Highlights
- Beautifully restored to a superlative standard
- Comprehensive rebuild of the original matching-numbers engine
- Finished in the quintessential Mercedes-Benz DB-180 Silver Metallic
- Detailed photographic record of the restoration work
The Appeal
Introduced as an affordable alternative to the 300 SL, the world's first 'supercar', the 190 SL featured two fewer cylinders and was offered solely in convertible form. The elegant styling bore a great resemblance to its six-cylinder sibling, so it's no surprise that the 190 SL sold exceedingly well after it debuted to great fanfare at the 1954 New York Motor Show.
The vendor remarks:
"A true embodiment of style and performance, the 190SL delivered race-bred technology in a refined, open-top package, captivating enthusiasts worldwide. From 1955 to 1963, nearly 26,000 were produced, yet only a fraction remain today, making this a highly sought-after classic.
The vendor remarks:
"A true embodiment of style and performance, the 190SL delivered race-bred technology in a refined, open-top package, captivating enthusiasts worldwide. From 1955 to 1963, nearly 26,000 were produced, yet only a fraction remain today, making this a highly sought-after classic.
"The 190SL also marked the beginning of Mercedes-Benz’s bespoke ordering philosophy, allowing owners to tailor their cars like a fine suit. From elaborate colour schemes and upholstery choices to unique accessories and even a rare sports-racing package, the 190SL set the stage for personalised luxury. This striking roadster played a pivotal role in establishing Mercedes-Benz in the North American market, igniting a passion that continues over 70 years later."
Of this car, the vendor states:
"Believed to have been a US-delivered car, this 190SL retains its original matching-numbers engine, which has since undergone a comprehensive rebuild. During restoration, the interior was fully re-trimmed in red leather with leather-piped German square weave carpeting.
Of this car, the vendor states:
"Believed to have been a US-delivered car, this 190SL retains its original matching-numbers engine, which has since undergone a comprehensive rebuild. During restoration, the interior was fully re-trimmed in red leather with leather-piped German square weave carpeting.
"This example stands out for its integrity—a solid, accident-free, and rust-free southern-state car, a rarity among 190SLs. A detailed photographic record documents both the engine restoration and the vehicle’s remarkable original condition when rediscovered in Georgia.
"The engine bay is particularly noteworthy, meticulously detailed and restored with an emphasis on correctness. Components have been carefully refinished, with plating and presentation executed to a high standard.
"For collectors and enthusiasts alike, this well-restored 190SL presents an excellent opportunity to own a classic Mercedes-Benz with documented history and timeless appeal."
History and Paperwork
- Originally delivered to the US in left-hand drive
- Last documented transfer dated 10th January 1989
- Acquired by Peter Kumar of Gullwing Motor Cars before repatriation to Germany in 2017
- Comprehensive restoration completed in Germany
- Detailed photographic record of restoration and original condition
Discovered in a Georgia storage unit over a decade ago, this 190SL was previously owned by Mr. C.P. Smardz, with its last documented transfer dated January 10, 1989. Hidden away for decades, it was later acquired by P. Kumar of Gullwing Motor Cars in Astoria, New York, before being repatriated to Germany in 2017. There, it underwent an extensive body restoration and was refinished in Silver Metallic (DB-180), with a reupholstered mohair hood.
Thanks to the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center and the accompanying Chassis Zertifikat (Data Card), we know this car was originally delivered as follows:
• Engine Number: 121 928 10 000109
• Transmission Number: 022550
• Front Axle Numbers: L: 022530 / R: 022534
• Rear Axle Number: 015195 3/9
• Steering Box Number: W 1969
• Original Exterior Color: 050 – Weiss (White)
Factory Options:
• 723 – Folding Top, Navy Blue
• 320 – Left Rear-View Mirror Not Installed, Mounting Fixture Present
• 330 – Special Order Item
• 319 – Box for Hardtop
The Condition
- Bodywork extensively restored and refinished in Silver Metallic (DB-180)
- Interior fully re-trimmed in red leather with leather-piped German square weave carpeting
- Mohair hood reupholstered to a high standard
- Complete with matching hard top
- Solid, accident-free, and reportedly corrosion-free southern-state car
- Slight pitting to the grille badge
- Meticulously detailed engine bay with high-standard plating and presentation
As the accompanying photographs attest, this SL presents impeccably and it has evidently been restored to an exceedingly good standard. The bodywork looks superb, with good panel fit and crisp swage lines, while the paint gleams and exhibits no notable imperfections. The chromework too looks very good, with just a little pitting and wear in places upon close inspection. The cabin looks fantastic, with minimal wear to the upholstery, carpets and controls.
The Mechanics
- 1.9-litre (1,897cc) petrol inline-four
- Four-speed manual transmission
- Original matching-numbers engine comprehensively rebuilt
- Components carefully refinished for correctness
- Emphasis on high-standard restoration and presentation
We've seldom seen a cleaner engine bay than this. All looks bright, glossy and impeccably well-kept under the bonnet and we're assured that the Mercedes drives exceptionally well. The car retains its original engine, which we're informed has been comprehensively rebuilt to an excellent standard.
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