1960 MERCEDES-BENZ 190 SL - Lot 103

1960 MERCEDES-BENZ 190 SL Chassis no. 12104010016263 U.S. customs clearance 846 A Bodywork recently restored by a specialist from Lyon Mechanics overhauled Eligible for numerous rallies Presented at the 1954 New York Auto Show, the Mercedes-Benz 190 SL was designed as a compact version of the 300 SL. Developed in collaboration with Max Hoffman, Mercedes-Benz's U.S. importer, it retained the lines of the 300 SL while adopting a more accessible format. Equipped with an 1,897 cm³ (105 hp) 4-cylinder engine, 4-speed manual gearbox, independent front suspension, rear semi-axles and steel bodywork with aluminum doors. Designed by Karl Wilfert and Walter Hackert, the 190 SL takes its styling cues from the 300 SL, but is about 30 cm shorter. The chassis is derived from the 180 sedan, also shortened by 25 cm. Produced in 25,881 examples, the 190 SL was replaced in 1963 by the 230 SL "Pagoda". This example is of American origin and was imported into France. The bodywork was recently restored by a specialist from Lyon (revised underpinnings and new paintwork), and the mechanics overhauled. The soft top and upholstery are also in good condition, and the fuel pump has recently been replaced. The Mercedes-Benz 190 SL is representative of the brand's history in the 1950s, and its parts availability facilitates maintenance. 1960 MERCEDES-BENZ 190 SL Chassis no. 12104010016263 US registration document cleared 846 A Bodywork recently restored by a specialist in Lyon Mechanics serviced Eligible for numerous rallies Unveiled in 1954 at the New York Motor Show, the Mercedes-Benz 190 SL was designed as a compact version of the 300 SL. Developed in collaboration with Max Hoffman, the Mercedes-Benz importer in the United States, it echoes the lines of the 300 SL while adopting a more accessible format. It was equipped with a 1,897 cc 4-cylinder engine (105 hp) with a 4-speed manual gearbox, independent front suspension, rear swing axles and steel bodywork with aluminium doors. Designed by Karl Wilfert and Walter Hackert, the 190 SL retained the aesthetics of the 300 SL but was shortened by around 30 cm. The chassis was derived from the 180 saloon, which was also shortened by 25 cm. Produced in 25,881 units, the 190 SL was replaced in 1963 by the 230 SL 'Pagoda'. This example is of American origin and was imported into France. The bodywork has been recently restored by a specialist in Lyon (underbody revised and new paintwork), and the mechanics have been overhauled. The soft top and upholstery are in good condition and the fuel pump has been recently replaced. The Mercedes-Benz 190 SL is a model representative of the brand's history in the 1950s and benefits from the availability of parts, which makes it easy to maintain.