One Owner, Estate Sale: 1956 Mercedes-Benz 190SL

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.