Description
During the 50’s, when Mercedes-Benz were the dominant force in top-level motor sport, the undisputed flagship of the firm’s production car range was the stunning 300SL sports car. Highly desirable as it was, it was also financially out of the reach of most enthusiasts. Keen to capitalise on the 300SL’s numerous competition successes, and find a foothold in the increasingly lucrative sports car market, Mercedes-Benz introduced its smaller stablemate, the equally beautifully engineered 190SL.
The 190SL was sold alongside the faster, more expensive Mercedes-Benz 300SL, similar not just in terms of styling, engineering and detailing, but also sharing fully independent suspension, double wishbone suspension at the front and swing axles at the rear.
The 190SL was powered by a new, slightly over square 1.9 litre straight-four SOHC engine that developed 120bhp with twin-choke dual Solex carburettors, the four-cylinder engine block was based on the six-cylinder engine of the 300 SL. Teamed with a four-speed manual gearbox, this endowed the sleek aerodynamic and comparatively light 190SL that boasted a top speed of 115mph and a respectable 0-60 time of 13.0 seconds.
This beautifully restored example has been part of a private collection for the last 10 years, and used very little since restoration. Finished in silver with a black leather interior, this is a truly lovely example of the ever popular 1950s sportscar.
