Lot details
Registration No: PFO 659
Chassis No: 12104020017077
Mot Expiry: April 2013

The 190SL was introduced in 1955 - the year Mercedes swept all before it on the Mille Miglia with the 300SLR. Indeed, the graceful, new two-door, Convertible grand tourer was sold alongside the road-going version of the SLR - the 300SL - whose styling it strongly resembled. In fact, the underpinnings of the two cars were quite different and, while the 300SL had a purpose-built tubular spaceframe (W198), its smaller sibling was built on a shortened version of the 'Ponton' Saloon (W121) platform, which was of steel monocoque construction. The 190SL also boasted an all-new engine - an over-square SOHC straight-four unit of 1897cc that produced some 120bhp, which was sufficient to propel the car to a very respectable maximum speed of 112mph. The engine was coupled to a manual four-speed gearbox operated by a lever between the seats. The suspension comprised double wishbones and coil springs at the front and coil sprung swing axles at the rear. Steering was by recirculating ball and braking by power-assisted drums at each corner. The Convertible could be ordered with or without removable hard top. There was also the option of a third seat that was placed transversely behind the front ones and big enough to carry an adult. 190SLs were built to the highest standards and among the quickest comparable cars of the time. Production continued until 1963, when both the 190SL and 300SL were replaced by the 230SL. By this time over 25,000 190SLs had been built.

The right-hand drive 190SL on offer vacated the Mercedes-Benz Stuttgart factory in 1960 and features Silver bodywork, Black leather trim and carpets, and well-presented brightwork. The period specification includes chrome door-mounted mirrors, telescopic aerial, facia clock and push-button radio, and 'PFO 659' comes complete with V5C and a selection of old MOTs, plus one valid until April 2013.