Mercedes Benz 190SL Roadster

Background:Little introduction is need for Mercedes-Benzs 190SL, there well loved, two-door grand touring roadster that was produced from May 1955 until February of 1963. A prototype was first shown at the 1954 New York Auto Show where it was warmly received with orders for new examples pouring in. The 190SL was sold alongside the faster, more expensive Mercedes-Benz 300SL, which it closely resembled both in its styling, engineering, detailing. Both featured fully independent suspension, with both cars having double wishbone suspensions at the front and swing axles at the rear. The 190SL did not use the 300SL's purpose-built tubular spaceframe W198 platform, but was built on a shortened monocoque R121 platform that was modified from the W121 small saloon.The 190SL was powered by a new, slightly oversquare 1.9-liter straight-four SOHC engine (Type M121 BII), that developed 120 bhp at 5,700 rpm. The four-cylinder engine block of the 190SL was based on the six-cylinder engine of the 300SL. The 85mm bore was transferred unchanged from the larger engine to the smaller, although the stroke for the 190SL was reduced from 88.0mm to 83.6mm. The car was available either as a soft-top convertible priced $3,998 or with a removable hardtop $4,295. Optional was a third-passenger transverse seat that could almost even fit an adult. During its first years the 190SL was available as a sports-racing model with small perspex windscreen and spartan one-piece leather covered bucket seats and aluminum doors. Competition aspirations were modest but there were several class victories in a variety of different international events. Both the 190SL and the 300SL were replaced by the Mercedes-Benz 230SL in 1963 but even out of production, both of these timeless classics have had a following that remains ever faithful and loyal to the marque.Chassis No.190SL/121.042-6502387This particular 190SL was a standard production, normal “North American Market” export model. According to the Mercedes Factory Records, it was completed under Commission No. 770 490 on May 30th, 1956 and sold new in Los Angeles California. The following individual component numbers and codes are specific to this vehicle:Chassis No. 190SL/121.042-6502387Body No. A121.042-6501787Engine No. 121.921.-10-020932Gearbox No. 6502389Rear Axle No. W190Rear Axle Ratio 3/9Front Left Axle No.6502499Right Front Axle No.6502499Steering Box No. 6502433Exterior Paint White (Code 50G)Interior Color Red Leather (Code 1079)Other than spending most of its life in Southern California, the early history of this vehicle is not known, however over the past decade, after having been extensively updated, sorted and set up, it has been used extensively and competitively around the world in various historic tours and rallies.
The engine has been given several important updates for better reliable long-term performance on tours, rallies and races. These include Weber Carburetors, higher compression pistons and an improved performance cam-shaft with revised ignition timing and a tuned exhaust system.
Today it remains ready for immediate enthusiastic use with all services current and up to date with new, no-time fresh tires on all four corners. Engine compression is perfect and even from 155lbs to 165lbs on all cylinders.
Nearly 100 high resolution inspectionphotos,history and records for this vehicle can be accessed calling, texting or emailing me directly for assistance.
Please contact me if I can assist further in anyway witharranging for inspections, test drives or anything else related to the purchase of this vehicle.Kind regards and many thanks always,Bill NoonSymbolic International11425 Sorrento Valley RoadSan Diego, California 92121 USAPhone619 840 7811 Emailbill AT billnoon DOT com