Open Roads, February 2021
1962 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL
North American Offering
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$63,800 USD | Sold
| Fort Pierce, Florida
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- White over red interior; black convertible top
- 1.9-liter inline-four; four-speed manual transmission
- Retained by consignor since 1965
- Benefits from continued cosmetic maintenance over the course of ownership
- Engine reportedly rebuilt in 2015
As Mercedes-Benz’s first volume sports car, the 190 SL shared its 120-horsepower, 1.9-liter four-cylinder engine and running gear with the W120-generation Type 180 Sedan, whilst offering styling similar to the legendary 300 SL. It was marketed as more of a comfortable cruiser as opposed to the more powerful 300 SL, but the resemblance to the 300 SL was certainly intentional, albeit at half the price.
With the 190 SL, the automaker followed Austin-Healey and the Triumph’s leads by creating a new car using off-the-shelf components it had available from its other automobiles. The 190 SL was produced from 1955 through 1963, with Mercedes-Benz building a total of 25,881 units, including 2,246 for the 1962 model year; it was available as a convertible with a folding soft top, a removable hardtop, or both.
This 1962 white over red 190 SL was delivered new to Honolulu, Hawaii. The consignor purchased the car from its original owner in 1965 and had the car shipped to Arizona, where it was reportedly used as a daily driver for several years. On account of the hot Arizona sun, the consignor had the bucket seats retrimmed some years ago in their present material, a more breathable alternative to vinyl or leather. The black cloth convertible top is believed to be an older replacement, and the car’s steel wheels are covered in moon caps of the correct style shod in Maxxis whiteline tires. The cockpit of this 190 SL features a pushbutton Becker Europa AM/FM radio, red lap belts, a newer red carpet set, and the correct suite of VDO gauges with dash clock. The consignor states that the engine was rebuilt in 2015.
Nicely patinated and finished in an attractive color combination, this 190 SL is now offered for sale accompanied by a pair of spare taillights, spare wheel, a tool set, replacement belt, and a pair of display plates.
