Lot 374: 1961 Mercedes-Benz 190SL Convertible

For those insufficiently wealthy to afford its hyper-expensive race-bred sports car - the 300SL - Mercedes-Benz offered the less exotic but no less refined 190SL. Announced in 1954 and based on the 180 saloon whose all-independently-suspended running gear it used, the 190SL did not enter production until January 1955, the delay being caused by alterations aimed at strengthening the saloon�s shortened platform to compensate for the open body's reduced stiffness. �Very few new sportscars have been so eagerly awaited or so long in coming as the moderately priced SL version of the Mercedes-Benz,� observed Road & Track magazine. Mounted on a detachable subframe along with the four-speed manual gearbox, front suspension and steering, the power unit was a 1,897cc overhead-camshaft four - the first such engine ever to feature in a Mercedes-Benz. Breathing through twin Solex downdraft carburettors, the M121 unit produced 105bhp at 5,700rpm, an output sufficient to propel the 190SL to 60mph in 13 seconds and on to a top speed of 107 miles per hour. The fact that the 190�s ride was more boulevard than sporting, and that many contemporary sports cars could out-perform it while costing a good deal less, did nothing to deter sales. The model was a big hit in the USA, where many of the slightly fewer than 26,000 produced between 1955 and 1963 found homes.
Offered from a deceased�s estate, this one-owner 190SL was purchased new from South Coast Mercedes-Benz agents Jacksons and has been maintained by them throughout its life. A wonderfully original example, �628 DGB� is presented in generally very good condition, the engine being reported as running exceptionally well and displaying good oil pressure, while the chassis benefits from recent under-sealing treatment. Only the paintwork - brush applied during the 1970s - detracts from this car, which when re-sprayed will surely be one of the best 190SLs around. This outstandingly original Mercedes-Benz comes complete with factory hardtop and is offered with original owner�s manual and part book; sundry invoices; current road fund licence; a quantity of expired MoT certificates dating back to the 1970s; MoT to February 2009 and Swansea V5 registration document. Twin-choke Weber carburettors (replacing the original Solexes) are the only notified deviation from factory specification.