1957 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL Roadster

The Mercedes-Benz 190 SL (internally designated W121) was introduced alongside the 300 SL 'Gullwing' Coupe at the February 6, 1954, New York Motor Show. Aimed at the American export market, it was a more affordable, yet similarly styled open companion model to its costly stable mate. The 190 SL had advanced monocoque construction with styling by Karl Wilfert, Friedrich Geiger, and Walter Hacker's design staff including Paul Bracq, who would later oversee the styling of the 230 SL. The 'SL' meant 'Sport Leichtbau' or 'Sports Lightweight' which it shared with the 300 SL.

Production of the 190 SL lasted from 1955 to 1963. At the 1956 Macao Grand Prix, two 190 SLs were entered by a local Mercedes-Benz distributor, with the rainy event won by Doug Stearne's 190 SL, who crossed the finish line 2.5 laps ahead of the second-place Ferrari Mondial. Another 190 SL racing victory was the GT under-2000cc class win by Mercedes-Benz distributor Joseph F. Weckerle at the 1956 Casablanca Grand Prix.

This Mercedes-Benz 190 SL Roadsters was given an authentic restoration completed in the late 2000s. It is finished in Horizon blue (DB 304) with a fresh interior with new tan leather upholstery plus a white hardtop, a correct blue soft top, and period-style whitewall tires.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2014