1960 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

The Mercedes-Benz SL line made its debut at the International Motor Sports Show in New York in February 1954, featuring the 300 SL and the 190 SL. While the 300 SL was designed for motorsports, the 190 SL targeted the touring market, offering excellent sporting characteristics and a similar aesthetic. Equipped with a 1.9-liter inline-four-cylinder engine and dual carburetors, the 190 SL competed with contemporary sports cars like the Porsche 356. Utilizing innovative unibody construction, it enhanced handling while minimizing production costs. Mercedes-Benz showcased its advanced engineering with features such as independent front suspension, a low-pivot swing axle, and power-ventilated drum brakes—elements also found in the prestigious 300 SL. 

Highlights 

• Retained by the current owner for the previous 24 years 

• Powered by its original, numbers matching engine as confirmed by the copy of its original Data Card 

• Mechanical repairs were performed by MBI Motors, Inc. of Portland, Oregon, and Rudi & Company of Victorian, British Columbia, Canada 

• The body received a complete bare metal refinishing under current ownership by Custom Touch Auto Restorations of Gresham, Oregon 

• Accompanied by over $60,000 worth of invoices for repairs and restorative work  

• Finished in Fire Engine Red with a Bamboo leather interior 

• Powered by a 1.9-liter inline-four with a pair of Weber carburetors and electronic ignition 

• Equipped with a four-speed manual transmission 

• Becker Europa radio with additional speakers, discreet glovebox-mounted auxiliary cable, and a trunk-mounted CD changer 

• Upgraded with heated seats and a Parrot Bluetooth module 

• 14 inch polished aluminum wheels with color-keyed chrome hubcaps 

Features 

• Power-assisted front disc brakes 

• Rarely seen third auxiliary sideways facing seat 

• Tan folding convertible soft top 

• Upgraded “cat ear” headrests 

• Center console with cupholder 

• Dual bucket seats  

• Ivory twin-spoke steering wheel with horn ring  

• Manual roll-up windows 

• Dual-zone heater  

• Dual sun visors   

• Lockable glove box 

• Door-mounted map pockets 

• Chrome bumpers  

• Three-point seatbelts 

• Painted dashboard capped with matching leather 

Known Imperfections 

• This 1960 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL is presented as a finely restored example and is said to be free from any substantial imperfections 

Included 

• Large window hardtop 

• Spare wheel and tire 

• Jack 

• Copy of its original Data Card 

• Document folio 

• Original parts, including the original Becker radio 

• Two car covers

Ownership History 

As reported by the current owner and long-time Mercedes-Benz enthusiast, this 1960 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL was purchased by them in West Hollywood, California, in February 2000. As an avid enthusiast, the car was used at numerous events over the years, including the 50th anniversary of the Mercedes 190 and 300 SL in Australia. The car was previously part of The Boses Collection of Hollywood and earlier by Hollywood Pictures Vehicles.

Additional Notes 

A Broad Arrow Auctions Consignment Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the owner of this vehicle. 

Contact: Jakob Greisen  Phone: 415.480.9028  email: jgreisen@hagerty.com