Fantasy Junction

Description

1961 Mercedes-Benz 190SL
s/n 121042-10-020099
Light Yellow with Tan Interior

Introduced at the 1954 New York Auto Show in prototype form (alongside the 300SL Gullwing), the 190SL was a glamorous yet affordable way to enjoy Mercedes quality and robustness in an open air form. Like many other contemporary European sports cars (most notably the Porsche Speedster), the arrival of the 190SL in the United States owed much to Max Hoffman, the contemporary US distributor for many European car companies, including Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, MG, and Triumph. Priced at around $4000, the 190SL was slightly more than half the price of the 300SL, and consequently, nearly 26,000 examples were built between 1955 and 1963, compared to about 1800 300SL Roadsters. Therefore, today, the 190SL remains a considerably more affordable and easier to live with (but in many ways, equally striking and pretty) car than the 300SL thanks to superior parts availability and more simple mechanicals.

This particular car recently came from an estate in Central California so information about it is limited. It is fundamentally solid with no obvious or major rust, though disassembly could of course reveal some. It wears an older repaint that shows plenty of blemishes, and has an interior that is in similar condition, although it is complete and honest. The car is correct and complete throughout, including carburetors, Becker Grand Prix radio and large window hard top. The soft top is also present. The car has not been used in years, although runs and drives at this time. The tires are older and are casual about holding air, but the car can be driven a few miles. It runs, stops, turns, and shifts. It could be driven as is with some sympathetic mechanical freshening (fresh fluids, tune-up, new tires), or is an excellent candidate for a through restoration.

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