Little introduction is need for Mercedes-Benzs 190SL, there well loved, two-door grand touring roadster that was produced from May 1955 until February of 1963. A prototype was first shown at the 1954 New York Auto Show where it was warmly received with orders for new examples pouring in.

The 190SL was sold alongside the faster, more expensive Mercedes-Benz 300SL, which it closely resembled both in its styling, engineering, detailing. Both featured fully independent suspension, with both cars having double wishbone suspensions at the front and swing axles at the rear. The 190SL did not use the 300SL’s purpose-built tubular spaceframe W198 platform, but was built on a shortened monocoque R121 platform that was modified from the W121 small saloon.

The 190SL was powered by a new, slightly oversquare 1.9-liter straight-four SOHC engine (Type M121 BII), that developed 120 bhp at 5,700 rpm. The four-cylinder engine block of the 190SL was based on the six-cylinder engine of the 300SL. The 85mm bore was transferred unchanged from the larger engine to the smaller, although the stroke for the 190SL was reduced from 88.0mm to 83.6mm. The car was available either as a soft-top convertible priced $3,998 or with a removable hardtop $4,295. Optional was a third-passenger transverse seat that could almost even fit an adult. During its first years the 190SL was available as a sports-racing model with small perspex windscreen and spartan one-piece leather covered bucket seats and aluminum doors. Competition aspirations were modest but there were several class victories in a variety of different international events. Both the 190SL and the 300SL were replaced by the Mercedes-Benz 230SL in 1963 but even out of production, both of these timeless classics have had a following that remains ever faithful and loyal to the marque.

This particular 190SL Roadster was sold new and has always remained a local Southern California vehicle and as such is rust-free with all panels being original as delivered new. This is a completely matching numbers example with the original tools and owner’s manual as well. It is a very high-specification example with the following options:

Code  237  Bucket Seats Front
Code  298  Leather Luggage Strap Trunk
Code  392  Upholstery in Leather
Code  441  US Bumper with Guards
Code  451  ATE Power Brakes with Booster
Code  461  Instruments in English
Code  491  USA Market Version
Code  503  Driver Outside Rear View Mirror
Code  514  Blaupunkt Radio Amplifier and Antenna
Code  541  Externally lockable Passenger Side Door
Code  542  Lockable Glove Box Door
Code  601  Heater with Blower
Code  606  Soft Convertible Top
Code  612  Sealed Beam Headlights

In addition to these options the vehicle was delivered new by the original selling dealer with

-White-Wall Tires
-Seat Belts Left and Right
-Glove-Box Mounted Mechanical Clock

After passing through the hands of several local enthusiasts, this 190SL Roadster caught the attention of two-time, All-Star Major League baseball player, Steve Finley. It soon joined his collection when his career was at its height while playing for our local San Diego Padres baseball team. Steve enjoyed this Mercedes for several years until being talked into selling it by a friend from who we have recently obtained it.

(For further information and details on Steve Finley, click on these two links:)

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Finley

friarsonbase.com/2012/08/28/where-are-they-now-steve-finley/

Our in-house Service, Race and Restoration facility has been closely involved in the care and up-keep of this vehicle. Last year a lengthy and involved full disassembly saw the paint and bright-work completely restored along with a full and meticulous restoration of the interior to as delivered new standards. All services are now current and up to date and all interested buyers are warmly invited to contact us.