1,897cc SOHC Inline 4-Cylinder Engine
2 Solex Carburetors
105bhp at 5,700rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Drum Brakes

*Delivered new to California
*Matching numbers example
*Offered with history file and original hardtop
*Lovely example of the classic 190SL
*Carefully documented since new


THE MERCEDES-BENZ 190SL

For those insufficiently wealthy to afford its hyper-expensive, race-bred sports car - the 300SL - Mercedes-Benz offered the less exotic but no less refined 190SL. Announced in 1954 and based on the 180 saloon, whose all-independently-suspended running gear it used, the 190SL did not enter production until January 1955, the delay being caused by alterations aimed at strengthening the saloon's shortened platform to compensate for the open body's reduced stiffness. "Very few new sports cars have been so eagerly awaited or so long in coming as the moderately priced SL version of the Mercedes-Benz," observed Road & Track magazine.

Mounted on a detachable subframe along with the four-speed manual gearbox, front suspension and steering, the power unit was a 1,897cc overhead-camshaft four, the first such engine ever to feature in a Mercedes-Benz. Breathing through twin Solex downdraft carburetors, this M121 power unit produced 105bhp at 5,700rpm, an output sufficient to propel the 190SL to 100km/h in 14.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 171km/h. The fact that the 190's ride was more boulevard than sporting, and that many contemporary sports cars could outperform it while costing a good deal less, did nothing to deter sales. The model was a big hit in the US, where a good percentage of the slightly fewer than 26,000 produced between 1955 and 1963 found homes.


THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

According the its Mercedes-Benz data card, this beautiful 190SL left the factory on October 30th, 1957 - destined for Los Angeles, California. The car was shipped in the elegant shade of 050 white, complimented by a black hardtop and black leather interior.

The car was sold new to Mrs. Margaret Ann Maloney of Beverly Hills, California. After getting married and moving to Malibu, Margaret sold her beloved roadster to Frank Montano Gradillas of Venice, California in 1971. Mr. Gradillas would own the car until 1977 at which point it wound up on a used car lot where it would be discovered by its long term owner, Lorne Wilton of El Segundo, California. Mr. Wilton lovingly cared for the car for the next 37 years.

In 2014, the roadster was purchased by the consignor who treated the highly original, numbers matching, solid California car. Not long before he sold the car, Lorne had retrimmed the interior and top as well as repainted the car. More recently in the present ownership, the 190 has had the engine detailed, new whitewall tires installed, and correct rubber floor mats fitted.

Replete with documentation of its history including old registrations going back to the 1960s, this original California Black Plate 190SL is set apart by its known past and lovely presentation. Still numbers matching and retaining its original hardtop, it is certain to turn heads wherever it arrives and warrants further inspection.