Beskrivning
Imperial War Museum | Duxford, Cambridgeshire
Viewing: Tues 8th April from 12pm
Auction: Wed 9th April from 9am
Location: IWM Duxford Airfield, Cambridge CB22 4QR
1956 Mercedes-Benz 190SL
Estimate
£70, 000 - £90, 000
Registration No: VSV 526
Chassis No: the details below
MOT: Exempt
Subject to a complete body and mechanical overhaul during the 2010s
Presented in the desirable colour scheme of Mercedes Silver over a Dark Blue leather interior
Recently subject to mechanical recommissioning after a period of dry storage
Supplied with matching body-colour genuine hardtop
The 190SL was introduced in 1955 – the year Mercedes swept all before it on the Mille Miglia with the 300SLR. Indeed, the graceful convertible grand tourer was sold alongside the road-going version of the SLR – the 300SL - whose styling it strongly resembled. In fact, the underpinnings of the two cars were quite different and, while the 300SL had a purpose-built tubular spaceframe (W198), its smaller sibling was built on a shortened version of the ‘Ponton’ saloon (W121) platform, which was of monocoque construction. The 190SL also boasted an all-new engine - an over-square SOHC straight-four unit of 1897cc that produced some 120bhp, which was sufficient to propel the car to a maximum speed of 112mph. The engine was coupled to a manual four-speed gearbox. The suspension comprised double wishbones and coil springs at the front and a coil-sprung swing axle at the rear. Steering was by recirculating ball and braking by power-assisted drums all round. Built to the highest standards and among the quickest comparable cars of the time, the 190SL featured a well-appointed cockpit, notable comfort for its occupants and relatively generous luggage space. The 190SL continued in production until 1963, when both it and the 300SL were replaced by the 230SL (W113). By this time 25, 881 190SLs had been produced.
According to build records on file, chassis the details below was despatched from the factory on the 14th July 1956 and originally painted in White, with black leather upholstery. Little is known of the early history of the two-seater, however it is known that the car was first delivered to the German home market before being registered in the Netherlands in 1968, where it was to remain until 2015 when it was imported to the UK by the previous owner. Upon arrival on UK shores, the 190SL was given the registration number ‘VSV 526’ by the DVLA and it is understood that it was around this time that the car was treated to a complete cosmetic and mechanical refresh and was repainted in the very attractive Mercedes Silver-Grey over Dark Blue Leather livery that it presents in today. A bill on file from Red Castle Classics of Caerphilly dating to 2019 evidences the fitment of a new mohair hood, painting of the hub caps and a major service which included setting valve clearances. The vendor acquired ‘VSV 526’ in 2022 after having spent over a year searching for the ‘right’ car and having viewed at least 10 examples. A now semi-retired master mechanic, the vendor was very specific about the car retaining a certain amount of originality and that the bodywork had to be in his view ‘tip-top’. Having found the Roadster, he purchased it with the view that he would be able to complete small mechanical tasks where necessary and use it during the summer months. Unfortunately, due to the vendor’s busy lifestyle, the 190SL has been sat relatively unused in his dry garage since acquisition and having performed minor tasks to improve the car and set it up ‘as well as it can be’, an imminent house move has taken priority, and it has been decided that the car should now find a new home.
Upon inspection, it was noted that this example of Mercedes’ baby-roadster is certainly a very good-looking example, and the colour scheme has been particularly well chosen. Still running on the original twin Solex carburettors, it was noted during our short run to the photography session that the car was particularly pleasant to drive and resultingly evoked nostalgic thoughts of 1950’s and 60’s sunny Hollywood, where so many of these cars found favour with the moving picture stars of the time. The vendor’s opinion of the car is that it is ‘very good all round’ and pointed out only minor imperfections to us such as a small pinhole in the rear bumper that was chromed over, although this does evidence the car’s originality.
The appeal of the 190SL has never faded and ‘VSV 526’ is now offered by the vendor having had some mechanical improvements ready for the H&H Duxford sale on April 9th. Offered complete with a hard to find body-coloured hardtop, the history file is complete with UK V5C, import paperwork and a photocopy of the aforementioned Mercedes-Benz build record.
** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Parking and entry into the auction is free for auction attendees with a catalogue, available at the door.
