1959 Mercedes Benz 190 SL Type R121

Lot 6
Go to lot
Estimation :
90000 - 110000 EUR
1959 Mercedes Benz 190 SL Type R121
Serial number 121040-01-4269 Nice restoration condition Important file of original documents Original Hard Top French title "Baby SL » Designed for the American market at the instigation of Daimler-Benz importer Mr Hoffman, the 190 SL was launched in 1955 as the "small" 300 SL Gullwing which caused a sensation across the Atlantic after a victory over the Carrera Panamericana. The two models have very similar aesthetics; its nickname "Baby SL" comes from its less powerful and less noble mechanics than the 300 SL but also from its size, 30 cm smaller than its big sister. Powered by an 1897cc 4-cylinder engine developing 105 horsepower thanks to two Solex dual-body carburetors and an overhead camshaft, the 190 SL could reach a top speed of 175 km/h. Together with the 300 SL, the two cars are the first of the SL range for "Sport Leicht", which can be roughly translated as "Light Sport"; and even though the 190 has aluminium doors, it still weighs more than 1100 kg, a very German concept of lightness compared to the English roadsters that were common in the mid-1950s. Thanks to a chassis based on independent front suspension and rear swinging half axles with coil springs and 4 hydraulically operated drum brakes, the 190 offers a very reassuring comfort to its occupants and is very pleasant to cruise in a German quality leather, chrome and bakelite interior. Produced in just over 25,000 units up to 1963, it will be replaced by the W113 model, Pagoda with a design that breaks with that of the 190. In 1959, Mrs. Carol D, a 21-year-old American, ordered this 190 SL from the parent factory in Germany. However, she was not content to just have the car delivered to the United States but set off to Stuttgart herself to pick up her convertible and drive it around Europe. The period documents preserved until today bear witness to this road trip thanks to the stamps left by the Mercedes dealerships throughout her journey. He
My orders
Sale information
Sales conditions
Return to catalogue