LOT 52
1962 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL Roadster Chassis no. 121042-10-024855 Engine no. 121928-10-000983
Sold for US$184,800 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 52
'From the Maine Classic Car Museum Collection'
1962 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL Roadster
1962 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL Roadster
1962 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL Roadster
Chassis no. 121042-10-024855
Engine no. 121928-10-000983
Chassis no. 121042-10-024855
Engine no. 121928-10-000983
1,897cc SOHC Inline 4-Cylinder Engine
Twin Side-Draft Solex PHH44 Carburetors
4-Speed Manual Gearbox
Front Independent Wishbones, Rear Swing Axle with Coil Springs
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes
*A gorgeous, finely detailed 190 SL
*Rare and desirable color-matched factory hard top
*Striking DB 350 Medium Blue over tan Roser hides
*Superbly restored by Sports Leicht Restorations
*Includes owner's manual, tool roll, and Becker radio with rare short-wave adapter
THE MERCEDES-BENZ 190 SL
Americans have always had a penchant for convertibles, particularly those capable of effortless cruising on America's vast road network. Eager for a piece of this market, legendary European car importer Max Hoffman used his considerable influence to persuade Mercede-Benz management to create a simpler, less costly convertible model to sell alongside the legendary 300 SL. Considering Hoffman's previous success, Mercedes-Benz took full advantage of his suggestions and created a stylish four-cylinder convertible which clearly drew design inspiration from the iconic "Gullwing." By using the floor pan and mechanical componentry from the Ponton saloon, costs were kept in check but without sacrificing the quality that Mercedes-Benz buyers expected. Just as Hoffman predicted, Americans fell head-over-heels for the stylish German roadster.
THE CAR OFFERED
The car offered here is a strikingly beautiful example of the spirited convertible. Beautifully finished in its original colors of DB 350 G Medium Blue over a tan leather interior, it was restored to concours standards by one of the premier Mercedes-Benz specialty shops in the country, Sports Leicht Restorations of Moore County, North Carolina. No expense was spared to ensure that this 190 SL achieved a level of excellence rarely seen on these cars. As reported by the previous owners, the restorers disassembled it to a bare tub to ensure that every inch of the car was as exquisite as the next. Mechanical components were rebuilt using Mercedes-Benz NOS parts wherever possible and detailed to a high standard. The factory-correct DB 350 Medium Blue paint is gorgeous, as is the interior, which fully restored in the correct Roser hides in the proper shade of tan leather. Tan square weave carpeting and proper rubber floor liners complete the impeccably presented and luxurious cockpit.
This car is extremely well equipped with interesting and desirable options including a Becker Hi-Fi radio and rare Becker Reims under-dash short-wave adapter and whitewall tires. The optional body color hardtop transforms the 190 SL into a versatile and capable performer. Please note that at the time of cataloguing, the soft top has not been located. Beautifully restored and detailed, it is suitable for touring, rallies, or for taking part in regional concours events.
Without question, this beautiful 190 SL is worthy of attention. It is the epitome of Mercedes-Benz engineering and timeless style that will make an outstanding companion on the open road.
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