Mercedes-Benz W121 190SL Collector's Vehicle Note 2- (1956)

Vehicle description

With the 190 SL of the W 121 BII model series, Mercedes-Benz improved the reputation of the brand with the three-pointed star in the USA many times over: the 190 SL offered from 1955 onwards met the car tastes of wealthy Americans with almost seismographic sensitivity. The fact that it could not be a powerful sports car with its 105 hp four-cylinder engine did not stand in the way of its success. Much more important was the shape that took up design elements of the 300 SL, but without making the small SL a copy of the super sports car. In the end, the 190 SL remained in the Mercedes-Benz range until 1963, with a total of almost 26,000 units produced of this roadster.

The Mercedes-Benz 190 SL approved for auction here is a year of construction in 1956. Originally, the roadster with the chassis number 1210406501350 was delivered to Switzerland, after which it was transferred to a collection in Portugal. In its further vehicle life, this roadster came via Coys to England and then to Sweden, through a dealer the Mercedes-Benz finally reached Germany in 2011. At least 4 owners should have called the 190 SL according to the seller's information their own, an exact history of the Roadster can not be presented. Therefore, it is not comprehensible whether the so-called matching numbers exist – but it is assumed. H approval already ennobles this 190 SL, the last main inspection carried out is valid until October 2023. A report from 2016 by the company Classic Data is available: This certified the car the overall condition grade 2 and a replacement value of 130,000 €. Also worth mentioning are 2 existing key sets to the Mercedes-Benz.

A 190 SL bears the "gullwing face" with folds along the front and rear fenders above the wheel cuts. According to the seller, this 190 SL Roadster was probably white in terms of body colour, now it shines in a classic silver colour. Externally, this 190 SL is in a well-kept and well-preserved condition, corrosion can apparently not be found. All chrome trim is in perfect condition and the fabric top of the roadster has neither cracks nor coarse abrasion marks, in addition, the plastic rear window can be attested to a damage-free condition. The seller can rule out an accident.

According to seller statements, little worn tires are mounted on the original steel rims with chrome hubcaps: curb scratches on the rims are obviously not present, the brake system attests the current holder a proper condition. According to the owner, no deficits can be listed in the area of the chassis.

Black leather can be found in the interior of the 190 SL: the ivory-coloured steering wheel, which is well integrated into the interior of the Mercedes-Benz in terms of colour, is particularly striking. Although a few traces of use can be detected, there is no damage or even missing parts inside this roadster to complain about. The soft top mechanism works perfectly – the fabric soft top of the 190 SL can be easily opened and closed again. A tarpaulin is in good condition and reinforces the elegant appearance of the roadster when driving open. Features include a radio and the transverse seat.

In the cockpit, there are instruments similar to those of the W 198 Coupé: approximately 87,930 kilometres can be read from the 5-digit speedometer. A history of the vehicle cannot be presented, but due to the all-round healthy overall condition, this 190 SL can probably not have run too many kilometers. All instruments and displays in the interior work perfectly.

The OHC four-cylinder engine of this 190 SL is supplied by 2 carburetors: the 1.9-litre four-cylinder engine delivers 105 hp, the individual gears are engaged via a 4-speed manual transmission. The seller states that more than 10 years ago a new tank was installed and that the exhaust pots and their connection are made of stainless steel. In 2019, the last service work took place, defects in the technology are not known to the seller.

The underside of this 190 SL, sealed with underbody protection, is exemplary in terms of condition. More pictures can be found in the gallery.

Elegance and prestige are guaranteed to an owner of a Mercedes-Benz 190 SL Roadster, and the solid technology and open-top driving pleasure also ensure driving pleasure. Since the report – which was prepared in 2016 – this 190 SL has driven only 500 kilometers, according to seller statements, since 1999 only a total of 8,000 kilometers have been reeled off with the roadster. A classic colour combination and the all-round solid overall condition of this 190 SL offered here speak for themselves – this roadster belongs more on the road again to explore the world with an open top.

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