Delivered to Germany, in Austria since 1966!

With the last owner for 32 years!

It was a native of Vienna that originally came up with the idea for the 190 SL: Max Hoffmann, who went on to become the importer in New York. He urged the directors in Stuttgart to finally - putting it mildly - do something to liven up the somewhat conservative range of models. What he envisaged was a road version of the 300 SL race car, accompanied by a chic boulevard convertible with modest engineering. And indeed, two of these prototypes stood side-by-side at the New York Motor Show in February 1954. The 190 SL had been designed and developed in just a few months, based on the solid pontoon mechanics. At the time, its 105 hp was more than enough to leave most of the other road users trailing in its wake. And Hoffmann’s instincts proved right, as both SL models enjoyed unprecedented success!

This 190 SL was exported from Germany to Austria back in 1966. As shown in the old photo on the individual approval, it had previously been registered in Göttingen. The photo also reveals that it no longer sported its original, graphite grey coat of paint, rather its current shape of silver. Originally registered in Baden near Vienna, the SL was purchased by a lady in Kottingbrunn in 1974. It was acquired by the most recent owner in 1986, resplendent in precisely the unrestored condition it so proudly displays today. The original Solex carburettors still supply the engine. The interior is preserved and displays a magnificent patina with all the charming traces acquired in almost six decades of an automobile’s life, exuding a thrilling charisma that is painfully lacking in so many of its restored contemporaries. This SL declares and openly displays its wonderful history and the associated authenticity!

VIN: 12104210015033, mileage: 23,873 km (read), displacement: 1,897 cc/R4, power: 105 hp, colour: silver metallic/red (synthetic leather), gearbox: 4-speed, papers: Austrian individual approval