Description
Mercedes 190SL | 1956
Highlights:
- Early first-series US-export car with low production number (#778)
- ASI Gold Plate homologated; rare configuration
- Restored after import from the USA in 2000
- Matching 1.9L inline-four engine with manual gearbox
- Italian registration with valid inspection
The seller offers for sale this 1956 Mercedes-Benz 190SL, a highly collectible cabriolet with roots in the American export market. This particular example—chassis #778—was among the first 1000 units destined for the United States and carries several design traits of early 190SLs, including seats similar to the more luxurious 300SL, smaller taillights, and no decorative upper fender trim. According to the seller, the car was imported to Italy from the United States in 2000 and has been restored since. It retains a 1.9-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine paired with a manual transmission.
Registered in Italy with valid documentation and a valid inspection. It has not been modified with technical upgrades like disc brakes or power steering, and it remains mechanically standard.
The condition of the car is described as good overall. Paintwork is said to be in beautiful condition except for a barely visible 3 cm mark on the bonnet. The interior features leather seats, all controls are reported to be functional, and all parts are intact.
The Mercedes-Benz 190SL debuted in 1955 as a more accessible sibling to the legendary 300SL. Targeted at a style-conscious clientele, the 190SL combined open-top driving with a robust unibody construction and elegant styling. Though less powerful than its big brother, it featured a 1.9-litre four-cylinder engine producing around 105 horsepower—sufficient for leisurely grand touring, which was its primary purpose. The 190SL found favour among celebrities of the 1950s and 1960s, including Grace Kelly and Frank Sinatra, and has since become a symbol of understated automotive elegance.
Notably, the 190SL shared much of its styling and suspension layout with the 300SL but used a simpler and more affordable powertrain. It was offered with both hard and soft tops and became popular in the US thanks to its elegant looks and Mercedes’ growing reputation for reliability. Early examples like this 1956 model are particularly prized by collectors due to their distinctive trim and limited production numbers. The ASI Gold Plate homologation, as mentioned by the seller, is an Italian certification denoting authenticity and historical importance—adding further provenance to this example.
Despite its modest power output, the 190SL’s charm lies in its graceful lines and smooth, refined driving experience. As a precursor to the later SL-Class lineage, it laid the foundation for decades of successful luxury roadsters from Mercedes-Benz. Today, the 190SL continues to appeal to enthusiasts seeking a stylish, usable classic with strong marque heritage.
Condition of the Bodywork and Paint
4. Very Good: Small dents or scratches; may require minimal bodywork or paint correction.
Condition of the Interior
4. Very Good: Clean with minimal wear; may need minor replacements for small missing or broken parts.
Technical Condition
4. Very Good: Mechanically solid, with possible minor maintenance required.
Overall Condition
4. Very Good Condition: Shows only minimal wear and is ready to drive at any time.
This item is sold on an as-is basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and descriptions of the listing are for information purposes only.
We encourage all potential bidders to inspect the vehicle before placing a bid. Please contact us by phone or email to schedule an appointment.
All auction cars offered have a reserve price. You have only won the item if the seller accepts your bid.
Price changes and errors reserved. The 14-day right of withdrawal does not apply to this auction.
This car is currently located in Lombardy region, Italy.
This car drives, brakes and shifts.
The car has an Italian registration. The buyer is responsible for registration in his own country and responsible for delivery and collection of any vehicle purchased at the auction.
The description of this car is, to the best of the seller’s knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Route 66 Auctions requests a range of detail about the car from the seller and performs a level of due diligence. However, potential buyers must independently satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description. We strongly advise potential buyers to view or arrange inspections as well as conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to bid or buy.
Please note that it is not uncommon for classic or collectible cars to have received cosmetic repairs in the past, to rectify damage or refresh appearance, and this work may be hard to see even upon visual inspection. Unless there is an explicit statement by the seller to the contrary, please assume that any vehicle could have had bodywork or paintwork. Photographs may not reflect the exact true colour or exact full condition of the vehicle. It is a bidder’s responsibility to assure themselves of the colour and condition of a vehicle, including its interior and the existence of any remedial bodywork or paintwork, before committing to bid or buy.
