1956 Mercedes-Benz 190SL

This 1956 Mercedes-Benz 190SL was purchased by the current owner on BaT in September 2020 after remaining with one family since 1958. It is finished in red with a black soft top over a black interior and is powered by a 1.9-liter M121 inline-four paired with four-speed manual transmission. Features include a color-matched hardtop, a Motorola push-button AM/FM radio, dual Weber carburetors, and chrome trim, bumpers, and side-view mirrors. Service since 2020 has included replacement of the motor mount hardware, starter, generator, and voltage regulator as well as an oil change in preparation for the sale. This 190SL is now being offered by the seller on behalf of the owner with an owner’s manual, car cover, a Becker radio, the removed Solex carburetors, service manuals, and a clean Washington title in the owner’s name. Originally finished in silver, the body was reportedly repainted red in 1987 along with the removable hardtop. A black Stayfast soft top was installed a decade later, though water leaks are noted by the seller. Rust in the trunk was repaired in 2019, and the seller states that various body rubber seals are in need of replacement. Flaking chrome is present on the front bumper, and other finish flaws are pictured in the gallery below. Red-painted 13” steel wheels wear chrome hubcaps with body-colored centers and polished beauty rings and are wrapped in sized 185/80 thin-whitewall radial tires. A full-size spare is found in the trunk, and stopping power is provided by power-assisted four-wheel drum brakes. All four shock absorbers were replaced in 2019, and the steering box has been adjusted per the seller. Spare hubcaps and trim rings will accompany the vehicle. The seats are upholstered in black, and the cabin features a matching dashboard top, door panels, and carpets lined with rubber mats. Seam separation is noted on the driver’s seat bottom, and sheepskin covers are included in the sale. A push-button Motorola AM/FM radio has been installed, and the removed Becker unit will accompany the vehicle. The two-spoke steering wheel is cracked and worn. VDO instrumentation consists of a 140-mph speedometer and a 7k-rpm tachometer as well as gauges for oil pressure, water temperature, and fuel level. The five-digit odometer shows 55k miles, approximately 600 of which were added under current ownership. The 1.9-liter M121 inline-four was factory rated at 104 horsepower and 105 lb-ft of torque. Weber 40DCOE carburetors have been installed in place of the removed Solex units. Service since 2020 has included a cooling system overhaul, a rebuild of the carburetors, and replacement of the motor mount hardware, fuel lines, fuel pump gaskets, starter, generator, and voltage regulator. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a fully synchronized four-speed manual transmission. Included with the car is an assortment of various parts including the removed Becker radio, a spare used distributor, hubcaps, and the removed Solex carburetors. The Washington title displays an Antique brand. Filed under: r121, sl