Fantasy Junction

Description

1956 Mercedes-Benz 190SL

Chassis No. – 121.040.6503028
Engine No. – 121.921.6502641
Exterior Color – Yellow
Interior Color – Black
Engine – 1.9 Liter Inline-Four-cylinder SOHC
Transmission – 4-speed manual
Current Mileage – 46,210 (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 190SL positioned Mercedes-Benz as a premier brand in the growing North American market. Priced at around $4,000, the 190SL was roughly half the price of the 300SL, 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 300SL. The 1900cc SOHC engine with twin Solex carburetors coupled to the 4-speed transmission, delivered spirited driving for the day, supported by double-wishbone, coil spring front suspension and swing axle coil spring rear suspension. Today, the 190SL remains an attractive and highly desirable classic, blending elegant open motoring with modest mechanicals.
History of this Example

This 190SL is believed to have been a west coast car for most of its life. History of ownership includes Tacoma, WA 1979-1984 as well as Bellevue and Seattle, WA from 1996-2018 (under the same ownership), continuing residence in the Seattle area up to current ownership. Under previous ownership, in 2011, this 190 SL was entrusted to Mercedes-Benz, Bellevue. WA where it was treated to mechanical and cosmetic work. Invoices accompanying the car for this period include fluid and filter changes, belt replacement, a new valve cover gasket, shift linkage repair, various gasket replacements, rear brake repair, and electrical repairs. Though much of the service history is not supported by invoices, the quality of finishes and mechanical performance are consistent with care and preparation for a driver level 190 SL that can be enjoyed as is or slowly restored over time. In preparation for consignment, Burlingame Motors Inc., Burlingame, CA reviewed the car, performed a compression test returning 145, 150, 150, and 140, installed a new correct 190 SL fuel tank, cleaned out the filter petcock, and replaced a fuel line.

General Condition

Today this 190SL presents as a combination of a preserved and partially restored West Coast, dry climate car with enjoyably used cosmetics, reflecting an honest blend of original and refurbished features. The car has been thoughtfully enjoyed and cared for with authenticity in mind. The yellow paint is smooth with generally good gloss and smooth coverage. The paint has been metered with a digital paint meter returning thickness results in the lower single digits on all panels consistent with original paint. Lower areas in the rear portion of the car returned higher paint meter readings indicative of refinishing and blending into the original paint. Though the paint shows signs of age, the overall presentation invites driving enjoyment without concerns associated with maintaining perfection. The hood, doors, and trunk exhibit very 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 painted slotted steel wheels are fitted wearing trim rings and center hubcaps. A set of matching Vredestein Classic 175 SR13 tires are mounted. The recently replaced canvas convertible top is the correct type with correct headliner and a clear plastic rear window which all of which are in excellent condition

The interior is a combination of preservation and older restoration offering a rewarding and cohesive presence once again inviting the driving experience. The seats, door panels, and dash pad are in very good condition. The dashboard is particularly nice, arrayed with preserved gauges showing authentic light patina to the dial faces and surprisingly nice chrome finishes. The excellent condition of the chrome bezels and refined detailing of the dash, steering wheel and other interior elements are a delightful blend of originality and selective restoration. The interior door panels, armrests, and various trim are all present and in harmony with the overall finishes. The correct vinyl floor covering appears to have been more recently replaced while the rear carpeted area remains quite nice, likely replaced some years ago. The trunk is very clean and properly finished in satin black including the satin black trunk lid underside, correct fluted rubber trunk mat, and a matching full sized spare tire is properly mounted in the wheel tub with the factory retaining clamp in place.

Lifting the hood, the inner front fender metal folds still retain factory spot welding indicative of factory assembly. The engine compartment is tidy and mechanically sound displaying correct parts, a correct aluminum cam cover, and twin Solex carburetors, which are believed to be original. The heater boxes, often collapsed or damaged, remain in very good condition. The various and correct Mercedes-Benz numbers, build plates, and stampings are all consistent with the body and chassis sequences for original cars. The engine has a correct engine stamping and a matching riveted engine plate. The chassis is in generally good condition representative of a generally preserved car showing no visual evidence of structural compromise to the floor pans or suspension mounting points. The chassis has been undercoated, and one area appears to have been patched at some point in the past, but the overall integrity of the chassis floor is quite good considering nearly 70 years of age. This 190SL starts, stops, and drives with very good to excellent driving manners consistent with the overall presentation. As is often the case with cars titled and registered many years ago, this car is titled using the engine number 219216502641.

Items Included with the Car

The car is accompanied by service records from 2011.

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