1959 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL

Beautifully restrained, elegant, and just about perfect. An article from the New York Motor Show best described the Mercedes Benz 190 SL as "a stunning new production sports car that offers three hits – Race bred performance, luxurious comfort and operational robustness - with no errors”.

Based on the curvaceous shape of the race-going Gullwing and with bank-vault solid construction the Mercedes-Benz 190 SL hails from an era when automotive design wasn’t constrained by an accountant’s felt-tip and has meant that today this space age sports classic is one of the most collectable and recognisable cars of the modern era.

Breathing through twin Solex downdraft carburettors, the 190’s velvety M121 power unit produces 105 hp at 5,700rpm, the first engine of its kind for Mercedes-Benz and enough to propel the 190 SL from a standing start to 100 km/h in 13 seconds - more Hollywood Boulevard than Targa Florio but enough to get the heart racing and knuckles bracing.

An original right-hand drive car, still numbers matching and delivered new to Melbourne in September of 1959 this rare Mercedes-Benz 190 SL presents beautifully in Silver on Deep Red leather trim and matching carpets.

Recently released from long term ownership and restored some years ago this well-maintained sportsclassic still carries all of its original chrome dials and switches in crystal clear condition, the original Bakelite steering wheel with integrated chrome indicator switch and shift knob are perfectly smooth to the touch, the correct crush pile carpets are so precisely fitted and the correct leather seats hug the driver and passenger well perfectly.

Quintessentially German mechanical touches to the car are the sharply defined 4 speed manual transmission that requires only a light touch to change gear while swing axles in the rear and double wishbones up front, plus rack and pinion steering work to provide plenty of driver feedback and the overall feel behind the wheel of this well-maintained car is totally engaging and never ever, boring.

Accompanied by its “Large Window” hardtop and Cardex, this gorgeous 190 SL includes the original owner’s manual, original spare wheel and tire.

Professionally detailed and ready to drive away this stunning classic could be yours for the 2018/19 summer.

The 190 SL has always followed the 300 SL’s in terms of collectability and design elements like chrome flashes over the wheel arches and curvy architecture directly mirror the 300 SL's. Finding a 190 SL in this condition is incredibly rare and values are ever increasing.