Mercedes-Benz 190 SL in first paint

If you closely observe the market for classic cars, you quickly realize that some vehicle models are apparently only offered in restored condition (or as wrecks). These include early years of the Porsche 911 and the Mercedes-Benz 190 SL, which was launched in 1955 below the larger 300 SL with a similar design to appeal to a younger clientele – especially in the United States. It was based on the pontoon 190 sedan, series W190, but received the additional name ‘B II’ due to the other body shape. Analogous to the 300, the three-digit number stated the displacement in centiliters. Under the hood sat a inline four-cylinder engine, which had 77 kW/105 PS and 142 newtonmeters of torque from 1.9 liters of displacement. Thus, the two-seater Roadster reaches up to 106 mph.

Mercedes-Benz presented the first prototype at the New York Auto Show 1954. At that time, the car was still wearing an air scoop on the hood and smooth rear fenders without the beads known from the 300 SL. From May 1955, the 190 SL was produced alongside the 300 SL in Sindelfingen until February 8, 1963. All together 25,881 copies were built of which 5,245 were delivered to German customers and 10,368 went to the US. In Germany the car became famous because of Rosemarie Nitribitt, a noble prostitute who owned a black 190 SL with red leather. Other prominent owners of the time were Gina Lollobrigida, Romy Schneider, Grace Kelly, Frank Sinatra, Alfred Hitchcock, Zsa Zsa Gabor and Toni Sailer.

Especially in the past 10 to 15 years, the prices for well-restored Mercedes-Benz 190 SL increased significantly. Really preserved vehicles are no more due to the low rust prevention back in those years. Even in the dry southern states of the USA, the stock has now been decimated significantly. High restoration costs and comparatively low values also led to decades of low-quality restorations, which should ultimately serve only to be able to move the respective car on the roads, without investing too much money. Accordingly, caution applies to today’s interested parties. One should spend more than a glance at the small details and consult an expert.

But sometimes, very rarely, little wonders like this happen. The Beuerberg-Collection, better known as Cargold, was given the opportunity to acquire a Mercedes-Benz 190 SL from Switzerland, which was stored dry by its last owner since 1968 with only 59,173 kilometers on the odometer. As a result the car carries to date its original silver paint as well as the original black leather in the interior, the original gearbox under the car and the original engine under the hood. Of course there are small traces of usage, but compared to other vehicles that have been regularly on the road in the last 50 to 60 years, this is almost a new car, ready to start into a new life with a new owner.

Images: Cargold – Beuerberg-Collection