120 bhp, 1,897 cc overhead camshaft inline four-cylinder engine, four-speed manual transmission, independent front suspension with coil springs, swing axle rear suspension with coil springs, and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 94.5 in.

• Timeless Mercedes-Benz design with classic livery

• Original Becker Corona radio

• Offered from the Zegwaard Collection

Mercedes-Benz’s competition-inspired 300SL entered production in 1954 with a fuel-injected, 250 horsepower inline six, fully-independent suspension, and signature gullwing doors. Few other cars could keep pace with it in terms of style or performance―or its lofty price. However, New York imported car impresario Max Hoffman wanted a smaller and more affordable version that he could sell in greater volumes. The resulting 190SL reached market in 1955 and outsold its big brother handily. Powered by a 1.9-liter single-overhead camshaft four producing 120 horsepower, the 190SL also featured independent suspension and shared a strong family resemblance with the flagship 300SL.

The new 190SL prototype was shown at the New York Auto Show in 1954. Although some details changed, the car on display was largely representative of what buyers would get when they entered showrooms the next year. A substantial 2,558 pounds, the 190SL was more of a sporting car than an out and out sports car. However, it still offered reasonable performance, great comfort, and the superb build-quality for which Mercedes-Benz was already known.

This 1958 example has been refinished in classic silver, which suits the shape beautifully. Trimmed in black leather, it was restored to high standards some years ago and still retains its original Kienzle dash clock and Becker Corona radio. Fitted with a pair of twin choke side-draft carburettors, the car is said to be “on the button”, and it sounds healthy and operates well. The car comes with copies of some correspondence from the previous owners, dating back to the 1980s, when the car was in the United States, as well as invoices for work carried out on the car from that period.