MOTOR CARS | 285
4‘It proved to be fast and tireless, exhilarating to drive and was
probably created with long distance, comfortable travel in mind...’
The Autocar on the Mercedes-Benz 190SL, 10th January 1956.
As economic conditions improved after WW2 it became inevitable
that Mercedes-Benz would return to the racetrack. The result was
the superb 300 Super Leicht series of sports-racing cars that
proved so successful in international competition. In 1954 the
road-going 300SL ‘Gullwing’ coupt was introduced, causing a
sensation and setting new standards for high performance sports
cars. The following year saw the 300SL joined by a smaller-
engined roadster with broadly similar styling - the 190SL. It
shared the same wheelbase as its big sister and was powered by
a 1,897cc overhead-camshaft four - the first such engine ever to
feature in a Mercedes-Benz. The new model combined 100mph-
plus performance with economical fuel consumption in the region
of 25-30 miles per gallon.
It featured a four-speed, all-synchromesh gearbox, servo-assisted
hydraulic drum brakes and rode on fully independent suspension.
This advance suspension set-up meant that the 190SL was more
comfortable than any contemporary British sports car and unlike the
180 saloon, on which its mechanical components were based, it had
a floor-mounted gearchange. The model was available as a two-
seater convertible or coupt, and production continued until 1963.First registered in the UK in October 2013, this early 190SL was
supplied new in Italy and is understood to have had only two
owners prior to the last one purchasing it. The car was restored in
Italy to an exceptionally high standard; indeed, its appearance is
remarkable and every detail shows the high calibre of workmanship
involved. Finished in white with red leather interior and contrasting
black hood, it presents as if it were a one-year-old example, with
insignificant wear. ‘129 YUY’ will have been fully serviced and
freshly MoT’d prior to sale by one of the UK’s leading Mercedes-
Benz specialists. One of the best examples currently available, the
car is offered with Mercedes-Benz dating letter, owner’s manual
(in French), ASI/FIVA card, Italian Certificato di Proprieta, MoT to
August 2015 and V5C registration document.
£75,000 - 80,000
€94,000 - 100,000