The Mercedes-Benz 190SL was realized through the forward thinking of Max Hoffman, Mercedes’ legendary representative in the United States. The well-respected Hoffman understood that while the 300SL “Gullwing” Coupe was assuredly going to catch American buyers’ attention, it had two disadvantages; it was a coupe, and it was very expensive. Knowing that the American market was ideally well-matched for convertibles, Hoffman coerced Mercedes-Benz management to build a simpler, less costly open model for the U.S. market, and the result was the Mercedes-Benz 190SL.

The 190SL incorporated many advanced engineering features and was powered by a single overhead camshaft 1.9-liter, 120-hp inline four-cylinder engine. Equipped with a four-speed manual transmission, four-wheel drum brakes, conventional doors and a simple swing-axle rear suspension, the 190SL was best suited for sophisticated traveling rather than performance driving. Max Hoffman’s understanding of the American car market was right on target, and more than 26,000 190SL roadsters were produced between 1955 and 1963.

Said best by Mercedes-Benz, “Whoever sees the Mercedes-Benz type 190SL for the first time gets the urge to step in and speed away.” The Mercedes Benz 190SL is today what it was when introduced in 1954 at the New York Motor Show: a less expensive, more practical, and smaller version of the illustrious 300SL.

Presented in the very appealing color of Jade Green Metallic, this uncommon color looks fantastic with its black cloth top and crème colored interior. The top boot is also seen in the tan hue. The car has the clock on the glovebox door, which is reported as a rare option for this model. A modern Pioneer CD player with dual rear speakers adds to the enjoyable touring to be experienced in this well-respected platform. This 190SL has a Crane Cam XR700 electronic ignition system.

The paint presentation is quite lustrous and shiny; the color combination really works well for this car and the paint is a very strong element on this cosmetically restored machine. The chrome and metalwork shares a similar level of quality. The convertible top is in very nice shape and fits tightly; it also has a beige, square patterned headliner. The carpet is also stated to be in “great shape” and it appears to be the correct and new square weave material. The ivory-toned Mercedes-Benz steering wheel is in excellent condition and provides a wonderful and complementary detail to the interior setting. The engine compartment and undercarriage are reported as being strong and solid in presentation; detailing efforts would most certainly make these ares even stronger. The engine is reported as having the correct dual Solex carburetors. Thin whitewall tires by Goodyear are stylish with the factory wheel covers and appropriate in appearance for this model.

The current owner purchased the car from a dealer in Hermosa Beach, California eleven years ago. Prior to his stewardship, the car was purchased by a doctor for his daughter to enjoy. He had the car painted and serviced, plus had a new interior installed. The gentleman’s daughter drove and enjoyed the Mercedes greatly, but was forced to sell due to personal circumstances. It is a very nice “driver-quality” car that a new owner can drive and adore.

The sporty Mercedes-Benz 190SL continues to show strength in popularity and appreciation six decades after they were lasted produced. This makes the car being offered all the more desirable, plus the fact that they have a strong sales history, and that is likely to remain so. People will still regularly stop to admire its clean and timeless design.