To Be OFFERED AT AUCTIONEstimate:
$150,000 - $175,000
- Beautifully restored to a high standard
- Numbers-matching engine with Twin Solex 44 PHH carburetors
- Equipped with a four-speed manual gearbox
- Features fog lamps, Becker Europa radio, kinder seat, and
fitted luggage
With the exotic, high-performance 300 SL coupe and roadster making
headlines for Mercedes-Benz, the company's chief US importer, Max
Hoffman, suggested an equally stylish, yet less costly alternative
could be a strong seller Stateside. The resulting 190 SL was based
on the production Ponton sedans, but it featured attractive new
styling loosely derived from its 300 SL big sibling. Following the
190 SL's debut at the 1954 New York Auto Show, Hoffman was proven
right with strong sales from day one, and its popularity continued
throughout the car's nine-year run.
Offered here is a gorgeous 1957 190 SL roadster, fully restored and
beautifully finished in its original shade of feuerwehrrot (DB534)
and featuring many factory accessories. This example spent many
years in a significant collection of important sports cars where it
was restored to a high standard. It has seen careful use since its
restoration, and it remains in remarkably fresh condition. The
presentation is crisp and very well detailed, with period correct
options including front and rear bumper guards, fog lights, and a
locking fuel cap. Correct 13-inch steel wheels are dressed with
bias-ply Firestone whitewall tires, and the original color-keyed
hubcaps complete the simple yet elegant look.
The two-seat cockpit is trimmed in gray leather and square weave
carpeting, with correct rubber floor linings. Features such as the
correct Plexiglas sun visors (leather trimmed visors were fitted
just a few cars later) reveal the attention to detail paid to this
restoration. Fittings include a glovebox-mounted clock, side-facing
kinder seat, Becker Europa Hi-Fi radio, and a set of matching
fitted luggage in the boot.
Displacing 1.9-liters, the inline four-cylinder engine retains the
proper twin Solex 44 PHH carburetors, airbox and air filter
housing. Details like decals, labels, and correct hose clamps
maintain the authentic appearance. The engine and chassis numbers
match per factory records; however, it is noted that the stamped
body number differs from that listed on the data card. The
undercarriage is correctly painted in gray and satin black, with
exceptional finish quality and attention to detail.
Highly optioned, beautifully presented and ready to enjoy to the
fullest, this 190 SL is an exquisite example of Mercedes-Benz's
landmark junior sports car.To view this car and others currently
consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/mo20.