Footnotes

• 'With some considerable experience with it during the 5 years since its introduction, we can state unequivocally that this machine is one of the finest 2-seater coupes on the market today. As a tribute to the excellent, all-round, well-balanced design, no really large changes have been made since our first test of the car.' – Road & Track magazine on the Mercedes-Benz 190 SL, December 1960.
  
  In 1954 Mercedes-Benz had introduced the 300 SL sports car, a 'Gullwing' coupé inspired by the German manufacturer's highly successful 300 Super Leicht series of sports-racers that had spearheaded its return to international competition. Expensive and exclusive, the 300SL caused a sensation and set new standards for high performance sports cars.
  
  For those insufficiently wealthy to afford its hyper-expensive race-bred sports car, Mercedes-Benz offered the less exotic but no less refined 190 SL. Announced in 1954 and based on the 180 saloon whose all-independently-suspended running gear it used, the 190 SL 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.
  
  Mounted on a detachable sub-frame 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 carburettors, the M121 unit produced 105bhp DIN (120bhp SAE) at 5,700rpm, an output sufficient to propel the 190SL to 100km/h (62mph) in 14.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 171km/h (106mph); it was also relatively economical. Road & Track found that 'on the highway an 80mph cruising speed is extremely comfortable and well within the car's capabilities, both as to engine durability and roadability.'
  
  With its four-speed, all-synchromesh gearbox, servo-assisted hydraulic drum brakes and fully independent suspension, the 190 SL was both more refined and more comfortable than any contemporary British sports car. The model was a big hit in the USA where many of the slightly fewer than 26,000 produced between 1955 and 1963 found homes.
  
  This left-hand drive 190 SL was imported recently from South Africa where it had been subject to a 'last nut and bolt' concours-standard restoration, which included a colour change from Medium Grey (DB116) to Black (DB040). It is now UK registered and will come to the sale MoT'd and tax-exempt until 2017. With its superb colour combination of black bodywork and cream leather upholstery, this beautiful 190 SL convertible is a desirable acquisition for the discerning collector.
  

Saleroom notices

• Please note that this car has been withdrawn due to a mechanical issue with the gearbox. This is being repaired and the car will be offered at our Goodwood Festival of Speed Sale on the 30th of June.