‘With some considerable experience with it during the 5 years since its introduction, we can state unequivocally that this machine is one of the finest 2-seater coupes on the market today. As a tribute to the excellent, all-round, well-balanced design, no really large changes have been made since our first test of the car.’ – Road & Track on the Mercedes-Benz 190SL, December 1960.
The Mercedes-Benz 190SL, particularly the models from 1958, stands as a testament to timeless automotive design and engineering. Emerging in 1954 alongside its more illustrious sibling, the 300SL ‘Gullwing’, the 190SL was conceived as a more accessible, yet equally sophisticated, sports roadster. While the 300SL captured headlines with its racing pedigree and groundbreaking design, the 1958 Mercedes-Benz 190SL carved its own niche by offering a blend of luxury, performance, and open-top motoring that resonated deeply with discerning drivers, especially in the burgeoning American market.
Drawing inspiration from the racing successes of the 300 Super Leicht series, Mercedes-Benz aimed to translate that sporting spirit into road cars. The 1958 190SL, while not as overtly performance-focused as the 300SL, inherited the same commitment to engineering excellence and elegant aesthetics. Based on the robust platform of the 180 saloon, the 190SL benefited from all-independent suspension, ensuring a comfortable and controlled ride, a feature that set it apart from many contemporary sports cars. Production commenced in January 1955 after refinements to strengthen the chassis, underscoring Mercedes-Benz’s dedication to quality and durability.
At the heart of the 1958 Mercedes-Benz 190SL lay a newly developed 1,897cc overhead-camshaft four-cylinder engine, the M121. This marked a significant milestone as the first of its kind in a Mercedes-Benz passenger car. Fed by twin Solex downdraft carburetors, this engine delivered a respectable 105bhp at 5,700rpm. This power output translated to a 0-60mph acceleration in a brisk 13.5 seconds and a top speed reaching 106mph. Beyond outright speed, the engine was praised for its smooth power delivery and fuel efficiency, making the 190SL a capable and enjoyable grand tourer. As Road & Track magazine noted in 1960, cruising at 80mph was effortlessly comfortable, highlighting the car’s blend of performance and relaxed drivability.
The 1958 Mercedes-Benz 190SL boasted a sophisticated four-speed, all-synchromesh gearbox, servo-assisted hydraulic drum brakes, and the aforementioned fully independent suspension. This combination of features resulted in a driving experience that was notably more refined and comfortable than many British sports cars of the era. Its elegant styling, often described as a miniature 300SL, further enhanced its appeal. The 190SL resonated strongly in the United States, becoming a symbol of sophisticated European motoring. Of the nearly 26,000 units produced between 1955 and 1963, a significant portion found homes across the Atlantic.
The 1958 Mercedes-Benz 190SL’s sporting elegance was perfectly balanced with practicality. The availability of a hardtop made it an all-weather companion, ideal for long-distance drives throughout the year. While not conceived as a high-performance sports car in the vein of the 300SL, the 190SL’s balanced chassis and predictable handling provided ample driving enjoyment for spirited enthusiasts. Autocar magazine in 1956 aptly described it: “It proved to be fast and tireless, exhilarating to drive and was probably created with long distance, comfortable travel in mind…”
The Concours-Winning 1958 Mercedes-Benz 190SL Offered
The specific 1958 Mercedes-Benz 190SL highlighted here exemplifies the model’s enduring appeal and the pinnacle of restoration artistry. Presented in a striking Light Green Metallic exterior with a complementary Green soft top and luxurious leather interior, this particular car boasts an exceptional concours record. It achieved First in Class and the prestigious People’s Choice award at the 2021 Legends of the Autobahn, followed by another First in Class victory at the 2021 Hillsborough Concours, and yet another First in Class at the 2021 San Marino Concours.
This impressive string of accolades becomes even more significant when considering the meticulous nut-and-bolt concours restoration undertaken by Juergen Klockemann, a renowned Mercedes-Benz SL restorer based in San Jose, CA. Mr. Klockemann’s name is synonymous with concours-winning Mercedes-Benz vehicles, particularly SL models, and this 190SL is no exception to his exceptional standards. Restoration photographs reveal the car was completely disassembled, ensuring every component was meticulously restored to concours quality, reflecting Mr. Klockemann’s unwavering commitment to perfection.
Accompanied by comprehensive restoration documentation, its numerous concours trophies, a complete luggage set, original toolkit, a 190SL tire pressure gauge, and a fully restored, color-matched hardtop, this California ‘yellow-plate’ concours queen awaits a new custodian to appreciate its exceptional quality and provenance. This 1958 Mercedes-Benz 190SL represents not just a beautifully restored classic car, but a piece of automotive history, ready to be enjoyed and admired for generations to come.
