1962 Mercedes-Benz 190SL Roadster - 1.9L, 4-Speed. Estimate $125,000 - $150,000. Photo by David Newhardt, Courtesy of Mecum Auctions.

Two very similar cars appeared on the Mercedes-Benz stand at the New York Auto Show in February of 1954. One was a large $7,000 dream machine; the other had all the looks, handling and comfort of the 300SL in a package a foot shorter and half the price. The 190SL was the Mercedes-Benz roadster you could actually own and enjoy.

The 1962 specifications to which this car has been restored are highlighted by the the cumulative improvements that the last 121.928-prefix 190 SLs received. Both 1962 and 1963 models were identical, while the 928 designation refers to the valve train used on the 1.9L inline-4. This was the same valve train that went into 230SLs in 1963. With twin Solex carburetors, it gave a welcome torque boost of 114 lb-ft. to the high-winding 120 HP SOHC engine, making it a competitive proposition with a lower-powered Porsche 356 Super or Austin-Healey 100M.

The 356 and 100M were purpose-built sporting cars, whereas the 190SL was a pure GT, built to the highest standard with immaculate materials. Befitting of a gran turismo, it had a floor-shifted 4-speed and fully independent suspension combined with a 2,550-pound curb weight. It was such a good driver that 190SLs were campaigned very successfully in hundreds of rallies. For daily use, the thick top, 17-gallon gas tank and average of 19 miles per gallon made it an ideal long weekend car and they were even common as daily drivers, often accumulating hundreds of thousands of miles.

While 190SLs were built to last, the cost of restoration can be prohibitive. This car has already been restored to correct 1962 specifications and includes a Red exterior with Whitewalls on matching wheels and a new soft top over a two-tone Tan interior with Blaupunkt radio. As delightful on the show field as on the road, the 190SL has become a classic Mercedes-Benz collectible.

Mecum Monterey 2015