Description

Chassis No. 121040-10-9500817

The world was first introduced to the Mercedes-Benz SL line of cars during the International Motor Sports Show, February 1954 in New York, with both the 300 SL and 190 SL being unveiled simultaneously. While the 300 SL is directly linked to motorsports, the 190 was positioned as a touring car with excellent sporting characteristics. An optional hardtop was available from the factory for a more intimate driving experience should the time or weather come that a soft top would be unfavorable. This particular 190 SL is one of the last to be fitted with the early style “small window” hard top before it was replaced by the “large window” style in October 1959, which more closely resembles its big brother, the 300 SL Roadster.

A common and well-documented modification to a 190 SL is exchanging the original Solex carburetors with a set of Webers. This example that Broad Arrow Auctions is proud to present has been modified accordingly. The Solex units can be challenging to start in cold weather and set up correctly as they age with worn pivot shafts. The Webers give this 190 an enhanced, sporting feel while driving when compared to the Solex units. Recent restorative work to this 190 includes seat reupholstery in new leather, the installation of a new soft top and rebuilding of the carburetors. Recent service work includes new tires, brakes, and shock absorbers. Totals for this recent work sum to nearly $24,000 noted in the car's accompanying history file available for a thorough review.