1960 Mercedes-Benz 190SL

Documented Rare Factory Schwarz

Following the success of the 300 SL Coupe and Roadster, Max Hoffman, a legendary car importer to the United States during the 1950s, changed history.  Hoffman suggested that a similarly styled, less costly alternative would likely be successful. The resulting car was the 190 SL, it featured styling that was derived from the 300 SL.  The car proved to be popular with the public, significantly outselling its "older brother" and continues to command strong demand by car collectors around the world.

Following Mercedes tradition, the 190 SL is beautifully built and solid in a way sports cars were not known for at the time.  Fit and finish from the factory remains near perfect in detail, whether under the hood or the doors that close with that "click" that confirms solidity and strength.  

This roadster is a factory documented as delivered DB 40 Schwarz exterior and emphasised by millimeter-perfect body cut lines and chrome exterior highlights accent the vehicle beautifully.  Interior is immaculately upholstered in tan leather and shows very well.  Simply put, this is a stunning roadster.  The previous owner enjoyed the 120 horsepower produced by the 1.9-litre single overhead-cam four cylinder engine.  Independent suspension, a four speed manual transmission and the removable top are aspects previous owners have thoroughly enjoyed with the vehicle.  

Considerable documentation tells us the fascinating story behind this vehicle.  The 190 was purchased new in 1960 by a Louise Taylor who took delivery in Europe and used the vehicle to tour the country roads of France.  A few years later, Taylor immigrated to the United States, bringing her beloved car with her.  Under her care and ownership the car was well maintained and used sparingly.  She would retain the car for many years until she relinquished ownership to the cars next caretaker.  Again the car would see little use for the next few years.  The appreciable car would later be acquired by a very prominent and well respected collector of vintage and rare firearms.  A deal was made by way of trading rare and collectible firearms and in turn, the schwarz 190 SL would become property of the next owner and in good company next to his 300 SL Gullwing.  During this ownership, the car would be treated to a thorough restoration which was an easy task as the car had seen little use and was in great original condition.  The car would be loved and enjoyed sparing during this ownership until his passing.  From there the car would be passed down to his son and from whom Legendary would purchase the car from.

This is a numbers matching vehicle and is complete with the original books and tools that came with the car.  Having completed a professional factory style restoration, this 190 SL, presented in a rare factory colour with matching numbers motor and documented by Mercedes Benz Classic   and is a fantastic example of a car that is now sought-after by collectors around the world.