1955 Mercedes-Benz 190SL Roadster - 4-Speed, Matching Luggage. Estimate $150,000 - $175,000. Photo by David Newhardt, Courtesy of Mecum Auctions. 

In contrast to the exorbitantly expensive, space-framed, gullwing-door 300SL, the Mercedes-Benz 190SL was built for people of closer-to-average means. And while the windshield and bumpers could easily be removed and the doors and hood replaced with readily available aluminum pieces for racing, the 190SL was more in the tradition of the open Grand Touring machine. Still, its dry-sump SOHC inline-4 engine—essentially a 300SL unit with two fewer cylinders—put out a respectable 110 HP at 5,500 RPM using twin Solex side-draft carburetors for a top speed of almost 120 MPH. It did not hurt that the 190SL was stylistically a scaled down copy of the 300SL, with the added extras of a wider track and a slight bulge in the rear fender contours that to some gave it an aesthetic edge. An arresting example of this highly appealing classic is offered in this 1955 190SL Roadster finished in dramatic Red with contrasting Tan leather interior and an auxiliary hardtop, which has been painted to match the Black steel wheels and hub caps. This stylish GT runs under the power of its original 1.9L inline-4 engine mated to Mercedes-Benz’s excellent 4-speed transmission. This is a wonderful restoration that extends to the engine and surrounding compartment (including plated surfaces), suspension, brakes, backing plates and lines and the gearbox. The paint, exterior and interior chrome, weatherstripping inside and out, hardtop and headliner are all new. Interesting details include passenger compartment coat hooks, rare 1955-style filament visors and an original piece of luggage in the trunk that is finished to match the interior. This charming SL also includes the owner’s manual and the original tool roll.

Mecum Monterey 2015