in

Sold: Nice Mercedes Benz 190 SL from 1956

Auction house Catawiki has sold a nice Mercedes Benz 190 SL from 1956 this week. The white roadster was transferred to a new owner for a market-conforming amount of € 80.000, - excluding auction costs. The restored Benz from one of the first years of construction is characterized by numerous beautiful original details. Moreover, the buyer gets a very rare aluminum hardtop.

When the new owner takes the 190SL for a nice trip, he is assured of a view of a beautiful dashboard. Photo: Catawiki
When the new owner takes the 190SL for a nice trip, he is assured of a view of a beautiful dashboard. Photo: Catawiki

Well cared for by owner
The fifties roadster was kept in good condition by its previous owner. In addition to paying attention to the paint and keeping the interior in immaculate condition, the technical part was also well maintained. The engine, gearbox and rear axle underwent a revision. The engine was also equipped with an electronic ignition. All in all, this 190 SL is a beautiful example of a beloved model from the fifties.

Some traces of use.
The Benz has only a few traces of use. The chrome deserves some attention and there is also a small damage in the original roadster hood. In any case, the new owner will have access to a beloved model that had its origins in the fifties.

Brief history of the Mercedes Benz 190 SL
The Mercedes Benz 190 SL was built from 1955 to 1963. It has so far been the only Mercedes Benz (excluding the virtual successor SLK) which, together with another model, represented the SL series of the Stuttgart-Untertürkheim brand: the magical 300 SL series. He was technically based on the Pontoon model of the Baureihe W120. The sports car received the Werksreihe code W 121 BII from the factory (the 190 Limousine still in the pipeline was called W 121 BI). Special was that the 190 SL had a body of steel sheet metal, with the bonnet, the door sills, the doors and the boot lid made of aluminum. In addition, the beautiful "Touring Sport" from Mercedes Benz was fitted with a newly developed engine: The 1897 cc engine with code M121 BII fitted with one overhead camshaft generated 105 HP and was ventilated by two Solex "Flachstrom" carburetors. The braking was done by means of four hydraulic drum brakes, which could be further enhanced from 1956 thanks to the ATE-T-50 actuator from that moment on.

The 190 SL could also be supplied with a hardtop. The item auctioned by Catawiki has an aluminum hardtop. Image: Daimler Benz AG
The 190 SL could also be supplied with a hardtop. The copy auctioned by Catawiki (not pictured by the way) has an aluminum hardtop. Image: Daimler Benz AG

Three versions of a successful type
The 190 SL, designed with many rounded elements, was available in three versions: the version with a fabric convertible roof, the version with only a hardtop roof or a version with both a fabric convertible roof and a hardtop roof. That versatility of choice was one of the secrets of sales success. The same variety could also be further flavored thanks to numerous options. The fact that the reliable Mercedes technology was low in maintenance and the 190SL had fine travel characteristics also contributed to the fact that the 190 SL was an appealing car. It was finally produced 25.881 times and was always held in high regard by the trade press due to its design, driving characteristics and proven reliability.

DON'T MISS ANY ARTICLE AGAIN

REGISTER FOR FREE

AND WE SEND YOU OUR NEWSLETTER EVERY DAY WITH THE LATEST STORIES ABOUT CLASSIC CARS AND MOTORCYCLES

Select other newsletters if necessary

We won't send you spam! Read us privacy Policy .

Give a reaction

The email address will not be published. Required fields are marked with *

The maximum upload file size: 8 MB. you can upload: image. Links to YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and other services inserted in the comment text will be automatically embedded. Drop files here




Now on newsstands

View the nearly forty-page preview at this link or a click on the cover.

