New York-based foreign car importer and dealer Max Hoffman had helped birth the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL coupe and lead it to success in the market. He believed that a somewhat smaller and less expensive car that bore similar styling could also be commercially successful. Perhaps because of Hoffman’s winning track record at reading the desires of his buying public, Mercedes-Benz brass needed little convincing of this. The resulting 190 SL debuted at the 1954 New York Auto Show. A competent little grand tourer with a 1.9-liter, inline four-cylinder engine crowned by two Solex carburetors, good for 120 horsepower, it had a top speed of 120 mph while providing a comfortable interior and plenty of luggage space. A popular, profitable model for the marque, it remained in production for the next nine years.

The 190 SL offered here was the recipient of a concours-quality restoration by the noted SL specialists at SL Classics of Düren, Grmany. It was meticulously finished in the beautiful shade of Tunis Beige (DB 46), a seldom-seen and very tasteful yet understated color, and the interior trimmed in black leather. Importantly, this 190 SL features both a black canvas soft top and removable factory hardtop in black. It is accompanied by a complete tool kit, owner’s manual, and fitted luggage trimmed in matching black leather.

Treasured by many enthusiasts for its good looks, usability, and reliability, the 190 SL has been a highly sought-after collector car for years, with instantly familiar styling and a driving experience pleasurable for extended touring. This example, beautifully restored by marque experts, has been well-kept in the present collection, and has much to recommend it to the connoisseur of these charming, eternally popular Mercedes-Benzes.