In 1954, Mercedes-Benz introduced the 300SL. It was a wild design for the time period, with gullwing doors and a unique tubular spaceframe. The car quickly built a reputation as a force to be reckoned with on the racetrack. While road going versions of the 300SL were ordered, many found them to be a bit too impractical. New York City based European car importer Max Hoffman had a fix for those who felt that way. While on a business trip to Stuttgart, Hoffman claimed to Mercedes-Benz board members that he could sell 200 luxury convertibles a month if Mercedes-Benz was willing to produce such a car.

Shortly thereafter the 190SL program began with the car reaching production in 1955. The 190SL was an instant hit, offering the great looks of the 300SL in a more usable and affordable configuration. A little less than 26,000 examples were produced from 1955 to 1963. Of those, 70-percent were shipped to the United States. From 1955 to 1960, the 190SL outsold their European competition, the Jaguar XK 140 and XK 150, by a reported 8,000 units.

The 190SL left the factory powered by Mercedes-Benz’s M121 1,897-cc, 120-hp overhead-cam four-cylinder engine featuring twin Solex carburetors. The engine is paired to a floor-shift four-speed manual gearbox.

On offer we have a 1962 Mercedes-Benz 190SL presented in black with accenting brightwork and a black canvas convertible top. The car rides on whitewall tires with matching black factory wheel covers. The Red leather interior contrasts the black very nicely and includes a red tonneau cover. It features bucket seats, clock and full instrumentation. This 190SL was ordered from the factory with a radio delete option.

The car is described as laser straight, and has benefited from a high-quality repaint. In addition both the engine bay and undercarriage have been detailed to a high-level. It is reported that the second owner had long ownership of this vehicle. For the 1962 model year Mercedes-Benz only produced 2,246 examples of the 190SL. This is an excellent opportunity to enter into 190SL ownership, with a desirable color combination.