Much like its 300 SL bigger brother, the 190 SL was the brainchild of Mercedes-Benz American importer Max Hoffman. Hoffman believed that a smaller, less costly roadster bearing a family resemblance to the more exotic 300 SL would prove to be just as successful. Given the car’s popularity upon debuting at the 1954 New York Auto Show and subsequent success throughout its nine-year production run, Hoffman was right.

At its heart was a 1.9-liter, inline, four-cylinder engine with dual Solex carburetors rated to produce 120 horsepower and good for a reported top speed of over 105 mph. The 190 SL was an effortless cruiser, and its trunk could easily accommodate a weekend’s worth of luggage for two. Priced at $3,840 when new, it cost nearly half as much as a 300 SL Roadster.

This 1960 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL is a wonderfully restored example finished in Strawberry Red over a White leather interior with a burgundy soft top. According to the data card and warranty book on file, the roadster was originally finished in White Grey over a Red leather interior and was delivered to its first owner on 15 March 1960. Interestingly, the very first entries in the warranty book from 1960 note services were performed by Garage Ottiger in Luzern, Switzerland at the 500-kilometer and 3,000-kilometer intervals. The Mercedes-Benz was then imported to the United States and the subsequent entries from 1961 and 1962 were entered into the book by a Studebaker dealer in Memphis, Tennessee.

In the mid-2000s the Mercedes-Benz became the subject of a comprehensive refurbishment that was completed under the guidance of marque specialist Bruce Adams. Once completed in 2006, the quality of the work was immediately recognized, and the 190 SL received a Senior First Prize award at the 2007 AACA Nationals and a Best of Show award at the SL Group Concours in 2007. The quality of this Roadster is further bolstered by the engine, body, and front spindle stampings matching the numbers presented on the data card. Lastly, the vehicle will be accompanied by owner’s manuals, warranty book, parts catalog, a first aid kit, and a tool roll.

Now 20 years removed from its masterful restoration, the 190 SL on offer continues to present with a jewelry-like appearance, and it remains ideal for further exhibition and enjoyment.