Lot 110: 1959 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL

During the Fifties, when Mercedes-Benz were 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. Keen to capitalise on the 300SL's numerous competition successes, and find a foothold in the increasingly lucrative sports car market, Mercedes-Benz 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 carburetors, 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 particlar example comes from the collection of the German noble family Sayn-Wittgensntein und was purchased in 1998 in Florida, where it just had one previous owner. Since then the car has been the personal car of countess Katharina Sayn-Wittgenstein. Presented in white with contrasting red leather interior, this beautiful car comes with German registration documents. Das Fahrzeug stammt aus der frstl. Sammlung der deutschen Adelsfamilie Sayn - Wittgenstein und wurde im Februar 1998 in Florida erworben. Es hatte dort nur einen Vorbesitzer. Seitdem befindet sich das Fahrzeug in der Sammlung von Katharina Frstin von Sayn-Wittgenstein. Der 190 SL prsentiert sich in weiss mit roter neuwertiger Lederausstattung, ein lteres Wertgutachten liegt vor. Im November 2004 wurde der deutsche Fahrzeugbrief ausgestellt, auf den Namen Carin - Katharina Frstin v. Sayn - Wittgenstein.