Chassis No. 121.040.10.019096

The world was first introduced to the Mercedes-Benz SL line of cars during the International Motor Sports Show in February 1954 in New York, where the 300 SL and 190 SL were simultaneously unveiled. While the 300 SL was directly linked to motorsports, the 190 was positioned as a touring car with excellent sporting characteristics while offering similar styling. An optional hardtop was available from the factory for a more intimate driving experience should the time or weather require it.

The 190 SL was equipped with a 1.9-liter inline-four-cylinder engine with dual carburetors, positioning it to compete with the Porsche 356 and numerous other smaller sports cars of the era. An innovative use of unibody construction pioneered with the 190 class of sedans bestowed the car with outstanding handling while simultaneously keeping the build cost to a minimum. Befitting the cutting-edge engineering for which Mercedes-Benz has always been known, the cars featured an independent front suspension, a low-pivot swing axle, and power-ventilated drum brakes - all of which could also be found on the 300 SL.

This particular 190 SL has been a part of the AAU Collection for nearly 20 years, following the acquisition of the car in early 2006. Under previous ownership, this 190 SL was restored from its original color of Fire Engine Red, as per the Body Tag, to its current shade of orange-red with color-keyed wheels and hubcaps. The interior has also been refinished in a complimentary shade of tan leather with a matching tan fabric folding soft top. A common and well-documented modification in the 190 SL community is exchanging the original Solex carburetors with a pair of Weber 40 DCOE units, as found in this 1961 example. The original Solex units can be challenging to start in cold weather and set up correctly as they age, with numerous air leaks from worn pivot shafts that can be costly to rectify properly. The Webers have the added benefit of enhancing the sporting feel while driving when compared to the Solex units - an ideal setup for touring use.

The 190 SL is both a piece of automotive sculpture and an enjoyable motor car to drive. A striking example such as this is capable of providing the dashing looks of a 1950s sports tourer with the added refinement of its tasteful appointments, which remain a Mercedes-Benz specialty to this day - a terrific blend of style and elegance.