∙Fabulous coachwork in light metallic blue

∙Engine rebuilt in 2015; upgraded to Weber carburettors

∙Wonderful period-correct interior 

∙Extremely pleasant to drive

In the pantheon of classic Mercedes-Benz this model is a seldom-seen choice, as just 25,881 examples of the 190 SL were built in its 1955-63 production run.

And those two letters in the name, standing for Sport Leicht, are hugely significant; over the generations, Mercedes SLs have become a massive cultural phenomenon – if you’re a regular browser of our auctions, you’ll have seen that the R107s of the 1970s and ’80s are wildly popular, and the Pagoda is a premium delicacy among collectors – and it all started here with this car.

Along with its gullwinged 300 SL sister, the 190 SL stamped out a new blueprint for lightweight Mercedes-Benz sports cars that were as rapid and agile as they were well-appointed and luxurious.

With its twin-carbed 1.9-litre engine and slick transmission, the 190 SL mated these robust mechanicals with sumptuous trim and achingly beautiful design to create something truly desirable… and in 2021, that delectable sports model has evolved into a hugely sought-after collector car. It’s fabulous to behold, wonderful to drive, and a veritable dream-come-true to own.

This 190 SL has been in the UK since 1994, and has been in the same ownership ever since. This owner has lovingly maintained it, as is evidenced by the history file. 

We can see that it had a full engine rebuild in 2015, along with an upgrade to Weber carburettors and much more besides. The condition is outstanding inside and out thanks to having been so carefully looked after over the years, and it’s now presented to market as a beautifully maintained and eminently drivable example of an extremely rare and desirable automobile.

The V5 is here, showing that the car was first UK registered on October 1st 1994, originally built in 1960, and with zero former keepers in this country. There’s also an HPI certificate in the file, along with a variety of interesting invoices for work carried out on the car.

We can see, for example, that Sheffield Engine Services Ltd carried out some extensive engine works in 2015, reboring the block, grinding the crank, adding new pistons, mains, valve guides, gaskets and so on, along with a recon head.

The previous year, the carburettors were replaced with a set of Weber 45s, and these have again been serviced this year. The Vintage Wireless Company and Chrome London were on hand for an audio overhaul, and there’s also photographic evidence of various tasks being carried out.

The 190 SL’s interior is a delightfully conceived thing; on the one hand it takes styling cues from the opulent designs of contemporary Americana, while on the other it follows a typically Teutonic line of efficiency. The upshot is a cabin that’s pleasing to behold, comfortable to reside in, and intelligently laid out. (You’ll particularly love the indicators, which are operated by turning the trim ring in the centre of the steering wheel!)

The seats are generously stuffed with no sagging, and the tasteful blue trim is in excellent condition across the seats and doorcards, with no undue wear or damage of any kind. The seats tilt forward correctly to allow access to the cubby behind. The carpets are in good condition, and the dash is splendid – a masterclass in impeccable 1950s/’60s chic, with its tasteful chrome embellishments, attractive dials and period push-button radio.

The gauges all work as they should, the dashtop is free from cracks, and there’s no excess wear to the steering wheel or gearknob. It’s all very attractively presented and a thoroughly enjoyable place to be.
Inside the boot it’s all dry and tidy, with the correct spare wheel and jack in place.

Silver may be a popular colour for this generation of SL, but we’d argue that the elegant shade of light metallic blue is perfectly suited to this movie-star profile. There isn’t a bad angle on it, the body looks gorgeous from every aspect.

The coachwork is very well presented indeed, with no evidence of corrosion, no dents or dings, scuffs or scratches – evidently a car that’s been well looked after. All of the chrome trim and brightwork is in beautiful condition, free from patina or tarnishing and polished to a mirror shine. The light lenses and window glass are all good.

The wheels are in excellent order, with the correct colour-coded hubcaps, and quality Michelin tyres that look as if they’ve barely been used. The soft-top is extremely easy to raise, attach, lower and stow, and it’s in lovely condition too, with no marks, rips or holes and a good clear window.
Overall, a beautifully presented example of a very pretty car indeed.

With the inherent and renowned smoothness of later SLs’ straight-sixes and V8s, it’s easy to forget just what a peach this 1.9-litre four-cylinder engine is. The M121 motor is an SOHC unit of great character, equally able to quietly waft through town, or egg you on a bit when you’ve got your toe down – not least thanks to those Weber carbs, which offer an addictive induction roar on demand.

Having been rebuilt in 2015 and correctly maintained since, it’s an excellent runner; happy to fire up on the first press of the button, idling evenly, and pulling keenly through the revs. The four-speed manual transmission is sure-footed in its shift and offers a pleasing heft. 

There are no issues to report with the steering or brakes, with all of that working just as it should, and the typically cosseting suspension provides a real magic carpet ride, keenly cementing the SL’s grand tourer credentials. It’s clear that the right money has always been spent in the right places with this 190, it feels reassuringly planted and supremely solid.

Well, how much convincing of this car’s appeal do you need? Just look at it, it’s glorious. One of the all-time greats, the coachwork is divine in every proportion, and the fact that this aspirational aesthetic is mated to a smooth and eager drivetrain and a cosseting chassis makes for a formidable proposition.

The presentation is sublime throughout, and it’s a lovely car to drive too – very much the complete package. And with so few of these cars still in existence, surely finding one of such completeness, correctness and usability is just too good an opportunity to pass up?


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