The darling of film-makers
The compact Mercedes cabriolet was a popular film car right from the start. Firstly, it was a beautiful sight to behold and always made the actors look good. Secondly, it had all the Mercedes qualities, which are also very important on a film set. The 190 SL runs reliably with no issues and can be driven by anyone. Who doesn’t remember Grace Kelly chauffeuring Frank Sinatra around in the film ‘High Society’?
| Cylinders | 4 |
| Mileage (km) | 139'000 |
| Engine size | 1897 cc |
| Performance (kW/hp) | 105 |
| First registration date | 1957 |
| Vehicle condition | 2 |
In the early 1950s, Mercedes had no plans to produce a sports car. But the US importer Max Hoffman convinced the Mercedes-Benz management at the board meeting on 2 September 1953 to build a small sports car for the American market. The plan was to unveil the car in February 1954 – just a few months later. The feat of designing and building a presentable prototype in just over three months borders on a miracle. The body was based on the 180 saloon and was beaten out using wooden models but no design drawings. The chosen engine was the new M121 with 1.9-litre displacement and overhead camshaft.
The new car was presented at the New York Auto Show on 6 February 1954. The front was based on the larger Mercedes 300 SL, which was also exhibited at the same time. The rear, however, was wider and closer to the Ponton 180 saloon. It promised a top speed of 190 km/h, 110 PS and options for conversion for racing.
Although use in racing was originally included in the specifications, the 190 SL was never converted into a racing car. The vehicle did take part in some races and a 190 SL actually won the Macau Grand Prix in 1956, with the engine having been slightly reworked by the plant.
The strengths of the Mercedes-Benz 190 SL lay not in its racing performance, but in its suitability for day-to-day use. This was cited again in a 1956 report in Automobil Revue: ‘The Mercedes-Benz 190 SL will suit anyone who is looking for an elegant two-seater with sporty impact, who values careful production and extensive features and who wants a car that offers not only formidable handling but also outstanding qualities. The 190 SL is not a sports car as such. It is a straightforward, reliable touring car that has all four wheels firmly on the ground.
The 190 SL is still one of the most attractive vehicles of its generation, which explains its huge popularity among fans of classic cars too.
This vehicle was de-registered in 1977 and was kept in dry conditions in a garage until 2020. Then it was awoken from its beauty sleep and was painstakingly and thoroughly restored by an expert, complete with original parts. New body with NOS panel parts, mechanical overhaul, engine compartment restored, original Solex carburettor. Original paintwork renewed in beige and original leather features re-upholstered. It is now radiant with a new set of mats (including in luggage compartment) and an original soft top in mint condition. Its veteran status was also renewed in January 2024.
With this vehicle, you’re guaranteed to feel like you’ve stepped back into the age of Hollywood icons and go on to have your own adventures with the beautiful, historic Mercedes 190 SL.
