The Mercedes-Benz 190SL, introduced at the 1954 New York Auto Show, was designed to capture the allure of the legendary 300SL for a broader audience. Sharing the glamorous styling and renowned build quality of its supercar sibling, the 190SL, internally designated W121, adopted a more accessible approach with conventional Ponton saloon underpinnings. Instead of the complex tube frame of the 300SL, it utilized a robust pressed-steel monocoque chassis, and a refined 1.9-liter single-overhead camshaft inline-four engine provided a balance of performance and everyday usability. The 190SL quickly became a celebrated model, establishing Mercedes-Benz as a premier manufacturer of luxurious touring roadsters. Today, the 190SL remains an icon of style and a genuinely enjoyable classic car.
This particular Mercedes-Benz 190 SL was originally delivered in Germany and first registered on May 23, 1960, making it a true example of early production refinement. Accompanied by its original German Kraftfahrzeugbrief (vehicle registration document) from 1960, this car boasts a remarkable history of German ownership. The Kraftfahrzeugbrief meticulously documents five previous German owners before the current custodian acquired the vehicle in 2012, providing a clear chain of provenance.
The comprehensive documentation accompanying this 1960 Mercedes-Benz 190SL extends beyond the Kraftfahrzeugbrief. It also includes an original, older Fahrzeugschein (vehicle license), the original owner’s instruction manual, and a collection of invoices and handwritten service notes spanning from 1998 to 2018. These records detail consistent maintenance, often performed by Mercedes-Benz specialists, demonstrating careful upkeep throughout its life. Further historical insight reveals that a correct-type replacement engine was installed in the early 1990s and a full respray in the car’s original, elegant ivory color was completed in 1998, ensuring its striking appearance was preserved.
Moreover, the file contains a technical inspection report from 2012, noting only a minor defect, and a valuation report from 1991, conducted just prior to its acquisition by the penultimate owner. While consistently maintained over the years, this 1960 Mercedes-Benz 190SL has more recently been kept in static display. Therefore, it will require recommissioning to bring this timeless classic back to its former glory on the open road. This exceptional 1960 Mercedes-Benz 190SL, finished in a striking ivory over red leather combination and equipped with a desirable manual transmission, is available for viewing by prior appointment in Dortmund, Germany. To schedule your viewing, please contact [email protected].
