Lot 112: Mercedes-Benz 190SL Roadster

De couleur cr�me avec un int�rieur bordeaux et une capote noire, la m�canique de cette voiture immatricul�e en France a �t� am�lior�e par le montage de meilleurs carburateurs Weber (avec d�pose du servo frein). La voiture a b�n�fici� d'une restauration pouss�e entreprise en 2001/2002 par le concessionnaire Mercedes-Benz de Puget-sur-Argens (France) comprenant le montage d'un �chappement neuf, de nouveaux planchers et de tapis neufs et l'application d'un traitement anticorrosion (factures disponibles). La carrosserie a �t� repeinte, l'int�rieur regarni et la capote a �t� chang�e ainsi que le joint de culasse (ce dernier en 2008 avec facture disponible). Sans prix de r�serve. 'It proved to be fast and tireless, exhilarating to drive and was probably created with long distance, comfortable travel in mind&' The Autocar on the Mercedes-Benz 190SL, 10th January 1956. As economic conditions improved after WW2 it became inevitable that Mercedes-Benz would return to the racetrack. The result was the superb 300 Super Leicht series of sports-racing cars that proved so successful in international competition. In 1954 the road-going 300SL 'Gullwing' coup� was introduced, causing a sensation and setting new standards for high performance sports cars. The following year saw the 300SL joined by a smaller-engined roadster with broadly similar styling - the 190SL. It shared the same wheelbase as its big sister and was powered by a 1,897cc overhead-camshaft four - the first such engine ever to feature in a Mercedes-Benz. The new model combined 100mph-plus performance with economical fuel consumption in the region of 25-30 miles per gallon. It featured a four-speed, all-synchromesh gearbox, servo-assisted hydraulic drum brakes and rode on fully independent suspension. This advance suspension set-up meant that the 190SL was more comfortable than any contemporary British sports car and unlike the 180 saloon on which its mechanical components were based, it had a floor-mounted gearchange. The model was available as a two-seater convertible roadster or coup� and production continued until 1963. Finished in cream with Bordeaux interior and black soft-top, this French-registered example has been upgraded with the superior Weber carburettors (it should also be noted that the brake servo has been removed). The car benefits from extensive renovation undertaken during 2001/2002 by Mercedes-Benz agents, International Garage in Puget-sur-Argens, France (invoice available) that included fitting a new exhaust system, new front floors and new carpets, and applying anti-corrosion treatment. In addition, the coachwork has been repainted, the interior re-trimmed, a new soft-top installed and the engine treated to a major service at SARL �toile Collections in Suresnes costing �4,362 (invoice available). Carried out in December 2008, the latter included replacing the timing chain/pinions and sending the dynamo away to be overhauled by a specialist.