1957 Mercedes Benz 190SL Euro Spec with "040" Full Leather Option

Description

In Mercedes-Benz nomenclature, the S in SL means Sports and the L means Light (Leicht), however the 190SL is not really a sports car and is not at all light. The 190SL is really a touring car, and compared to other four-cylinder, two-seater sports cars of its day, weights 500 to 1000 lb. more; 2558 lb. curb weight.. The 190SL was first introduced into the marketplace with the vision of Max Hoffman, Mercedes-Benz US importer of cars in the early fifties. Hoffman's marketing strategy was to take ...advantage of the 300SL win in the 1952 Carrera Panamericana Mexican road race. He wanted to build on this excitement to sell Mercedes cars, and he especially wanted to sell the yet to be produced 300SL coupe. The 300SL was designed and built as a racing car. Trying to transform the specially constructed racer into a production automobile was DBAG goal and it was achieved and first produced in August of 1954. Hoffman also recognized a market need for a second, lower priced sports car to complement the 300SL. Hence, the 190SL was officially introduced at the 1954 New York Auto Show. As a prototype, it had early dash instrumentation, an air scoop on the hood, and eyebrows only on the front fenders. Initial deliveries did not take place for fifteen more months with the first production version appearing at the March of 1955 Geneva Auto Show.The advertised price of the 190SL in 1955 was $3,998 (New York); the 300SL cost $7,463 (NY); the 190SL outsold the 300SL by about eight to one. By 1961 the base price had risen to $5,129 (NY). According to factory figures, 25,881 190SL's were produced from 1955 to 1963. Production peaked in 1956 at 4,032 cars and 1963 saw the least number produced, 104. About 50 percent of the total number of 190SL's produced are estimated to survive, and restoration promises to preserve them.The 190SL was usually titled in the particular year sold; regardless of year of manufacture. Production changes were numerous through out the nine years of manufacturing; hence changes occurred by DBAG using chassis and/or engine numbers.This particular example retains its original livery (though tattered) in its original black paint with red leather interior including its original factory hardtop. this car was originally optioned with the rare "040" option which outfitted the interior with full leather (top and bottom of dash, door panels, and leather seats). All original panels are intact and panel fit is excellent and within factory specifications. It was purchased from a doctor in Colorado in the late 60's (presumed the first owner) and went on to Kansas where it stayed until it was purchased by Classic Investments just two months ago. The motor was replaced at some point with a motor that was originally spec'd for the Mercedes 190 Sedan. However; we do have a original 190SL (Type 120) long block that is available through Classic Investments(inquire). This car is in need of a complete restoration but is a fantastic candidate for such.Please contact Stephen Bell at 720-307-1053 for more information