Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 14
1962 Mercedes-Benz 190SL Chassis no. 121040-10-025619 Engine no. 121928-10-003501
Estimate: US$190,000 - US$220,000
Lot 14
1962 Mercedes-Benz 190SL
1962 Mercedes-Benz 190SL
Chassis no. 121040-10-025619
Engine no. 121928-10-003501
Chassis no. 121040-10-025619
Engine no. 121928-10-003501
1,897cc SOHC Inline 4-Cylinder Engine
2 Solex Carburetors
105bhp at 5,700rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Drum Brakes
*Amazingly well-preserved, one-owner car wearing original paint
*Stunning numbers matching 'barn find' with only 37,690 original miles
*California car since new, complete with original black license plate
*Beautiful Graphite Grey color, complete with matching hardtop
*Comes with original, unused soft top in 1962 Mercedes factory crate
THE MERCEDES-BENZ 190SL
In 1954 Mercedes-Benz had introduced the 300SL sports car, a 'Gullwing' coupé inspired by the German manufacturer's highly successful 300 Super Leicht series of sports-racers that had spearheaded its return to international competition. Expensive and exclusive, the 300SL caused a sensation and set new standards for high performance sports cars. Introduced at the same time was a cheaper, less exotic but no less refined sports roadster: the 190SL. Based on the 180 saloon whose all-independently-suspended running gear it used, the 190SL did not enter production until January 1955, the delay being caused by alterations aimed at strengthening the saloon's shortened platform to compensate for the open body's reduced stiffness.
Mounted on a detachable sub-frame together with the four-speed manual gearbox, front suspension and steering, the power unit was a 1,897cc overhead-camshaft four - the first such engine ever to feature in a Mercedes-Benz. Breathing through twin Solex downdraft carburettors, this M121 unit produced 105bhp at 5,700rpm, an output sufficient to propel the 190SL to 60mph in 13.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 106mph; it was also relatively economical. Road & Track found that 'on the highway an 80mph cruising speed is extremely comfortable and well within the car's capabilities, both as to engine durability and roadability.'
With its four-speed, all-synchromesh gearbox, servo-assisted hydraulic drum brakes and fully independent suspension, the 190SL was both more refined and more comfortable than any contemporary British sports car. The model, a miniature 300SL in appearance, was a big hit in the USA, where many of the slightly fewer than 26,000 produced between 1955 and 1963 found homes.
The sporting elegance of the 190SL coupled to its comfort and adaptability brought the car a lot of success, excelling in long-distance drives all year long thanks to its hardtop. Despite relatively weak performances, the car was well balanced and safe enough so spirited drivers could still find fun in owning them.
"It proved to be fast and tireless, exhilarating to drive and was probably created with long distance, comfortable travel in mind..." - Autocar on the Mercedes-Benz 190SL, 10th January 1956.
THE CAR OFFERED
The 190SL proposed here in a stunning combination of Graphite Grey (DB190G) paint on tan leather interior carries an impressive track record – it's a one owner car since new, lived in California its entire life, still wears its original California black license plate, shows approximately 37,690 original miles, all while still wearing its original factory paint. These are the types of discoveries that collectors yearn for.
While this track record might seem impressive, it gets even better with additional details, rarely seen with such safeguarding. This W121 Roadster is equipped with its original tan leather interior, which still presents quite nicely and carries lovely patina. The interior leather, carpeting and headliner is surprisingly well preserved, quite substantial when you think this leather is 61 years old. Behind the front seats you will find the car equipped with the optional 'kinder' seat in equally wonderful condition. The car is equipped with its code matched factory hardtop, which shows a beautiful mix of original paint luster as well as wonderful patina. In fact, this vehicle has only been equipped with its hardtop its entire life. The original factory soft top, originally number coded for this specific car, is still sitting brand new and unused in the original Mercedes-Benz wooden crate from 1962. The original factory Mercedes wooden crate construction is a marvel in itself, and so rarely seen.
Accompanied by its original books and manuals in its original pouch, original date-coded spare wheel and tire, jack, as well as the aforementioned 1962 Mercedes-Benz wooden crate housing the original and unused soft top. This 190SL presents wonderfully considering its age and originality. The car has been serviced, and has a clean bill of health for it to be enjoyed by its next caretaker. With the hood and hardtop number coded correctly for this vehicle, as well as all the correct, factory spot weld marks in the engine bay, this W121 has all the right markings one would expect from a high caliber discovery such as this. This remarkable 'garage find' example was stored so carefully; it really is remarkable how well preserved this car is for being 61 years old. Judging from the black California license plate, the last time this vehicle was road registered was in the year 2001. Surely this is a wonderful opportunity to acquire one of the most largely original 190SL Roadsters complete with many unique details and complements.
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