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. However, certainly not lacking in any of its big brothers technical refinements, the 190SL offered plenty of capability and race-bred technology to those enthusiasts considering a sporting roadster. From its production in 1955 through its replacement with the 230SL in 1963, nearly 26,000 would be produced with only a fraction in existence today.

The 190SL was also the start of the “options list” for Mercedes-Benz. Never before could a car be tailored like a fine suit the way a 190SL could be. Everything from elaborate color schemes, tops, accessories, seats, and even a very rare sports-racing option was available.

The Mercedes-Benz 190SL was fundamentally designed for driver and passenger comfort and pleasure. As a sports car, it was proclaimed as a high performance machine with particular emphasis placed on road characteristics. It was engineered to have surprising potency, even on the most tortuous roads. At the time it was offered, you could count on your fingers the number of marques that provided the workmanship of this caliber and, for a sports car, appointments to this degree of luxury. Taut leather interior fittings, roll-up windows, a weather-proof top and faultless fittings were simply a pleasure themselves. On top of the comforts, you could safely drive this model at the limit of adhesion and have fun to the highest degree.

The 190SL Mercedes-Benz is a legendary automobile that is always well-received. This model is powered by a 1.9-liter, 104-hp overhead cam, inline four-cylinder engine that is coupled to a four-speed floor-shift manual transmission. This outstanding 1959 190SL in Light Green Metallic over a green leather interior has received a complete frame-off restoration completed by factory trained Mercedes experts at SL Classics in Duren Germany. The car was completely disassembled and the body was restored with all bodywork and gap setting completed to the finest of details. The chassis was completely stripped and refinished using genuine Mercedes materials. All major components have been restored or replaced with factory original parts. The engine and transmission have been restored with the finest quality factory parts, and no stone was left unturned in the finish and visual quality of the engine bay, undercarriage and suspension components. The car is truly as nice underneath as the body work and paint finish. The car is finished in every detail being to the “finest of quality of any 190SL restoration available.” The white steering wheel further adds to the exquisite presentation; as does the padded dash, color-keyed factory hubcaps, wide whitewalls and foglights partially concealed behind the distinctive Mercedes-Benz grille. Also included is a four-piece set of fitted luggage that has been wrapped in the same genuine leather that the interior is finished in. The car is simply “perfect”.

These nimble little two-seat roadsters with their iconic, forward-styling were the first Mercedes-Benz convertibles to hit home with the U.S. market and started a full-fledged frenzy, and one that has yet to end many years later.