1960 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL (W121)

During the 1950s, when Mercedes-Benz were the dominant force in top-level motorsport, the undisputed flagship of the firm’s production car range was the stunning 300SL sports car. Highly desirable as it was, it was also financially out of the reach of most enthusiasts. Keen to capitalise on the 300SL’s numerous competition successes and find a foothold in the increasingly lucrative sports car market, Mercedes-Benz introduced its smaller stablemate, the equally beautifully engineered 190 SL. The 190 SL was powered by a new, slightly over-square, 1.9-litre straight-four SOHC engine that developed 120bhp with twin-choke dual Solex carburettors and when mated with a 4-speed manual gearbox, endowed the sleek aerodynamic and comparatively light 190 SL with a top speed of 115mph and a respectable 0-60mph time of 13 seconds. 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 190 SL cemented Mercedes-Benz's reputation as the car manufacturer for those who wanted elegance, build quality and a good turn of speed and unsurprisingly, most of the 26,000 units were sold to the North American market.

The car presented here is a 1960 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL, classically presented in cream with a red leather interior. It's a left-hand drive car and, according to the accompanying paperwork from Mercedes-Benz UK Homologation Department (who provide Certificates of Conformity), it was manufactured in November 1960 for the US-market. In 2014, it was imported from the US to the UK (all taxes paid/UK-registered) via a well respected London-based classic car company, with just over 40,000 miles indicated (it has now covered almost 50,000) - a mileage that would seem commensurate with its seemingly unrestored condition and pleasing patina.

The car is accompanied by a large history file, containing an original well thumbed handbook and many recent invoices (from Mercedes Benz, SL Shop etc.) for c.£20,000 relating to maintenance/servicing and parts and a brand new mohair roof has also been installed. There are new tyres all round (including the spare), evidence of a brake, carburettor and engine ancillaries overhaul, plus other pleasing details like the original keys and jack.

As glamorous today as they were when launched in the 1950s, the swooping lines of these elegant roadsters have stood the test of time, offering as much pleasure to drive today as they did when new and if maintained properly, will continue to do so for years to come.

We welcome any inspection of this impressive car; if a 190 SL has been on your want list, then this example merits proper consideration.