1962 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL Roadster

• Delivered new to the USA
• Left-hand drive
• Repatriated to Europe circa 1998
• Restored in 2013 (bills available)
• Present ownership since 2018

For those insufficiently wealthy to afford its hyper-expensive race-bred sports car - the 300 SL - Mercedes-Benz offered the less exotic but no less refined 190 SL. Announced in 1954 and based on the 180 saloon whose all-independently-suspended running gear it used, the 190 SL 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 subframe along 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 down-draft carburettors, the M121 unit produced 105bhp at 5,700rpm, an output sufficient to propel the 190SL to 60mph in 13 seconds and on to a top speed of 107 miles per hour. The fact that the 190's ride was more boulevard than sporting, and that many contemporary sports cars could out-perform it while costing a good deal less, did nothing to deter sales. The model was a big hit in the USA, where many of the slightly fewer than 26,000 produced between 1955 and 1963 found homes.

This example was delivered to the USA in 1962. In 1998/1999 Herr Walter Fink repatriated the Mercedes and spent DM45,000 (£15,000) on it, which was followed by a further €25,000 in 2013. Related invoices from well-known Mercedes specialist Arthur Bechter Classic Cars and Mercedes-Benz are on file. The history file also dates back to 1998 when the car was repatriated by Herr Fink. Invoices include import/export papers, and a copy of the data card in the file.

In 2015 the car was exported to the UK where it was purchased be our vendor in February 2018. Kept as part of his significant private collection, the 190 SL has been driven to weddings and on holidays to Wales and Scotland.

The car also comes with its original manuals, jack, wheel brace, and unused spare wheel. Finished in a desirable and unusual shade of Horizon Blue with matching leather interior, the latter embellished with rare teak door caps, the 190 SL is described by our vendor as in generally very good condition, its engine starting and running well. Weber carburettors and modification to accept unleaded petrol are the only sensible notified deviations from factory specification. Offered with a V5C document.

Without question, this 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. Notably, it is highly affordable in comparison to its period sibling, the 300SL Roadster.