This 1959 Mercedes-Benz 190SL Roadster is an absolutely stunning German-imported convertible with great options and upgrades.
Few automobiles in the entire canon of classic car collecting evoke the sense of refined sophistication and timeless beauty that surrounds the Mercedes-Benz 190SL Roadster. By the early 1950s, Mercedes-Benz was rebuilding its reputation as one of the world's premier automobile manufacturers following the devastation of World War II. The company's return to motorsport with the legendary 300SL Gullwing had captured the imagination of the automotive world, but the 300SL's exotic nature and substantial price placed it well beyond the reach of most buyers. Mercedes-Benz recognized the opportunity to offer a more accessible expression of that same sporting elegance, and the 190SL was born.
Introduced at the 1954 New York Auto Show, the 190SL was designed to deliver open-air European motoring to a broader and more discerning audience. If the 190SL is celebrated for one thing above all others, it is the sheer, timeless perfection of its styling. Penned by legendary Mercedes-Benz designer Paul Bracq and his colleagues, the 190SL's long hood, sweeping fenders, graceful tail, and perfectly proportioned roadster body created a silhouette of enduring beauty that has lost nothing in the six decades since it first appeared. The chrome detailing, the three-pointed star proudly mounted on the hood, and the elegant simplicity of the overall design combine to produce an automobile that looks equally at home on the Côte d'Azur, at a prestigious concours d'élégance, or parked outside a fine restaurant on a warm summer evening.
Beneath the 190SL's beautiful exterior lies a sophisticated and well-engineered drivetrain that delivers a driving experience thoroughly befitting the Mercedes-Benz name. Powered by a 1.9-liter dual-overhead-cam inline four-cylinder engine producing approximately 105 horsepower, the 190SL was never intended to be a raw performance machine. Instead, it offered a refined, balanced, and genuinely enjoyable driving experience that rewarded its owners with every mile. The independent suspension, precise steering, and carefully tuned chassis gave the 190SL a composure and sophistication on the road that few contemporaries could match.
The 190SL was produced from 1955 through 1963, with a total of 25,881 examples built during that span. It is believed that 3,949 were produced in the 1959 model year. This modest production number underscores the rarity of these cars today. The 1959 model year sits squarely in the heart of the production run, representing a car that benefited from years of refinement and development while retaining all of the original model's charm and character.
This particular example comes from a southern collector who took meticulous care of this outstanding automobile. Under the bonnet is a 1.9-liter M121 inline-four engine fed by a pair of upgraded Weber carburetors, providing a sporty, more reliable, and enjoyable driving experience. The engine is paired with a 4-speed manual transmission, making cruising in this imported classic Mercedes a very fun experience. A single exhaust produces a muted rumble from the rear tailpipe.
Like most imported sports cars of the day, this 190SL is equipped with some notable options. It features power brakes for easy stopping and minimal effort. A driver's side chrome outside mirror, as well as an optional passenger's side outside mirror, greatly assist with parking and lane changes by improving side visibility.
