Lot 309: 1963 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 Motor Show, the attractive 190 SL 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 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. Most attractively finished in grey with red leather interior, this fine Mercedes-Benz has been restored both bodily and mechanically. Described as being in very nice and good to excellent condition, it comes with Dutch registration papers.Dieser Mercedes Benz 190 SL von 1963 wurde komplett restauriert und hatte nur drei Vorbesitzer. Ein Fahrzeug mit hohem Wertsteigerungs-Potential, einsatzbereit und versehen mit hollndischen Papieren.