Lot 121: 1960 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL

During the Fifties, when Mercedes-Benz was the dominant force in top-level motor sport, the undisputed flagship of the firm's production car range was the stunning 300SL sports car. Highly desirable as it was, it was also financially out of the reach of most enthusiasts. As Max Hoffmann, the famous North American importer, saw a huge market for a pretty but more affordable 300 SL look-alike and Mercedes-Benz itself was keen to capitalise on the 300SL's numerous competition successes, the Stuttgart manufacturer introduced its smaller stable mate, the equally beautifully engineered 190SL. Launched at the 1955 Frankfurt Show, the attractive 190SL roadster looked very similar to the 300SL, but thanks to more modest underpinnings it cost a great deal less. Based on the 180 saloon of 1953 - Mercedes-Benz's first car to use a unitary construction body/chassis - the 190SL sported all round coil spring suspension and power assisted drum brakes. Power came from a 1,897cc version of the 180 saloon's four cylinder engine which, via twin Solex carburettors, produced 120bhp at 5,700rpm and 101lb/ft at 3,800rpm. Allied to a four-speed manual gearbox, this endowed the sleek, aerodynamic and comparatively light 190SL with a 115mph top speed and 0-60mph acceleration in a respectable 13.0 seconds. This stunning example must be the best of its kind available. It was first delivered, as most of them were, to a North American customer in early 1960 through Daimler-Benz of New York. Later it passed to a dentist in Pasadena, California, where the car remained until 1990. The following year it was bought by a well known German 190 SL specialist who returned the car to Germany. He embarked on a comprehensive nut and bolt restoration whereby he dismantled and completely rebuilt the car, reconditioning the old parts where possible and using new ones when necessary; during its rebuild, the engine was also converted to run on unleaded petrol. The restorer, who carries out similar work for the Mercedes-Benz Museum, used the car for the first 4,000 km after this painstaking restoration to ensure the smooth running-in of the engine, and to make sure that he himself could rectify any smaller problems which might occur before delivering the car to its new owner. As 190 SL connoisseurs know, the original dashboard clock is extremely rare but it is still fitted to this exceptional car, as is the original Becker Mexico radio. Furthermore a third person or child can be transported in the optional third seat in the back of the car. Since its restoration the 190 SL has never been used in the rain and has always been professionally serviced. It comes with the original American owner's handbook, parts catalogue and workshop manual. Naturally such quality and effort does not come cheap, but a recent German specialist evaluation confirms that a comparably restored 190 SL would be near impossible to find. According to the report, this car is in A1 condition.Einen besseren 190 SL wird es wohl kaum geben. Dieser fantastische Wagen wurde von einem SL-Spezialisten bis auf die letzte Schraube zerlegt und wieder aufgebaut. Bei dieser umfassenden Restaurierung wurde der Zylinderkopf fuer den Gebrauch von bleifreien Benzin umgeruestet. Der Motor laeuft nach Angen des Einlieferers unglaublich rund. Neben der originalen und sehr seltenen Uhr im Armaturenbrett ist dieser 190 SL auch noch mit dem originalen Becker Mexico Autoradio ausgeruestet. Laut einem Sachverstaendigengutachten ist dieser silberne 190 SL mit rotem Lederinterieur als Zustand 1 "ohne die geringsten Abzuege" einzustufen. Dem haben wir nichts hinzuzufuegen.