Update: This car has resurfaced on eBay after it didn’t meet reserve. It’s currently bid to $22,600. Experience tells me that this car may well sell off the venue to someone who is interested but perhaps never bids. It’s a rare driver-quality example of a model that we usually find only in extensively restored condition, and its history is impeccable. In time, this one will find a new garage at substantially more than the current bid.
From October 10, 2024: The 190SL was Max Hoffman’s idea. Hoffman grew up in Austria, racing prolifically until he was 30 when he turned his attention to importing and marketing Lancia, Auburn, and Cord cars among others. He remained in Austria until the late 1930s when the advent of the Nazi party chased him to Paris – a move that amounted to “out of the frying pan into the fire” once France declared war on Germany. Desperate, he again packed up, fleeing to New York. As America entered the war, Hoffman turned to making costume jewelry to survive – this business generously funded his future ventures. That meant that by 1947, he was selling European sports and luxury cars to an ebullient America from his Frank Lloyd Wright-designed showroom in Manhattan. Cozy with most of the carmakers he represented, Hoffman advocated for several innovative designs he thought would sell in the US. The 190SL was one such car. The example we will explore today stands out thanks to a single caring owner who drove it only 66,100 miles in almost seven decades of ownership. Located in Newburg, Oregon, this Mercedes is represented by a dealer sympathetic to its unique qualities.
Hoffman was not only instrumental in the production of the 190. He had also encouraged Mercedes to produce a roadgoing version of its 300SLR, which we all know as the 300SL (in coupe form, the Gullwing). While the race-derived 300SL was wildly expensive, the 190 was situated on an altered 180 sedan chassis, utilized Mercedes’ typical fully independent suspension but with a slight alteration to lower the center of gravity, and bore a four-cylinder engine. No race car this – but a very stylish touring roadster nonetheless. The newly-developed engine was a single overhead cam four, with twin Solex carburetors, generating about 104 hp. Backed by a four-speed manual, it is capable of 100 mph. This one runs nicely. The seller notes that the tires should be replaced. The underside shows wear commensurate with age and miles.
The interior is worn in a thoroughly attractive way – not abused, not breaking apart. All the gauges work, the trim is bright and shiny, and the car is fitted with a period Motorola radio. The radio will require repair – it is virtually the only bit of equipment that doesn’t work. The convertible top was replaced in 2019 and appears as new. The tools, spare, and jack are in the trunk, along with a few extra parts. For fans of original, well-cared-for cars, it almost can’t get better – but then it does: all books and manuals are also present.
The 190SL was designed by Walter Hacker, a Mercedes stylist, and it was a rush job. The 300SL was already spiffed up for its podium at the 1954 International Motor Sports Show in New York. The 190SL was barely more than an idea by then. Still, Hacker created a car easily identified as a sibling of the 300SL, but distinguished in its own right. This example has seen one repaint in the original color; localized yellowing of the color coat has afflicted the front end. With its few flaws and original demeanor, this example is worth a look if a sporty-looking boulevard cruiser is on your bucket list. Find it here on eBay, bid to $75,100, reserve not met. These cars are exhibiting the usual “fits and starts” of a model on the rise, price-wise. A smattering of cars have sold in the last two years for over $300k, but many still sell for less than $100k. We don’t know the reserve here, but I’m certain this car will find a sympathetic home for something north of the current bid.
Good looking car and a good history lesson Michelle. A few years ago you could buy these cars for almost nothing. That has certainly changed in recent years.
I think you’ll find that a few years ago starts to work out to actually being dozens of years ago as we age. You couldn’t get a non-project 190SL for cheap new car money in Y2K.
I’m trying to soften my views, sort of,
but I still feel as I did 50 years ago- secretary’s car then, secretary’s car now.
They must have been pretty competent and hard-working secretaries. They were probably better at math than you are also. 50 years ago was 1974. They likely made some money on those purchases while the “boys” were buying Firebirds.
“Secretary” is just a euphemism!
Sure it is. It is meant to denigrate the owner of the car and/or the car itself. Now I will get the “Can’t you take a joke?” riff.
Gosh Ike, do you think it’s possible that that’s what I thought of them when they were no longer new?
Around 1959, when I was 14, I was babysitting for a neighbor who had a 300 SL Gullwing. When their child was asleep I went in the garage and sat in that car. The porky 190SLs looked even worse after that, and yes, the “secretaries” were not the ones paying for them.
But I’m sure you’re right that I’m lousy at math. After all, it’s the first conclusion you jumped to.
Beautiful car. Excellent write up, Michelle!
I really enjoyed learning the history.
Ended at $75,100.
Reserve Not Met.
One of the most over-rated sports cars ever sold, riding the coattails of the legendary 300SL. It was heavy, with a three-main bearing four and a pair of foul Solex carbs. Not an easy car to work on, either. Hoffmann was above all, a marketer, and that’s why he pushed the car into production. Yes, definitely a cute car for your deserving lady friend!
Now, that foul set of solex is mainly due to the stupidity of the mechanic to read the workshop manual. My father owns one since 1964! I care and service it since the 80´s. Runs like a gem, proper idling, proper acceleration. Well its a 105 horsepower car and heavy for the year, still like it for cruising.
local fella trouts his out every spring for 8, 9 mo of airing out. I like em.
Thanks for that info, seems like the 190 came before the 300. And…
Here’s nother tip’a’the cap to BF. Watchin here has tuned me onto something good – this model from inception to last of their i6 models in late ‘80s. Over 30 yrs of something I’d been missing. Not a ‘race car’ but something built (as all things automotive) for a specific application. Kudos MB (& BF).
My Dad bought one in 1956, and I own one now. Though I have had several very quick cars none provide a more solid, high quality capsule to enjoy a cruise in the country. The early seldom-fitted hardtop (small rear window) cars look amazingly elegant, almost without peer in my opinion.
Your comment about being sold off eBay – unscrupulous sellers try to get people to buy off eBay, not just because of the saved commission but also because the hapless buyer then can’t leave accurate bad feedback when they find out their internet purchase has been badly misrepresented in text and photos! I never buy a car off the internet without someone who knows what they’re looking at, looking at it!
BringATrailer doesn’t allow that.
Correct me if I’m wrong. On one of the underside shots, it looks like the floor pans or floor pan sections were welded in with a stick welder. Not good.
What method should have been used?
Frank, IMHO, to do it correctly, the floor should be cleaned, and all sound deadeners and coatings removed. After trimming the replacement panel, the floor can be marked, and the problem areas can be cut out with a cutting tool or plasma. After tweaking for a tight butt joint, the replacement panel can be MIGed or TIGed in. After that, the welds are surface-finished, top and bottom, primed, and filled. Then, rust-proofed and painted for an undetectable repair.
Yes, you’re right. Pretty sloppy- looking welding.