Mercedes-Benz 190 SL
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Car-ID: XT0160
Model, Body type:
Convertible
Registration:
1961
Engine Power:
1,884 CCM (77 KW / 105 BHP)
Transmission:
Manual transmission
Color:
White
Doors:
2
Mileage:
31,100 km
Vehicle Description
– stunningly pretty Mercedes-Benz 190 SL
– European specs car, originally delivered to France
– only three owners from new: last owner in France held the vehicle from 1971 until 2015
– completely restored in France 1996 – 1999, since then driven only 31,100 km
– new paint, new carpets and rubber seals in March 2016
– Becker Europa radio and Kienzle analog clock on board
– photo documentation and bills available
– German registration documents
– valid technical approval until 06/2018 and historic plates
– hard to find specimen with complete European history
Mercedes-Benz 190 SL – the elegant touring sports car for the Boulevard
The idea came from the United States. In the early fifties, Mercedes harboured no plans for a sports car. The plant, not yet completely rebuilt, was operating at full capacity manufacturing sedans and trucks. But Max Hofmann, exclusive distributor in the United States, convinced the Board of Mercedes-Benz at the board meeting of September 2, 1953 to construct a small sports car for the US market.
On February 6, 1954, the new car, internally named W121, was presented at the New York Motor Show. The front was based on the larger and simultaneously displayed Mercedes 300 SL, but the tail was wider and closer to the Ponton sedan 180. A top speed of 190 km/h, 110 hp and conversion options for racing purposes were promised. During its presentation, the 190 SL suffered a bit under the overbearing 300 SL, which was a great sensation, for hardly anyone would have expcected Mercedes to make such an impressive entry into the sports car segment.
The Mercedes-Benz 190 SL was produced from May 1955 to February 1963 in a total of 25,881 units.
