Mercedes-Benz introduced the 190SL in 1954 at the New York Auto Show. In 1955 the car entered production. Referred to internally as the W121, the 190SL was built on a monocoque R121 platform. It was offered with either a soft-top or a removable hardtop. The 190SL shared many characteristics with the much more expensive 300SL. The 190SL featured recirculating ball steering, front independent suspension with coil springs and rear single joint swing pivot axle with coil springs. The 190SL was produced through 1963, at which time it was replaced in the Mercedes-Benz model lineup by the 230SL.

Finished in a rich color combination; this 190SL was originally purchased in Kansas City, Missouri at the Mercedes Studebaker dealership, this paperwork is with the car. The original owner must surely have cared about this example greatly as, remarkably; this particular Mercedes-Benz remained in the original owner’s possession until April of 2015. The car comes with invoices showing work done over the last 26 years, dating back to 1990.

This beautiful example of a 1960 Mercedes-Benz 190SL was restored over 15 years ago. The restoration work included stripping the paint prior to a repainting in the cars original color; additionally chrome work, engine work, upholstery and carpets all received attention with photo documentation.

Presented in a light blue with a beige soft-top; included with the car is a factory hardtop which has recently been re-painted in the body color. It rides on whitewall tires with Mercedes-Benz body-colored wheel covers. Other exterior features include a chrome accent trim and a driver’s sideview mirror. The 190SL is powered by Mercedes-Benz’s 1,897-cc, 104-hp M121 single overhead cam inline four-cylinder engine which is paired to a four-speed manual transmission. The interior of the car is completed in a light tan featuring bucket seats, a body-colored dashboard, clock and a radio. It’s reported that the door panels and interior trim are original. Included with the car is the desirable tool roll; plus the owner’s manual and spare tire.

Exclusive, then a now, the Mercedes-Benz 190SL was designed and presented fundamentally for driver and passenger pleasure. As a sports car, it was recognized in period as being a high performance machine with particular emphasis placed on road characteristics. At the time of availability, you could likely count on your fingers the number of marques worldwide that could provide workmanship of this caliber. And for sports cars of the era, few could match the appointments and luxury. Total production of the 190SL from 1955 to 1963 was 25,881. For 1960, Mercedes-Benz produced 3,977 examples of the 190SL.