1956 Mercedes-Benz 190SL
HIGHLIGHTS
Former AACA National First, Senior, and Grand National Winner
16 Top-Tier Awards Including Seven “Best of Show”
Matching-Numbers Engine per Copy of Factory Build Record
Equipped with Factory Hardtop and Rare Third Passenger Seat
One of Only 4,032 Examples Built for 1956
Recent Sorting and Service Work (2024)
SPECIFICATIONS
VIN - 121.042.6502590
Engine – 1.9L Four Cylinder
Gearbox – 4 Speed Manual
Drivetrain - Front Engine, RWD
PRICING INFORMATION
OVERVIEW
The Mercedes-Benz 190SL debuted at the 1954 New York Auto Show and officially launched for production when shown at the 1955 Geneva Auto Salon. Positioned on the same stage as the impressive 300SL Gullwing, the 190SL presented as a beautiful and affordable way to enjoy Mercedes quality and refinement in a sporty convertible. Inspired by US distributor and European importer Max Hoffman, the 190SL positioned Mercedes-Benz as a luxury-sport brand specifically aimed at growing North American markets. The modest $4000 price point made the 190SL an attractive value for young couples and aspiring singles. The 1.9-liter SOHC engine, equipped with twin Solex carburetors and coupled to the 4-speed transmission, delivered spirited performance and fine handling was provided via double-wishbone coil spring front suspension and swing axles with coil springs in the rear. Today, the 190SL has become a highly desirable collectable for the same reasons when new, offering stylish good looks in a convertible configuration with delightful performance manners.
This beautifully restored 190SL is one of 4,032 examples originally built for 1956 production. According to the accompanying documents and a copy of the Mercedes-Benz data card, this car was completed June 9, 1956, and dispatched to the selling dealer, Mercedes-Benz, Los Angeles, CA. Finished in erdbeerrot metallic (strawberry) DB543 and trimmed in black leather 953, the car was also fitted with an optional transverse rear seat, suitable for a small third passenger. Circa 1990 then-owner Tom Reiger commissioned a high-quality professional restoration addressing every aspect of the car in an effort to achieve a highly competitive concours level presentation. The SL was refinished in its original shade by the esteemed Bob Platz, a renowned expert in mid-century Mercedes restorations. The results proved successful achieving Best of Show, Senior Award at the 1991 International 190SL Group show. For the next decade, this 190SL would go on to achieve seven Best of Show wins, six Senior Awards, three First Place wins, and numerous other accolades celebrating the superb restoration of this beautifully restored 190SL.
The current owner purchased this car in 2015, participating in local shows while enjoying modest use and consistent preservation. In preparation for consignment, local experts at Vintage Racing Motors performed an oil and filter change, installed new brake wheel cylinders, and new shifter bushings.
Today this 190SL presents as an extraordinarily fine example of a mature restoration that has been continuously maintained and preserved by expert professionals. Presented with the removable factory hardtop (early series small rear window), the smooth, glossy strawberry red paint has been beautifully applied to the body surfaces, door jambs, and under hood areas. Inner body color surfaces are consistent showing excellent fit and finish around the perimeter folded metal panel lines and inner construction edges. Details such as this are consistent with sound original cars ideally preserved as excellent subjects for restoration. The doors shut very well returning that distinctive precision sound when closed. The body panels feature even gaps with crisp latching and smooth release. The hood exhibits excellent fit and tight closure with consistent perimeter gaps, a challenging detail particularly on “floating” forward hinged hoods. The chrome throughout is in near perfect condition, with deep luster and bright reflections. All lenses, lighting, and glass are also in excellent condition including the distinctive script lettering, rectangular fog lamps, and uniquely trimmed speedline fender forms. The elegant yet sporting theme of the 190SL is enhanced with white wall tires and correctly painted and polished wheel covers.
The interior features a stunning combination of glossy and matte finishes reflecting accurate details consistent with original specifications. The black leather seats are beautifully softened by moderate use but still reflect excellent pleating, piping, and bucket seat contours. The rear storage area is fitted with an optional transverse rear seat which consists of seat bottom and side panel padding suitable for smaller transvers seated passengers to travel on short trips. The dash is beautifully rendered in matching red and black displaying stunning instruments, beautifully polished chrome bezels, and crisp numeric indication to all gauges. The dash is topped with padded black material extending the width of the dashboard. The interior door panels, armrests, and various trim are all in exceptional condition matching the condition of the seats and dashboard.
The correctly contoured grey molded rubber floor covering is in like-new condition, properly formed to the contoured floor and transmission tunnel. A Becker-Mexico AM/FM shortwave radio is installed in the dashboard with an under-dash selector unit just above the 4-speed transmission gearshift handle. The car is trimmed with a handsomely fitting black folding canvas soft top which features a large plastic rear window, correct inner material liner, correctly welted top irons, and beautifully finished tinted plexiglass sun visors mounted at the windshield header. The optional hardtop is finished in matching strawberry red with correct headliner material. The trunk compartment is correctly trimmed with a grey fluted rubber mat properly finished satin black inner surfaces and a matching size spare wheel.
The engine compartment is consistent with the superlative restoration featuring correct original finishes presented with accuracy and exemplary detail. The castings, original engine block, correctly finished components, original Solex carburetors, and correctly finished air filter box are all finished to a high standard. Attention to correct lines, hoses, and electrical wiring, as well as correct factory markings and labels is evident throughout the engine compartment. The inner fenders, cowl, and delicate heater boxes are further examples of restoration artistry.
In addition to the exceptionally fine restoration work performed on the primarily visible surfaces and features of this car, the underside is a remarkable achievement of accuracy and cleanliness especially considering that more than 30 years have lapsed since the restoration was completed.
This 190SL is accompanied by an owner’s manual and service book, a matching color hardtop and hardtop stand, black top boot, and documentation stating the numerous significant awards this car has achieved. This is a wonderful opportunity to acquire an award-winning 190SL boasting stunning finishes, matching numbers, and superb mechanical operation. Ready for touring or concours events, this 190SL captures all the enjoyment and driving pleasure that only a classic Mercedes-Benz of this distinction can readily deliver.
*Please note this vehicle is titled as a 1957 model year.
Please contact Jason at 206-355-7727 or Hans at 425-417-5877 for more information on this vehicle.
