Beschreibung:

The Mercedes-Benz 190SL with the 300SL made history at the New York International Motor Sports Show in February 1954 by being the first new production Mercedes- Benz to be unveiled outside of Germany. The impression given by the 190SL alongside the bigger 300SL was neat, sporty and with dashing lines. This was the trait of Mercedes-Benz designers Karl Wilfret and Walter Hacket. Despite opinions, the statistics tell their own tale as between May 1955 and February 1963, 25,881 of these cars were produced - it was a huge success for Mercedes-Benz. Its engine boasted four inline cylinders with a chain driven overhead camshaft and two Solex 44PHH carburetors, delivering a respectable 108bhp for that era. The body was a monocoque design, welded to the shortened chassis of the type 180 saloon. A racing version with aluminium doors and a small windscreen was never produced although these parts could be ordered from the Factory for weekend racing. This charming 190 SL was delivered new to the Caribbean island of Trinidad in 1961 and was only imported into Britain in 1965, hence its C registration. Having lived for some time in Wales the car was eventually bought by a partner in a major City law firm who had the car completely restored in the early 1990s at a cost of over £30,000. The current owner acquired FCY975C in 1995 with 60,000 miles on the clock. In his ownership the car has been regularly used and is a favourite for touring holidays around the UK and France, the 450 miles to Le Mans once being covered very comfortably in a single day. During this time the car has been maintained by Mercedes-Benz specialists John Bilias and latterly John Haynes For the last 15 years the car has lived close to Goodwood and last year was one of the cars invited to be displayed on the lawns of Goodwood House as part of the annual vehicle display of the Goodwood Road Racing Club. The present owner writes for Mercedes Enthusiast magazine and the car featured in an article and photo shoot at the Goodwood Circuit in the July 2010 edition. Complete with an extensive document file going back as far as the original 1965 UK logbook and a bill of sale from 1970, there are many bills substantiating work completed, MOTs, various correspondence and photographs detailing the car's restoration. Most impressively, this 190 SL comes with its rare removable hard top, which matches the blue exterior paintwork that was resprayed four years ago. This is an excellent opportunity to acquire a very good looking and well sorted 190 SL that is ready for long distance touring.