This 1959 Mercedes-Benz 190SL Roadster is an absolutely stunning German-imported convertible with great options and upgrades! Few automobiles in the entire canon of classic car collecting evoke the sense of refined sophistication and timeless beauty that surrounds the Mercedes-Benz 190SL Roadster. By the early 1950s, Mercedes-Benz was rebuilding its reputation as one of the world's premier automobile manufacturers following the devastation of World War II. The company's return to motorsport with the legendary 300SL Gullwing had captured the imagination of the automotive world, but the 300SL's exotic nature and substantial price placed it well beyond the reach of most buyers. Mercedes-Benz recognized the opportunity to offer a more accessible expression of that same sporting elegance, and the 190SL was born. Introduced at the 1954 NY Auto Show, the 190SL was designed to deliver open-air European motoring to a broader and more discerning audience. If the 190SL is celebrated for one thing above all others, it is the sheer, timeless perfection of its styling. Penned by legendary Mercedes-Benz designer Paul Bracq and his colleagues, the 190SL's long hood, sweeping fenders, graceful tail, and perfectly proportioned roadster body created a silhouette of enduring beauty that has lost nothing in the six decades since it first appeared. The chrome detailing, the three-pointed star proudly mounted on the hood, and the elegant simplicity of the overall design combine to produce an automobile that looks equally at home on the Cte d'Azur, at a prestigious concours d'©l©gance, or parked outside a fine restaurant on a warm summer evening. Beneath the 190SL's beautiful exterior lay a sophisticated and well-engineered drivetrain that delivered a driving experience thoroughly befitting the Mercedes-Benz name. Powered by a 1.9 liter dual-overhead-cam inline four-cylinder engine producing approximately 105 horsepower, the 190SL was never intended to be a raw performance machine - rather, it offered a refined, balanced, and genuinely enjoyable driving experience that rewarded its owners with every mile. The independent suspension, precise steering, and carefully tuned chassis gave the 190SL a composure and sophistication on the road that few contemporaries could match. The 190SL was produced from 1955 through 1963, with total production of 25,881 examples built during that span, of which it is believed that 3,949 were produced in the 1959 model year - modest by any measure, and a figure that underscores the genuine rarity of these cars today. The 1959 model year sits squarely in the heart of the production run, representing a car that benefited from years of refinement and development while retaining all of the original model's charm and character. This particular example comes to us from a southern collector who took meticulous care of this outstanding automobile. Under the bonnet of this 190SL Convertible is a 1.9 Liter M121 Inline 4 cylinder engine fed by a pair of upgraded Weber carburetors that provide a sporty, more reliable, and enjoyable driving experience. The 1.9L engine is mated to a 4 speed manual transmission that makes cruising in this imported classic Mercedes a very fun car to drive. A single exhaust setup produces a muted rumble from the rear-exiting tailpipe. Like most imported sports cars of the day where features were somewhat spartan, this particular 190SL roadster is equipped with some notable options! With power brakes, bringing this German sports car to a complete stop is easy, requiring minimal effort. A driver's side chrome outside mirror, as well as an optional passenger's side outside mirror, greatly assists with parking efforts and lane changes because side visibility is much improved. A pair of front and rear chrome bumper guards further elevate the upscale look of this '59 Mercedes-Benz. The Chocolate-colored cloth convertible top is in wonderful condition and when in its lowered position, tucks neatly below a matching convertible top boot. Riding on a set of brand new wide whitewall radial tires that are mounted on painted steel wheels and accented with Mercedes emblem emblazoned hubcaps, this '59 190SL Roadster has a truly luxurious look and an even better ride. The body of this 190 roadster has been refinished in gorgeous burgundy-toned Mercedes Red paint that completes the exterior look of this classic Mercedes. The interior of this 1959 Mercedes-Benz 190SL Roadster is absolutely stunning! The plush bucket seats, as well as the matching door panels, have been reupholstered in beautiful Saddle hued leather that provides a wonderful contrast to the tastefully reserved exterior. The matching padded dash, Biscuit Creme colored carpeting, ivory painted steering wheel, and dash-mounted rearview mirror are all in fantastic condition as well and all retain a wonderful stock appearance. One interesting feature of the 190SL's steering wheel is the turn signal controls that are integrated into the chrome horn ring. This Mercedes 190SL comes equipped with an impressive array of stock VDO instrumentation including a 140 MPH speedometer, 7,000 RPM tachometer, temperature gauge, oil pressure gauge, and fuel gauge. Under previous ownership, the radio has been tastefully upgraded to an Alpine AM/FM/Bluetooth entertainment system complete with upgraded JL audio speakers and an Alpine subwoofer, so that you can enjoy all of your tunes while cruising the open road. The dash is finished off with various controls, a map light, cigar lighter and ash tray, and a locking glovebox with an integrated clock. Whether you are an experienced Mercedes-Benz collector, a connoisseur of European classic automobiles, or a discerning buyer seeking one of the most beautiful and rewarding classics ever produced, this 1959 Mercedes-Benz 190SL Roadster represents an acquisition of the very highest order. Give Ellingson's a call today at 763-428-7337!
