1961 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL Roadster

Description for Mercedes-Benz 190-Series 1961

Debuted at the 1954 New York Auto Show, the 190SL was an instant success and almost stole the show from the 300 SL, such was the glamour it caused. It was built to fill the void in the new, post-war Mercedes line up for an 'inexpensive' sports car. Now, also granted, it was neither inexpensive (starting at $4,000, it was already twice the price of an MG or Triumph) nor a true sports car (more of a 'grand tourer') but it was half the cost of its truly sporting big brother, the 300 SL, featured gorgeous styling that echoed its brother's fabled lines and was similarly equipped with four wheel independent suspension.
This pretty example was delivered new to the States in 1961 and spent most of its life in California, having but one owner from 1980 until 2008. Finished in Ivory with red leather, it is remarkably handsome with its black canvas soft top. The wind-up clock is still in the dash, as is its Becker Europa radio. The body is extremely straight & rust-free and the underside is similarly clean.
On the road, it performs well, shifting cleanly through all the gears, whilst the original Solex side-draught twin-chokes feed the sweet-running, over-square, four-cylinder engine. It runs and drives well with no mechanical issues. The undercarriage is solid with no rust present anywhere. The transmission shifts very smoothly.
The car must be seen and driven to understand how unique and special this car looks and drives. Clean title in hand.
I reserve the right to end the auction early if the right offer comes along.
Thank you