The impeccable 190 SL offered here has seen just 79 miles in the year since undergoing a comprehensive frame-off restoration performed by marque specialists at Titan Restoration. It is finished in a factory-correct shade of Light Metallic Blue (DB 356) and features an attractive Parchment leather interior. It also retains its rare original, and functional, wind-up clock. A set of tools and books are included with the sale.

Daimler-Benz began development of the 190 SL in 1952, just before the introduction of its ‘Pontoon’ sedans. Like the sedans, it was constructed with a welded frame-floor structure and separate sub-frame. However, it rode a shorter wheelbase, not coincidentally, exactly the same as the 300 SL.

As the company’s first volume sports car, the 190 SL shared the 120-horsepower, 1.9-liter four-cylinder engine and running gear with the W120 model Type 180 Sedan, while also offering styling similar to the legendary 300 SL. The resemblance to the 300 SL was certainly intentional. At $3,840 new in 1955, it was half the price of its muscular sibling, which introduced a roadster model of its own starting in 1957. Mercedes-Benz followed the Austin-Healey/Triumph TR-series formula of the era by creating a new car using off-the-shelf components it had available from its other car lines. The 190 SL was produced from 1955 through 1963, with Mercedes-Benz building 25,881 units. The factory claimed a top speed of 110 mph, with 0–60 mph times of 13.3 seconds, while also offering up to 26 mpg, the perfect combination for effortless touring.

A matching-numbers example, showing only 67,500 miles, this car has spent its entire life in California with only two private owners. Beautifully restored to the highest quality, it is now ready for extensive touring as well as national Mercedes-Benz club events.