Description
Make. MERCEDES BENZ Model. 190 Year. 1956 Code | Type. SL Engine. 4 cylinder Displacement. 1 900 cm3 Power supply. 2 carburettors Power. 120 HP Mileage. 53, 000 km odometer Gearbox. 4-speed manual Equipment. Leather upholstery, blue alpaca bonnet, restored in 1995 Condition. TBE Paint colour. Graphite grey An original European Mercedes 190 SL! A sure-fire favourite! History Virtually every car enthusiast knows the 190 SL. And even the uninitiated have heard the comparisons, the complaints and the praise. But look at this Mercedes-Benz apart from its hallowed styling inspiration: you'll find a charming and engaging two-seater that also happens to be the company's decidedly iconic production sports tourer, in fact the basis on which Mercedes based all subsequent SLs. Of course, we can't talk about the 190 SL without mentioning its great inspiration, the 300 SL. As the world's oldest car manufacturer, Mercedes-Benz has a long history of creating high-quality, precision production vehicles and cutting-edge racing cars that have triumphed on high-speed circuits around the world. But it wasn't until the W194 racing model made its debut in 1951 that the trajectory of these two lines would converge with the birth of the 300 SL road car. American importer Robert Hoffman suggested creating a compact two-seater roadster that would share some of the styling elements of the 300 SL coupé with gullwing doors. Popular but largely overshadowed by road racing, the 190 SL prototype promised a different kind of passionate motoring experience. This car was more conventional in its design and motivation and was aimed at a different segment of the market, but it was also conceived as an uncompromising Mercedes-Benz. Although it wasn't to be as expensive as the 300SL, that didn't mean the new 190SL - the first purpose-built Mercedes-Benz roadster since before the war - would lack mechanical intrigue. The Mercedes 190 SL would introduce several firsts for Mercedes Benz. These included a monocoque sports car chassis and a clever low-pivot rear suspension. The former was developed from the chassis of the 180 saloon - with its wheelbase reduced by 10 inches Introduced just a year before the 190SL prototype, the "Ponton" was the first Mercedes-Benz with a unitary chassis. Yet, like its chassis-separated predecessor, it could still be easily modified for coupé, saloon or even cabriolet applications. A roadster was therefore not considered too far-fetched. It may seem trivial, nearly seventy years on, but innovations such as an overhead cam engine, manually wound windows, a fully synchronised four-speed manual transmission and independent heating controls for driver and passenger were big innovations in the mid-1950s. Even having a monocoque chassis was unusual at the time. Most American sports machines retained a separate chassis well into the new millennium. Add sophisticated rear suspension, a fully lined bonnet, exceptional build quality and full instrumentation, as well as sumptuous trim and timeless beauty, and the 190SL's standard equipment was well ahead of the competition. All this could be yours for just $3998 - no wonder dealers were selling them at the door of the eight-door truck.... Arriving on the market in May 1955, the Mercedes 190SL was an instant hit. Many, especially outside the US, had not experienced the myriad talents of this revolutionary roadster. The perfect blend of style, effortless class and sporting mystique. American customers immediately recognised its relaxed, luxurious approach, as many of its local bestsellers did the same. Not surprisingly, Americans bought almost 40% of all 25, 881 Mercedes-Benz 190 SLs made (for export). The SL's success in the US did wonders for Stuttgart's recovering models. It ensured the continuation of a dynasty that we are still fortunate enough to enjoy today. Description The car we are offering for sale is from 1956, one of the very first. It dates from 15/ 05/ 1956 to be exact. It has kept its original configuration, i. e. its Graphite Grey colour and its red 1079 interior. This Mercedes is of European origin and has spent a large part of its life in Belgium. A gift for his wife in 1991, a Belgian collector decided to buy it back in...
