The 1959 Mercedes-Benz 190SL stands as a testament to an era of automotive elegance and sophisticated engineering. Born from a concept unveiled at the 1954 New York Auto Show, this two-seat roadster quickly transitioned from dream to reality, debuting in 1955. Positioned as the more accessible sibling to the groundbreaking 300SL ‘Gullwing’, the 190SL offered a less demanding, yet equally captivating, sports car experience. While it traded the 300SL’s direct-injected 3-liter inline-six for a carbureted 1.9-liter inline-four engine, the 1959 Mercedes Benz 190SL retained the core DNA of Mercedes-Benz – meticulous craftsmanship, engineering excellence, and an unwavering attention to detail.
Beneath the stylish exterior of the 1959 Mercedes 190SL lay a robust and refined mechanical setup. The newly developed 1.9-liter engine, sharing bore and stroke dimensions with the formidable 300SL, was mated to a smooth, fully synchronized 4-speed manual transmission. This powertrain delivered power to the rear wheels through swing axles, ensuring confident and predictable handling. Crucially, the 190SL adopted the same sophisticated suspension systems found in the 300SL, providing a ride quality that was both comfortable and dynamically capable, setting it apart from many contemporary sports cars.
The design of the Mercedes-Benz 190SL from 1959 is instantly recognizable and embodies the classic Mercedes-Benz aesthetic of the period. Sweeping curves, balanced proportions, and judicious use of brightwork define its timeless appeal. Echoes of the legendary 300SL are evident throughout the design, most notably in the prominent three-pointed star grille emblem and the distinctive “eyebrows” elegantly sculpted above the wheel arches. These styling cues firmly placed the 1959 190SL within the prestigious Mercedes-Benz family, while establishing its own unique identity as a symbol of open-top motoring luxury.
Although the 1959 Mercedes Benz 190SL may not have possessed the outright performance figures of some other sports cars of its era, its compelling blend of impeccable build quality and captivating styling resonated deeply with buyers. This resulted in remarkable commercial success, with over 25,000 units sold globally before production concluded in 1963. A significant portion of these vehicles found their way to the United States, where the 190SL’s refined driving characteristics and sophisticated European design were particularly appreciated. The 1959 Mercedes-Benz 190SL played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of small roadsters during the 1950s, demonstrating the heights of luxury and refinement that could be achieved within this vehicle category.
The specific 1959 Mercedes-Benz 190SL being highlighted here, completed in December 1959 at the Stuttgart plant, exemplifies the model’s enduring allure. Originally finished in the elegant Light Blue DB334 paint, complemented by a Crème leather interior, this car was specified with sealed beam headlights for its journey to the United States. It was destined for Max Hoffman’s renowned US distributorship in New York, marking the beginning of its American story.
This particular 1959 Mercedes 190SL is believed to have been acquired by a New York enthusiast in the early 1960s, remaining within the same ownership for decades. More recently, this classic Mercedes-Benz underwent a comprehensive restoration overseen by the esteemed Mercedes-Benz specialist Bruce Adams. The meticulous nature of this restoration is documented by extensive receipts and photographs compiled within a detailed restoration file. Further enhancing its condition, the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center in Irvine recently performed significant cosmetic and mechanical work, totaling over $30,000. The exceptional quality of the restoration is immediately apparent in the choice of materials and the precision of the finish, a hallmark evident throughout the vehicle. Offered with copies of the original Mercedes-Benz factory build sheets and the comprehensive restoration documentation, this 1959 Mercedes-Benz 190SL presents a rare opportunity to acquire an outstanding example of a truly iconic and charming roadster.
