Description
The little star with a real story
Often eclipsed by its more famous sister, the 300 SL, the 190 SL is far from a secondary model. Where the 300 SL shone on circuits with its gull-wing doors and mechanical fuel injection, the 190 SL targeted a different audience: those who valued above all style and the pleasure of a relaxed drive, rather than raw performance. To see it as a bargain-basement version would miss what makes its charm.
This 1962 example is a fine illustration of that. Dressed in a pale Hellblau blue, almost frosted, it catches the eye without overdoing it. The beige leather interior, practically perfect, softens the whole and creates an ambience that is both elegant and warm.
But what makes this 190 SL truly endearing is its history. Sold new in Oregon, it has had only three owners and its service history goes back to 1981. It comes with the original manual, the service booklet, and even an official spare-parts catalogue – enough to delight any Mercedes classic enthusiast. And then there are the letters exchanged between one of the former owners and the painter responsible for its restoration: small details that speak volumes about the care lavished on this car.
Since 2012, it has benefited from numerous well-considered upgrades. New hood, rebuilt frame, freshly restored interior, modern electronic ignition (1-2-3 Ignition)… Practical improvements that make it more pleasant to live with daily, without betraying its original spirit. Even the Becker Europa radio is still there, for a retro touch that hits the mark.
On the road, it quickly becomes clear that this is not a pure sports car in the strict sense. The small 1. 9-litre four is gentle, the suspension comfortable, the steering light. It doesn’t try to impress with performance, but to offer a genuine driving experience: hair in the wind, a purring engine, and a road opening up ahead. If the 300 SL resembles a high-precision Swiss watch, the 190 SL evokes rather a fine mechanical watch patinated by time – less radical, but just as endearing.
Ultimately, this car embodies better than any other what Mercedes offered its customers in the 1950s and 60s. The 300 SL was the exception, the technological showcase. The 190 SL was the reality – and this one is a superb example. It has enough patina, well-thought-out improvements, and above all a clear and touching story.
If you’re looking for a 190 SL that has been driven, loved and cared for with attention without being frozen into an overly pristine restoration, this one truly deserves a look. It may not be the star of the range, but it’s surely the one you’d want to take on a weekend away.
