Mercedes-Benz produced the 190 SL between May 1955 and February 1963, with a prototype first shown at the 1954 New York Motor Show. The 190 SL was the vision of Max Hoffman, Mercedes' US importer in the 1950s; Hoffman wanted to capitalise on Mercedes' success at the 1952 Carrera Panamericana with the 300 SL, and meet the need for a lower-priced tourer to complement the famous Gullwing.

The 190 SL prototype made its debut at the 1954 New York Auto Show. Production cars took more than a year to appear, with the first arriving at the 1955 Geneva Auto Show. The 190 SL did not use the 300 SL's purpose-built tubular spaceframe but was instead built on a shortened monocoque R121 unit. The 190 SL was powered by a new 1.9 litre straight-four SOHC engine that developed 104bhp, and was based on the 300 SL's six-cylinder engine.

This example was delivered to California in 1960, and features a highly sought after transverse third seat. Being a California car, it was not fitted with a soft-top but does come complete with a hardtop. Our vendor assures us that the car has only been in the care of two owners, with the first from 1960 until 2001, and the second until the present day. Additionally, he assures us that the car has never been restored, and is a matching-numbers example. Presented here in gorgeous battleship grey over crimson leather interior, with fabulous chrome and Bakelite details, this 190 SL has been maintained to an excellent standard. Additionally, its yellow headlamps are a unique feature that mean you'll never confuse this 190 SL with another - but then again, you probably won't find another one with three-seats very quickly either! Consigned by Charlie McCreery

Lot details
Year: 1960
Make: Mercedes-Benz
Model: 190 SL
Registration: EU registered
Chassis No: 12104010017588
Odometer: 95,000

* Equipped with a highly desirable third seat, and hardtop
* Possibly a two-owner car
* Believed to have never been restored