- and six-cylinder sedans convertibles and coupes ranging from moderately expensive to a kings ransom in the case of the 300SL. Just as the impetus for a road-going version of the 300SL racing car came from the highly influential North American importer Max Hoffman he also requested a less expensive sports car primarily for the booming US market. While it was unusual for importers to have such sway over manufacturers Mr. Hoffman was an exception as European automakers respected his uncanny ability to predict the demands of the notoriously fickle American sports car buyer.Debuted at the 1954 New York Auto Show the new four-cylinder 190SL was built on a modified version of the existing W121Pontonplatform which formed the basis for Mercedes-Benzs bread-and-butter saloon cars. The style was evocative of the 300 SL Gullwing but with a softer character. The suspension was also similar with double-wishbone front suspension and swing axles in the rear but scaled down and tuned to suit the 190SLs more relaxed nature. Unlike the 300SL coupe the new car was only offered as a convertible which Hoffman considered essential to spice up the current range of Mercedes-Benz cars. But with its roll-up windows a quality folding top and an optional removable hard top the 190SL offered vastly greater comfort and refinement than most of its competition from Great Britain and Italy.Power for the new car came from a 1.9-liter single-overhead-camshaft four-cylinder engine that was closely related to the straight six used in the 300 series. However instead of the 300s fuel injection it breathed through a pair of twin-choke Solex carburetors and generated 120 horsepower. All were fitted with a four-speed manual transmission with synchromesh. Although not extensively raced or rallied the 190SL was commercially successful with 25881 sold between 1955 and 1963. Importantly it achieved its intended purpose of bolstering Mercedes-Benzs image in the North American market.Delivered to New York when new this stunning 1959 190SL benefits from a full nut & bolt restoration performed during previous ownership. Copies of the Mercedes-Benz data card and build sheet on file show it originally left the works finished in black over red upholstery with equipment including sealed beam headlamps windshield washer whitewall Dunlop RS tires bumper overriders and a left outside rearview mirror. It has since been restored to a high standard and refinished in a striking period-correct combination of Feuerwehrrot over tan leather. It is beautifully presented with superb paintwork detailing and restored brightwork. Riding on factory-correct 13-inch steel wheels it also features correct wheel covers with body-color accents and fresh properly sized whitewall American Classic tires.The interior is also fully restored with equal attention paid to quality and details. Tan leather covers the seats door cards and dash top which are all in excellent condition. Matching tan carpets are tidy as is the beige canvas soft top. The striking paint-and-chrome laden dashboard is finely detailed with crisp VDO instruments a correct ivory-colored two-spoke wheel and Becker Europa Radio. The trunk features the proper rubber liner and houses the spare wheel and a preserved factory tool roll.Still retaining its original 1.9-liter inline-four as attested by the accompanying build sheet/data card the engine compartment is exquisitely detailed with proper decals labels and restored yellow zinc-plated hardware. Ancillaries such as the black enameled air cleaner plastic washer bottle and brake booster are all highly detailed. Notably the car runs on the correct Solex PHH 44 carburetors and intake plenum ensuring excellent performance and drivability. The engine bay panels are authentically finished in black and the undercarriage is also exceptionally well restored and painted true to factory specs.This marvelous Mercedes-Benz can be proudly displayed at concours events and club gatherings and with those comfortable seats relaxed cruiser character and bullet-proof mechanicals it would also be a fantastic mount for any number of driving events.Offers welcome and trades consideredFor additional details please view this listing directly on our website https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7482-1959-mercedes-benz-190-sl/