Chassis no. 121042100176938

1,891-cc, 120-hp overhead camshaft inline six-cylinder engine with four-speed manual transmission, independent front suspension, swing axle independent rear suspension and four-wheel drum brakes. Wheelbase: 94.5-inches

It was at the 1954 New York Auto Show that the 190SL prototype made its debut. This version had early dash instrumentation, eyebrows over the front fenders and an air scoop on the hood. Production examples took more than a year to appear, with the first arriving at the 1955 Geneva Auto Show. Though the car carried the SL nomenclature denoting ‘sports’ and ‘light,’ it was actually a touring vehicle and had a curb weight of 2,558 pounds.

With a significantly lower price tag than the 300SL it began to outsell its ‘big brother’ by about eight to one. As it turned out, the engineering on the cars was remarkable and ahead of anything else in the under two-liter class. A strong overhead-cam engine, aluminum panels and fully independent suspension on all four wheels ensured good performance.

The Mercedes-Benz 190SL Roadster we have the pleasure of offering here is understood to have been in long term California ownership prior to it joining the current owner’s private museum collection. It is complete with both the soft-top and optional factory hardtop, period correct Blaupunkt AM/FM push-button radio and an optional wind-up clock on the glove box. It is finished in white with a red interior, both of which are related to be in presentable overall order. The stock four-cylinder 1.9-liter engine features upgraded dual Weber carburetors and a four-speed manual transmission. We understand that in anticipation the Mercedes also received a comprehensive cosmetic freshening and is ready for its next enthusiast owner’s enjoyment.