The 190SL was the vision of Max Hoffman, U.S. importer for Mercedes-Benz, referred to as one of the greatest automobile salesman. Hoffman realized that Mercedes-Benz’s new 300SL “Gullwing” would catch American buyers’ attention, but also that it had two drawbacks: it was a coupe and it was expensive. He knew that America was convertible country and kept pressuring the manufacturers he represented here, including Porsche and Alfa Romeo, to build simple, relatively inexpensive open models for the U.S. market.

In the spring of 1955, Mercedes-Benz was ready to introduce the second member of the “SL” family: the 190SL two-seat touring sports roadster. The cars would come standard with a SOHC inline four-cylinder developing approximately 100-hp. Prototypes were shown with a column gearshift and a hood scoop, but both of these features disappeared in production.

This handsome 190SL offered here profited from an older restoration finished in white with a black top and the lush red interior is a work of art, with matching box weave carpet. The inline four-cylinder engine receives its fuel from dual carburetors; it has a fully synchronized four-speed manual transmission, four-wheel independent suspension, power brakes, AM/FM radio and whitewall tires with painted center caps with the Mercedes-Benz "Star" highlighted.

This coveted car still shows nicely with a clean interior and attractive brightwork. Writing of their experiences with the 190SL, Autocar’s editors remarked, “It proved to be fast and tireless, exhilarating to drive, and was obviously created with long distance, comfortable travel in mind.”