• Delivered new to the USA
• First UK registered in 2002
• Present ownership since 2010
• Offered with a Hardtop

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 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, the M121 unit produced 105bhp DIN (120bhp SAE) at 5,700rpm, an output sufficient to propel the 190 SL to 100km/h (62mph) in 14.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 171km/h (106mph). Refined, comfortable and stylish, 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 left-hand drive example was delivered new to the USA and first registered in Columbus, Ohio in July 1958. The car was imported into the UK and first registered here in September 2002 by a Mr Paul Leitch of Ely, Cambridgeshire, who sold it to the immediately preceding owner in September 2006 having driven it fewer than 1,000 miles in the interim period. In December 2006 the 190 SL was subject to extensive work to the underside including new front and rear floor pans to both sides and repairs to both sills. At the same time the gearbox and dynamo were removed and sent for specialist reconditioning, and a new soft-top fitted.

This SL was purchased the Mercedes at Bonhams' sale at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July 2010 (Lot 376). At that time, the car had seen little use since the aforementioned works had been completed. Attractively finished in silver with red leather interior, it comes with a factory hard top and is offered with the 2010 purchase invoice; old MoT certificates; parts and maintenance invoices; a list of works carried out in 2010; a period Owners Service Warranty card (Ohio); and an old UK V5 registration document (the car is listed as 'exported' on the DVLA database).

The collection staff have carried out light recommissioning ahead of sale, which included a replacement fuel pump; new fuel filter installed; carburettors stripped and rebuilt; fuel tank removed, cleaned, and reinstalled; and a new battery installed.

Please note that this vehicle is from outside the UK. Our customs agents, CARS UK, will manage all post sale customs administration. A fee of £350+VAT will be charged on the buyer's invoice to administer both import or export customs movements. If the buyer also chooses to ship with CARS UK, this will be quoted separately. If this vehicle is to remain in the UK, it will be subject to Import VAT at the reduced rate of 5% on the hammer price. This vehicle will not be available for immediate collection after the sale and will only be released on completion of customs clearance formalities. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department.