1960 MERCEDES-BENZ 190 SL - Lot 261

1960 MERCEDES-BENZ 190 SL Chassis 12104010016263 U.S. registration Customs cleared, certificate 846 A Presented in 1954 in New York, the Mercedes Benz 190 SL was designed to be a small 300 SL. Derived from the legendary star model, this little Roadster was designed in collaboration with Max Hoffman, the Mercedes Benz importer in the United States. This Mercedes-Benz 190 SL Roadster is powered by an 1897 cm3 in-line 4-cylinder engine developing 105 hp via twin carburetors. The engine is mated to a 4-speed manual gearbox. The chassis is based on independent front suspension and rear semi-axles with coil springs and 4 hydraulically-operated drum brakes. It was the work of in-house designers Karl Wilfert and Walter Hackert, who were commissioned to create a car resembling the 300SL but 30 cm smaller. Derived from the platform chassis of the modest 180 sedan, it was shortened by 25 cm. The body is in steel, but the four doors (doors, rear trunk and hood) are in aluminum. The 190 SL ended its career with a total production run of 2,5881 units. To replace the 300 SL "butterfly", the 1957 Geneva Motor Show was the launch pad for the 190 SL's big sister: the 300 SL roadster. It closely resembled the 190 cabriolet, but the dimensions were not the same. These two cabriolets were replaced in 1963 by a new model positioned in an intermediate range, the 230 SL "pagoda". This model originated in the United States. Imported a few years ago, it is in generally good condition. The hood is in good condition, as is the upholstery. It may have been restored in the past. The fuel pump has recently been replaced. A symbol of the 50s, the 190 SL is a fine entry into the world of collecting. Its eligibility for numerous rallies, its parts availability and its rare elegance make it a choice piece. 1960 MERCEDES-BENZ 190 SL Chassis 12104010016263 American registration Sold out, certificate 846 A Presented in 1954 in New York, the Mercedes 190 SL was designed to be a small 300 SL. Derived from the legendary model with the star, this little Roadster was designed in collaboration with Max Hoffman, Mercedes' importer in the United States. This Mercedes-Benz 190 SL Roadster is equipped with an 1897 cm3 in-line 4-cylinder engine developing 105 bhp thanks to two carburettors. The engine is mated to a 4-speed manual gearbox. The chassis is based on independent front suspension and rear semi-axles with coil springs and 4 hydraulically-operated drum brakes. It was the work of in-house designers Karl Wilfert and Walter Hackert, who were commissioned to create a car resembling the 300SL but 30 cm smaller. It was derived from the platform chassis of the modest 180 saloon, which was shortened by 25 cm. The body was in steel, but the four doors (doors, rear boot and bonnet) were in aluminium. The 190 SL ended its career with a total production run of 2,581 units. To replace the 300 SL 'butterfly', the 1957 Geneva Motor Show was the launch pad for the 190 SL's big sister: the 300 SL roadster. It closely resembled the 190 cabriolet, but the dimensions were not the same. These two cabriolets were replaced in 1963 by a new model positioned in an intermediate range, the 230 SL 'pagoda'. Like most of these cars, this one came from the United States. Imported a few years ago, it is in generally good condition, with a good soft top and upholstery. We therefore assume that this Mercedes has been restored in its lifetime. The fuel pump has recently been replaced. A symbol of the 50s, the 190 SL is a fine entry into the world of collecting. Its eligibility for numerous rallies, its availability of parts and its rare elegance make it a choice piece.