Status: Sold
Exterior Color: Black
Body Style: Convertible
Fuel: Petrol
Engine: 1.9 Liter Inline 4
Transmission: 4 Speed Manual
The 190 SL, Daimler-Benz’s first volume sports car, known internally as the W121, used a shortened version of the W120 platform and topped it with the unique roadster
Mille Miglia Eligible
History
This beautiful and very well maintained 190 SL Roadster, black exterior with red leather seats, was originally delivered in Mannheim Germany in 1956 and was delivered with the sporty and well sought after 300 SL ‘look-a-like’ seats. Since this car is one of the very first 190 SL ever built, it was delivered with a soft-top only (BM121.042) making this car a rarity. The 190 SL with the four-cylinder in-line engine was fitted with twin-choke dual Solex carburettors and was built as an attractive, more affordable alternative to the exclusive Mercedes Benz 300 SL sharing its basic styling and engineering, detailing and fully independent suspension. Both cars had double wishbones in front and swing axles at the rear guaranteeing superb driving characteristics.
This matching number car was shipped to the United States and traced back to December 12th, 1968 where Mr. John B. Legler bought it. The current owner bought the car from this particular owner who had lived in Clayton Missouri and was a respected Professor Emeritus from the Department of Banking and Finance of the Terry College of Business at the University of Georgia. This states that from December 1968 until now there have been only 2 owners. The history, therefore, is completely documented since!
In 2005 the current owner bought the car after a detailed search and had it shipped to Europe. Specialist Van Dijk ( – details above) restored the 190 SL to a top-level while retaining its splendid original details. Lots of patina is maintained whereas necessary updates have been executed. Since the restoration approximately 30.000 kms have been driven in ultimate weather conditions and the car has always been stored superbly. Actual mileage: 97.800 kms. The car has had every service interval advised by Mercedes Benz Werke AG in Germany, and maintained by its ‘private’ mechanic Jan at Van Dijk in Lisse the Netherlands. If you have any questions feel free to ask for any information about this car.
Why buy this car?
First of all because it is a very original, well-documented and iconic car with its 1950’s special looks! Beautiful design, very solid performances (top speed 173 km/107mph/ 0-100km under 11 sec) and great fun to drive this true eye-catcher.
Secondly because of the colour combination black-red and black convertible top, a Becker radio with fully automatic antenna, equipped with a high standard alarm system and original Mercedes Benz 190 SL luggage frame. Thirdly: this car will remain a solid investment. One of only 25,881 ever built remaining.
Do you need any more reasons? This over 64 years old Mercedes Benz 190 SL, a popular model among collectors, qualifies as a participant in the present-day Mille Miglia. All thanks to new findings showing the iconic roadster took part in the “1000 Miles” race from Brescia to Rome, back in 1956. The fact that even specialist circles were largely unaware that the 190 SL had competed during the original Mille Miglia era is probably due to the official reports issued by the Brescia Automobile Club at the time only referring to the vehicle as a Mercedes without specifying the model designation. The organiser of the present-day Mille Miglia will add the 190 SL to the list of vehicles authorised to take part in the event.
Final reason: A collector in the Netherlands owns this accident-free car and has pampered the car because it deserves to be cared for lovingly. A better Mercedes Benz 190 SL from this era with good and true history is hard to find.
W121 Mercedes Benz 190 SL Roadster
Build date: 2.6.1956
Chassis nr: WDB 1219216500642
