Lot 261: 1959 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 300 SL sports car. Highly desirable as it was, it was also financially out of the reach of most enthusiasts. Keen to capitalise on the 300 SL'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 190 SL. Launched at the 1955 Frankfurt Show, the attractive 190 SL roadster looked very similar to the 300 SL, 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 190 SL 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 190 SL with a 115mph top speed and 0-60mph acceleration in a respectable 13.0 seconds. This stunning example, appropriately finished in silver with a contrasting black interior and hood, has recently benefited from a sympathetic restoration and is still equipped with its original radio. Even more practical usability is provided by the original factory hard top, ensuring better creature comforts in the cooler and wetter months of the year. A stylish and eminently usable classic Mercedes-Benz.Questo eccezionale esemplare, sapientemente rifinito in color argento con interni e tettuccio in neri in contrasto, ha recentemente beneficiate di un restauro conservativo ed equipaggiata ancora della autoradio originale. Un maggiore confort garantito dall'originale hard top, molto conveniente durante il freddo periodo invernale. Una classica di grande stile e da poter usare con grande soddisfazione.