A gorgeous 190SL in a very desirable color combination. An older restoration that has been well-preserved and presents in excellent condition. $6000 in recent service work. Great for touring and enjoyment on the road.

Mercedes-Benz had a diverse portfolio of vehicles in the 1950s. From passenger cars to heavy trucks and buses, the great Stuttgart manufacturer had virtually every corner of the market covered. At the leading edge of the car range sat the stunning and technologically advanced 300SL Coupe and Roadster. The 300SL tubular space frame construction and Bosch mechanical fuel-injection brought racing technology to the road for a select few buyers. Moving further down the lineup from the 300SL however, buyers found rather staid and conservative cars– solid, luxurious automobiles that were handsome and exceptionally constructed, though lacking any real sporting focus. Customers who could not afford the exorbitantly-priced 300SL longed for a sports car that shared its lineage. Finally, in 1955 an affordable sports car debuted that shared the 300SL DNA, though with less complexity. The R121 platform was based on the W121 Ponton sedan and unlike the 300SL with its tubular spaceframe, the 190SL was built on a simple monocoque unibody platform. To keep costs under control, the 190SL shared its front suspension arms, swing axle rear end with the mighty 300, while the engine and gearbox were sourced from the Ponton Sedans. The platform was skinned in a handsome and elegant body that drew cues from the 300SL and was available as either a coupe (with removable hardtop) or Roadster (folding soft top only). The 190SL was a great success and it paved the way for a distinctly Mercedes version of the traditional sports car – relaxed, elegant cars with a sporting edge and exceptional quality.

This handsome 1959 Mercedes Benz 190SL is a very sharp example that has benefited from a cosmetic restoration and is ready for enjoyment. Finished in original color of black (DB40) over gorgeous red leather (641), it looks resplendent on wide whitewall tires and color-keyed wheel covers. The black paintwork is very straight down the sides, with deep gloss and good finishes all round. Panel fit is very good all around, with factory-quality consistency and that solid, satisfying clunk when you close the doors. Some flaws are visible when viewed closely, though they hardly detract from what is a very attractive car overall. The chrome on the bumpers and grille are excellent, appearing to have been replated at the time of restoration. The bright trim, door caps and windscreen frame are similarly good, in good order with some light scuffs from regular use, particularly on the door caps.
Beautiful red leather offsets the black paint brilliantly. The bucket seats are in very good order, with only the lightest creasing in the leather, showing the car has been used and enjoyed. Correct squareweave carpets are also in red, bound in matching leather. Leather also covers the door panels, dash top and convertible top boot, all presenting in excellent order. The ivory bakelite steering wheel is a lovely thing to hold, and a period appropriate Blaupunkt radio is fitted in the dash. Should the weather take a turn, a nearly new black soft top keeps occupants dry. Correctly finished in black on tan Sonnendek canvas as original, the fit is excellent and operation very easy.

On the road is where this example shines. It has been upgraded to dual Weber DCOE carburetors and it delivers snappy performance from the 1.9 liter Inline Four. The suspension and brakes feel strong and composed, and the car has a feeling of a well-maintained example. Receipts show a comprehensive $6,000 suspension rebuild in 2015, including rear axle bearings and seals. Engine, transmission and brakes all feel strong, and while a 190SL could hardly be accused of being fast, there’s a certain buzz you get from driving one regardless of how fast you’re going. Values of the 190SL have skyrocketed in recent years as collectors have grown to appreciate their exceptional quality and elegant style. This is a fine example that is ready to be enjoyed on the road or at casual shows.

The Deposit:
Please be ready to place a deposit within 48 hours of auction's close. All transactions must be completed within 7 days of the end of auction. If the car is not as represented upon your personal inspection at our dealership location, you will be under no obligation to purchase.

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Seller reserves the right to end this listing at anytime should the vehicle no longer be available for sale. Professional pre-purchase inspections are welcome but must be made before the auction ends. Please ask any question before bidding. We have described the above mentioned vehicle to the best of our ability. However, with all pre-owned automobiles, the condition is subjective, so we recommend that the potential buyer fly out to inspect as well as test drive any of the vehicles before finalizing purchase. If your personal inspection is not possible, we will be glad to help facilitate an inspection by your chosen local independent service center and will make arrangements to deliver the vehicle to them for this purpose.

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We reserve the right to end the auction at any time.

We will happily assist with worldwide transportation at the buyer's expense. In person delivery is available at our showroom in Breinigsville, PA. We are located just 20 minutes from ABE airport and centrally located between Philadelphia or New York City.