The December issue, containing:

  • Alfa Romeo Giulia 1300 Super
    Erik van Putten explores the timeless charm of the Alfa Romeo Giulia 1300 Super, with images of Bart Spijker and himself. The story delves into the world of Alfaenthusiast Koen de Groot, whose family is deeply rooted in the Alfa Romeo culture. Koens' special relationship with his Giulia, a car he has cherished for years and which will soon receive an impressive upgrade, is highlighted. The Giulia symbolizes car love and heritage, a passion enriched by Koen's father Frans, a Alfa Romeo expert and enthusiast.
  • Double Used Type Designations
    Peter Ecury unravels fascinating stories from the automotive world in the 32nd episode of his series on double-used type designations. This edition provides an update on the rumors surrounding Peugeot and Porsche and delves into the history of the type designation '142', used by brands such as Volvo and Austin. Ecury also discusses the evolution of the term 'GT' and the controversial use of the letters 'SS' in car names after WWII, with examples such as the Chevrolet Impala SS and the Alfa Romeo Giulietta SS.
  • Ducati 750GT, 860GT and 900GTS
    Hans Smid highlights the Ducati round carts, produced from 1972 to 1974, which combine minimalist beauty with unique technology. This article describes Ducati's drive for innovation and the creation of these models, highlights the challenges and costs of collecting them, and shows Ducati's journey from near ruin to iconic status.
  • Horex Imperator
    Marina Block tells the story of the Horex Imperator, an iconic motorcycle from the 50s, known for its sportiness and advanced technology. Despite the closure of the factories, Horex remained known, partly due to the cartoon character Werner and recent reissues. The Imperator, with its innovative parallel twin and overhead camshaft, inspired later designs and has been praised for its quality and design, despite limited sales success.
  • ClassicPost
    Readers of Auto Motor Klassiek share their discoveries and experiences. Eddy Joustra discovers a Peugeot 203 pickup in Heerenveen, while Robert Reessink photographs a unique Moto Guzzi moped in Italy. Stories range from Chris van Haarlem's Scottish scooter adventures to Bram Drooger's discovery of a Rolls-Royce Corniche and two FIAT 850s. Ben de Man finds a special Chevrolet Step-Van in the Netherlands, and readers share corrections and additions to previously published articles.
  • Nissan Silvia 1.8 Turbo
    Aart van der Haagen reveals the history of a rare Nissan Silvia 1.8 Turbo, originally registered as a commercial vehicle. The first owner transformed the car into a family-friendly vehicle, and Jan Manenschijn now cherishes this unrestored gem with only 67.000 kilometers on the odometer.
  • Peugeot 205 collection Team VCC Twente
    Aart van der Haagen highlights Team VCC Twente's collecting passion for Peugeot 205 models. Brothers Peter and Niek Olde Veldhuis collected unique examples such as the GTI and CTI, and even a rare 1.9 GTI Dimma. Their collection shows the transformation of a once ordinary model into a special classic.
  • Volvo and Classic Cars
    Alain Pondman from Volvo Lotte speaks about the true value of classic cars. He criticizes the trend of cheap, poorly maintained classics on Marktplaats, emphasizes the importance of making memories with vintage cars, and advises buyers to invest in quality and durability.
  • Volkswagen Beetle 1955 - Second life
    Max de Krijger tells the story of Hendrik Jan Hofman, a passionate Kever restorer. Hofman brought a badly damaged 1955 Beetle back to life with a dedication to perfection and detail. This green Beetle, complete with handmade high chair and open roof, reflects his craftsmanship. Hofman is now considering selling the Beetle to focus on a new project.
  • ClassicPost
    In the KlassiekerPost section of Auto Motor Klassiek enthusiastic readers share their unique finds and personal experiences. Eddy Joustra comes across a rare Peugeot 203 pickup in Heerenveen. Robert Reessink captures a unique Moto Guzzi moped on camera in Italy. Chris van Haarlem shares his Scottish scooter adventures, including an unexpected encounter with an Austin A30 on the Isle of Skye. Bram Drooger spots an elegant Rolls-Royce Corniche and two FIAT 850s. Ben de Man discovers a special Chevrolet Step-Van in the Netherlands. This section illustrates the diversity and deep-rooted passion of classic car and motorcycle enthusiasts, with stories ranging from local discoveries to international treasures. In addition, readers provide valuable corrections and additions to previously published articles, such as PBTM Matthijssen's input on the Ardie/Dürkopp Dianette, which contributes to the rich and versatile content of the magazine.
  • Once again almost twenty pages of short messages about everything that has to do with classics
  • And of course our section 'Classics' where you can shop around in search of your next classic.

The perfect reading material for an evening or more of undisturbed dreaming. It is now in stores. A subscription is of course better, because then you will no longer miss a number and you are also much cheaper. Not bad in these expensive times.

Old-timer day Zoetermeer. In May

Classics in Velp and surroundings