Mercedes-Benz 190SL Roadster, 1956
Mercedes-Benz 190 SL R121
Mercedes-Benz 190 SL R121•
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Chassis No.: 6503694
Auction: Monterey 2021
Auction date: August 14, 2021
Lot No.: F36
$115,500 | Sold
- Exterior: Silver
- Interior: Black
- Body: Roadster
- Body-off restoration
- Serviced and freshened 1.9L SOHC inline 4-cylinder engine
- Correct Solex carburetors
- 4-speed manual transmission
- Finished in Silver with matching hardtop
- Black interior
- Becker Corona AM/FM radio
- Clock
- Double wishbone front suspension
- Swing axle rear suspension
- Bumper guards
- Wide Whitewall tires
The flow of European sports cars into the United States following World War II was due in no small part to the sales-minded Max Hoffman, who was instrumental in persuading Mercedes-Benz to produce the famed 300SL Gullwing coupe for the American market. Hoffman’s success at selling smaller sporting fare also led Mercedes-Benz to produce the 190SL, a significant roadster addition to the marque’s lineup targeted at buyers who wanted to share the 300SL’s prestige without paying the associated price of admission.
While Hoffmann initially balked at the idea of a “budget” SL, especially one derived from the new unibody 180 sedan, the 190 proved to be highly successful, setting the direction of SL development for years after production ceased in 1963. The 190SL appeared to be a scaled-down version of the 300, sharing such features as the stylish horizontal grille, flared wheel arches and alloy doors, hood and trunk. Designed on the same wheelbase as the 300SL and using a wider track, the 190 was a satisfying performer thanks to its combination of sophisticated SOHC inline-4 engine, 4-speed manual transmission, all-independent suspension and superb racing-inspired drum brakes with finned aluminum drums.
Occupants were treated to a luxurious motoring environment combining comfortable leather seats and upholstery with Mercedes-Benz’s signature quality finishing and tasteful brightwork. Like its costlier sibling, the 190SL could be fitted with a nicely sculptured detachable hard top for protection in all kinds of weather. The handsome result of a comprehensive frame-off restoration, this 1956 Mercedes-Benz 190SL Roadster presents nicely in silver metallic paint with a matching hard top and contrasting black interior fitted with tinted sun visors, in-dash clock and a desirable Becker Europa AM/FM radio.
Serviced and freshened, the car’s 1.9L SOHC inline-4 engine is equipped with correct twin Solex carburetors and mated to Mercedes-Benz’s excellent 4-speed manual transmission. Rounding out the package, this 190SL is accessorized with driving lamps, bumper guards and wide whitewall tires.
https://www.mecum.com/lots/479316/1956-mercedes-benz-190sl-roadster/
Cost
424,174 AED
