Fantasy Junction

Description

1956 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL

Chassis No. – 121.042.6501091
Engine No. – 121.921.6501113
Exterior Color – Dark Silver
Interior Color – Black
Engine – 1.9 Liter Inline-Four-cylinder SOHC
Transmission – 4-speed manual
Current Mileage – 96,408 kms (TMU)

General History

Introduced at the 1954 New York Auto Show alongside the 300SL Gullwing, the 190SL was a glamorous and affordable way to enjoy Mercedes quality with open coachwork. Principally motivated by US distributor and marketing pioneer of European imports, Max Hoffmann, the 190 SL positioned Mercedes-Benz as a premier brand in the growing North American market. Priced at around $4,000, the 190 SL was roughly half the price of the 300 SL, making it an attractive alternative with easily serviced mechanicals. The enticing value coupled with irresistible looks motivated nearly 26,000 buyers to purchase these sporting cars between 1955 and 1963, generating a far greater market impact over the lower volume 300 SL. The 1900cc SOHC engine with twin Solex carburetors coupled to a 4-speed manual transmission, delivered spirited driving for the day, supported by double-wishbone, coil spring front suspension and swing axle coil spring rear suspension. Today, the 190 SL remains an attractive and highly desirable classic, blending elegant open motoring with modest mechanicals.

History of this Example

According to a copy of the data card and recorded information transcribed by the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center, this 190 SL was finished from the factory in Graphite Grey (190) with blue vinyl interior and a black canvas soft top. Completed on March 23, 1956, the car was delivered with a brake booster, rear cross seat, high beam turn signal system, windshield washer, white wall tires, and rearview mirror on the left side. Though not much is known about the early history, the current owner reports that the prior owner retained the car for 30 years in San Ramon, California, and that the prior owner was a dentist in Southern California. Service records accompanying the car date back to 1985, when under prior ownership. The most recent service under prior long-term ownership included new front and rear wheel brake cylinders, transmission fluid flush, differential fluid flush, and an oil change (2019 at 93,260 kms). Prior services performed by a Mercedes-Benz specialist spans the same ownership from 1985-2019 until the current owner purchased this 190 SL in 2021. 



After the current owner purchased the car, this 190 SL was mechanically recommissioned by York’s Automotive, Walnut Creek, CA (the same establishment who had previously worked on the car). During this service, they replaced the starter, installed a correct Becker Europa AM/FM radio outfitted with Bluetooth capability, installed aa Hirschmann type red tip radio antenna, replaced the hard top pins, center latch, and right side lever to correct the hardtop fit, installed a new rotor and distributor cap, new plugs and ignition coil, and replaced the battery hold down. In 2022, the current owner commissioned a bare metal respray. The entire car was stripped to bare metal, the windshield removed, rust repairs addressed with welded in steel, and the bare metal body prepared for prep and paint. During the repaint, the owner also had the hardtop refinished in the matching Anthracite Grey Metallic (DB 172). Finished with three coats of paint and clear, PPF (Paint Protection Film) was applied to the hood and ceramic coating applied to the car in 2025 by California Detailing. In preparation for consignment a compression test was performed resulting in the following numbers 1 – 180, 2 – 180, 3 – 175, 4 – 175 and a new battery was installed with the manufacturer's date 4/21.

General Condition

Today this 190 SL presents as a combination of a preserved and partially restored West Coast, dry climate car with an enjoyably used interior, reflecting an honest blend of original and refurbished features. The car has been thoughtfully enjoyed and cared for under prior long-term ownership spanning 1985-2021. The recently completed dark silver paint is smooth with a high gloss finish, correct micoflake metallic, and smooth coverage. The hood, doors, and trunk exhibit good panel gaps and solid latching. The exterior chrome is in very good condition, with good luster and bright reflections on the bumpers. All lenses, lighting, and glass are in very good condition. The windshield is a more recent replacement in very good condition, while the side glass shows correct Sekurit brand etching. A set of original type 13” painted slotted steel wheels are fitted wearing trim rings and center hubcaps. A set of matching Kumho Solus 185 70R13 tires (replaced in 2021) are mounted. The canvas convertible top appears to be the original black canvas and headliner. The top and top bow mechanism has been removed from the car and are included with the extras.


The interior is a combination of preservation, restoration, and older restoration offering a rewarding and cohesive presence focusing on the driving experience. The black vinyl seats appear to have been recovered many years ago while the door panels appear to be original and possibly dyed black as well as the black dash pad. The dashboard is particularly nice having been refinished in the matching exterior dark silver, arrayed with preserved gauges showing authentic light patina to the dial faces and surprisingly nice chrome finishes. A period Becker Europa is installed with modern Bluetooth capability. The excellent condition of the chrome bezels and refined detailing of the dash, aged but original steering wheel and other interior elements are a delightful blend of originality and selective restoration. The rear seating area and grey carpets appear to also have been replaced some years ago but remain serviceable. The hardtop was refinished on the exterior, but the headliner and glass are original and while a nice talking point for enthusiasts of original patina, some owners may wish to replace it along with other interior finishes. The trunk is very clean and properly finished in satin black including the satin black trunk lid underside. 



Lifting the hood, the engine compartment appears largely original and complete. The inner front fender metal folds still retain factory spot welding indicative of factory assembly. The engine and engine compartment display generally correct parts, a correct aluminum cam cover, and twin Weber carburetors which appear to have been added to the car under prior long-term ownership. The heater boxes are in place, the correct air cleaner is in place, and the various and correct Mercedes-Benz numbers, build plates, and stampings are all consistent with the body and chassis sequences for original cars, here too matching the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center supplied information and data card. The engine has a correct engine stamping and a matching riveted engine plate. The chassis is in generally good condition representative of a preserved and unrestored 190 SL. This 190SL starts, stops, and drives as one might expect from a 190 SL of this period. The car exhibits very good driving manners, nicely enhanced by dual Weber carburetors and a smooth operating manual transmission.

With fewer and fewer driver level 190 SLs available today, this is an excellent example to drive and enjoy as is or enhance over time. Continually sought after by collectors as prices for comparable cars of this era rise, the 190 SL offers ease of use, wonderful open road driving, and memorable styling derived from the million dollar 300 SL roadsters of the same era. Ready for club events, road tours, or weekend getaways and sunset drives, this 190 SL is sure to please any vintage Mercedes-Benz enthusiast.

Items Included with the Car

The car is accompanied by service records dating back to 1985, hand written notes from long-term ownership, recent service and body/paint work performed under current ownership, a hardtop, the convertible top and top mechanism, a set of tools and the original tool roll, a car cover and bag, misc. trim parts and weatherstripping, and a pair of rear seat cushions.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608