Mercedes-Benz exhibited the prototype 190 SL at the 1954 New York Motor Show as the smaller alternative to the larger 300 SL. During the production period of 1955 to 1963, the car was a huge success, outselling its bigger sister model eight to one. The 190 SL was powered by a newly developed 1.9-litre engine coded M121, paired with dual twin-choke Solex carburettors. The engine produced 120 bhp at 5,700 rpm, and Mercedes-Benz claimed a top speed of 107 mph. The 190 SL could be ordered as a soft-top convertible for $3,998 or with a removable hardtop for $4,295.

Delivered new on the 27 February 1959 to a Mercedes-Benz dealership in London, this rare right-hand drive 190SL is one of approximately 500 U.K.-delivery examples made from an overall production run that is believed to total 25,881. This example left the factory with the rare optional third seat.

During previous ownership, this example was subject to a meticulous restoration by Queenstown Car Restoration Ltd., of London, England. The car was stripped back and had all of its chrome trim, doors, bonnet, boot, and interior removed. The bodywork was taken back to bare metal and areas that had suffered from corrosion were expertly repaired with new body panels from Classic Car Krzysztof Kulliński of Poland. The engine was sent to Red Castle Classics Ltd. of Wales, where it was stripped down, rebored, and received new pistons and various components, before being re-assembled. Invoices show, that the total cost for the engine work was near £9,000.

Queenstown Car Restoration Ltd. painted this 190 SL in the vibrant Mercedes-Benz period colour of Metallgrün, translated to “light green” in English. After completing the paintwork, all the brightwork was re-installed on the car, having been refinished by Capital Chrome of London. The interior was trimmed in a dark green leather and a matching convertible top was fitted. The restoration process started in 2016 and was completed in February 2017, the combined invoices total to an amount just over £71,000.

The incumbent owner acquired this vehicle after the restoration and has continued to maintain the car since. On 6 July 2018, £1,463.84 was spent at Buchanan’s Motors Ltd. in order to repair the convertible top and fuel gauge. In addition to this work, the ignition system was serviced with new spark plugs, condenser, and contact points.

Presented with this stunning 190 SL are invoices and receipts from the restoration, two spare carburettors and a spare wheel. The odometer shows 57,837 miles at the time of cataloguing.