The Mercedes-Benz 190 SL was the vision of Max Hoffman, Mercedes’ representative in the United States. Hoffman understood that while the 300 SL “Gullwing” might certainly catch American buyers’ attention, it had two drawbacks: early models were coupes and it was very expensive. With remarkable insight into the American market, Hoffman pressured the upper management of Mercedes-Benz to build a simpler, less costly open model that was made specifically for the United States. The result was the Mercedes-Benz 190 SL.

The 190 SL incorporated many advanced Mercedes-Benz engineering features. Powered by a single overhead-camshaft, four-cylinder engine, and equipped with four-wheel drum brakes, conventional doors, and a simple yet effective swing axle rear suspension, the 190 SL was best suited for stylish cruising rather than competition. Max Hoffman’s understanding of the American car market was spot-on once again, and the attractive convertible remained in strong demand throughout its production run, which spanned from 1955 to 1963. The 190 SL demonstrated the successful niche that existed for Mercedes-Benz in the U.S., and elsewhere, as it provided comfortable, luxurious cruising with excellent road manners and stylish good looks.

Such an experience came to the original owner of this car during a visit to Germany with a friend, who was a fellow Texan and partner in the oil industry. This very early 190 SL was privately imported to Texas for the gentleman’s wife, and at the time, he was told that it was only the second 190 SL to arrive in this country. It boasted only a single sun visor, on the driver’s side, as well as door-mounted mirrors, which are features that are found only on the very earliest cars, and the car continues to retain them today.

For whatever reason, the lady did not appreciate or enjoy driving her husband’s generous gift, and after being run only briefly, it was given to the friend who had accompanied her husband to Germany. The second owner drove the car to a couple of local shows. At one of the shows, it sustained a door ding, and he was so upset that he put it into the garage. Years later, it was sold to a neighbor, the third and present owner of the car, who had admired it from not-quite-afar for some time. When retrieved from the garage, it had covered 26,000 miles from new, as documented by accompanying receipts.

Now with 28,000 actual miles, after 2,000 miles of additional show and pleasure driving, this 190 SL remains one of the finest, original, unrestored 190 SLs on the planet. Its original factory build sheet, which accompanies the car, confirms that it retains its original engine. It still wears the original paint and interior, which have survived the years in very good, charmingly worn condition, and it is complete with the original tool roll, manuals, advertisements, and the original key, which is still in the little pouch in which the German dealer handed it over in 1955. The only parts on the car that have been replaced are the rubber floor mats and a few minor mechanical components, which have been changed over by necessity, as the present owner returned the car to operating order. He was uniquely qualified for the job, having been a Mercedes-Benz dealership mechanic for some time.

For him, the only thing missing from this car was a removable hardtop. As such, he found an original 190 SL hardtop that just happens to match this car’s red interior beautifully, and it is similarly original and well-maintained. It looks right at home atop the car, and it makes for a superb overall presentation in any weather.

As it has only been shown occasionally, including to award-winning results at Keels and Wheels in 2013, this is a 190 SL to be treasured.