1960 Mercedes Benz Stuttgart 190 SL Roadster

Highlights

This particular car was part of a large collection in Kuwait.

Subsequent to 2018 has been part of a large collection of car in the UK.

This car has been subject to a full nut and bolt restoration at no expense spared (2013-2018)

All the chrome on the car has be completely overhauled and is in pristine condition

Accompanied by a nice history file.

Finished in factory original Ivory white and in superb condition throughout.

General Description

Mercedes’ 300SL was a landmark car, but with its race-bred engine, complicated chassis, and advanced technology it was out of many peoples’ reach. Being the kind folk that Mercedes were, a lower powered, more affordable model was introduced in 1955: the 190SL.

Rather than use the 300SL’s tubular chassis, the 190SL used a modified version of the W121 saloon’s, cutting costs. Its engine was a 1.9-litre four cylinder found in many Mercedes saloons, with design elements of the 300SL’s motor, albeit with two fewer cylinders, and much less power.
 
It was only ever available as an open top, though in two flavours: soft top cabriolet, or with a removable hard top.

While it wasn’t quite the supercar its bigger brother was, the 190SL still held true to its ‘S’ and ‘L’ name. It was designed to be both ‘sporty’ and ‘super,’ and weighing in at just 1,160kgs it was pretty ‘Light.’ For a while it was unsure what the ‘S’ in SL was supposed to be, but in 2017 a document was found that clarified SL stands for ‘Super Leicht.’
 
Creating a more affordable version of one of the world’s most technologically advanced cars is a hell of a job. The 190SL needed to keep the spirit of the original, much loved car, but not be earth shatteringly expensive.

The resulting car was down on power compared to the more expensive model, but offered a far more refined experience than rivals from places like the UK.

It came with all the mod cons you’d expect from a Mercedes of the time, and the build quality was outstanding. Buyers could spec a third seat for occasional passengers, which would almost make the 190SL a practical vehicle.

Seeing as it’s based on a saloon’s chassis, the 300SL’s gullwing doors weren’t an option. This had a happy side effect though - it was easier to get in and out of. If you’re looking to make a graceful exit from a car, the 300SL’s massive sills weren’t necessarily ideal. With the 190SL that problem went away.

Its engine shared the 300SL’s 85mm bore, but had a reduced 83.6mm stroke, and came with dual Solex carburettors. As you’d expect, power was reduced from the 300SL, producing 104bhp, less than half of its bigger brother. The result was a more leisurely 13.3 second 0-62mph time and a 107mph top speed.

Just shy of 26,000 were built over its eight year production run from 1955 to 1963, and was a huge hit in the US. It remains a sought after car to this day, and one that definitely cuts a fine figure.

About this specific vehicle

This car was originally supplied to the USA. After some years it was purchased by a collector from Kuwait who embarked upon a full restoration of the car which was carried out by his in house team of restoration specialists. The car retained all its original main components and as a result is numbers matching throughout. The car was then sold to a collector who has a large collection of cars in the UK where the car has lived for the last 5 years.

The car has just undergone a major service here in the UK with a marque specialist. The car runs and drives beautifully and is ready to be enjoyed by the next custodian.

First registered in the USA in 1960 where the car lived for the majority of its life.
Purchased by a Kuwait collector in 2010.
Underwent a complete nut and bolt restoration by this gentleman’s team of experts between 2013 – 2018
Matching numbers throughout as documented with photographic evidence.
Full inspection report attached to this listing.