The Mercedes-Benz 190 SL was unveiled in prototype form at the 1954 New York Auto Show, starring alongside its bigger 300 SL Gullwing brother. The eager public would not have to wait long to see the fully fledged version of this more affordable roadster, with production commencing at the Sindelfingen factory in May 1955.

Power came from an inline four-cylinder engine, which displaced 1.9 litres and was fed by dual Solex horizontal carburettors to deliver 105 horsepower. Changing through the four-speed manual gearbox returned a top speed of around 170 km/h.

The 190 SL on offer is a late-production example, which benefits from mechanical and cosmetic changes implemented during the model’s lifetime. This includes the 1956 addition of a modified subframe, chrome accents added to the door tops, and larger rear taillights borrowed from the Mercedes-Benz 220. In 1960, the chrome bootlid lock and lift were separated and enhancements were also brought in for the engine, increasing the compression ratio from 8:5:1 to 8:8:1.

Finished smartly in black with a beige leather interior and a beige convertible roof, this 190 SL features a Becker Avus radio and is accompanied by a spare wheel and jack. It offers an excellent entry into Mercedes-Benz’s post-war golden era.