This 1957 Mercedes 190SL is a timeless icon of 1950s motoring!
Its a shining example of mid-century automotive elegance, combining the glamour of 1950s design with the engineering excellence Mercedes is known for.
Styled with smooth, flowing lines, a graceful chrome grille, and carefully sculpted bodywork, it exudes sophistication whether on the open road or parked on display.
Under the bonnet, the 190SL is powered by a 1.9-litre inline-four engine producing around 104 horsepower, paired with a four-speed manual. While it doesn’t match the sheer performance of the 300SL, it offers a refined, smooth driving experience—ideal for cruising and enjoying the nuances of a classic open-top car. The suspension and handling are balanced, giving drivers a sense of confidence and control, even by modern standards.
Inside, the cabin reflects 1950s luxury with leather seats, polished chrome accents, and a simple yet elegant dashboard. The ergonomics may feel vintage, but they add to the charm, reminding drivers of a time when cars were meant to be appreciated as both a machine and a work of art.
ABOUT THIS CAR
Matching Numbers Car - Chassis, Engine, Gearbox & Axle, as follows: Chassis: 121.040-10-023998 / Body: 00339 / Engine: 121.928-10-001906 / Transmission: 024307 / Rear Axle: 016918
Engine is a 4-cylinder, single overhead camshaft (SOHC)
Fuel system: twin Solex 38 PDSI carburetors
Transmission: 4-speed manual
Performance: Top speed as noted by factory: 110 mph (177 km/h).
Fuel Economy as noted by factory - Approx. 20–22 mpg (UK) / 12–13 L/100 km
Front independent suspension with double wishbones and coil springs and Rear swing axle with coil springs
Drum brakes front and rear.
Wheelbase: 2,400 mm (94.5 in)
Two door roadster / coupe (soft-top convertible) – this one comes with optional hardtop.
Paint Ivory (Paint Code DB608) - classic and collectible.
Leather Interior (Code 203) - one of the most sought after combinations.
Seating: 2 leather front seats and comes with an extremely rare back Kinder seat (option 319). The back Kinder seat aka as a jump seat, is designed to accommodate extra passengers only for short trips, as space is limited and comfort in the rear is minimal—typical of two-plus-two roadsters of the era.
Polished chrome trim in excellent condition
Classic Mercedes-Benz styling with a sweeping grille and rounded fenders.
This car was delivered on 27 February 1962, late in the model's production run. It is highly original, making it an excellent candidate for preservation, light restoration, or high end investment.
NOTE: this is a very rare car - in fact its a top-tier, final generation car. One should note here that this car was manufactured in the final two years (between 1961 and 1963). The production number 234 and Build date confirm that it left the factory just months before production ended in 1963. This makes it rarer than earlier cars and worth noting that collectors value later models for their reliability and refinements. Also worth noting that matching numbers cars from 1962 with the Kinder seat and both roofs are extremely uncommon and collectible.
It has had two owners in New Zealand. It was imported into New Zealand from Japan in 2014.
Overall condition is very good and car drives beautifully.
Comes with original Becker Europa radio (option 330) and proper US market configuration (option 320).
Today, the 190SL is highly sought after by collectors, not only for its timeless looks but also for its role as a gateway to the legendary SL series. Its combination of style, comfort, and classic Mercedes reliability makes it a standout in any classic car collection, delivering both nostalgia and driving pleasure.
As for pricing, rare, well-documented, and well-specified 190SLs are highly sought-after collector cars—not just in New Zealand, but worldwide—and for good reason. Their timeless design, historical significance, and limited availability make them extremely desirable among enthusiasts. With so few genuine examples imported and the high standards of documentation and originality required by serious collectors, acquiring a proper one in New Zealand can be challenging. A pristine 190SL in this condition and specification would be unlikely to land here for anything less than NZD 400,000, with prices reflecting both rarity and iconic status—plus the added complexities of navigating local import regulations and surprises.
Not to mention that beyond being a stunning classic, it is also a solid investment vehicle, with strong value and marketability worldwide.
This isn’t a car for the casual buyer. The 190SL is for true classic enthusiasts—those who instantly recognize its iconic status. It’s about leading in taste, value, and pure automotive artistry.
Will be sold WOF'd and Registered if sold in New Zealand.
Transport / Worldwide shipping can be organised on Buyer's behalf at Buyer's cost.
Viewing Business Hours Monday to Friday By Appointment Only.
PLEASE READ: The Purchaser is encouraged to personally fully inspect the vehicle and also to have the vehicle inspected, and fully assessed by an experienced, independent, specialist garage - before committing to purchase. While the Purchaser is entitled to rely on statements given by Waimak Classic Cars as being correct, where goods such as vehicles are concerned, with so many moving parts and rust being an issue with older vehicles; a Purchaser who chooses not to seek independent professional assistance when assessing the quality of what they propose to buy is considered as buying at their own risk, and if the vehicle then turns out to be of less than the represented quality, or not up to the Purchaser's expectation, or in the Purchaser opinion not fit for purpose; then the Purchaser is considered to have contributed to their own loss and should not expect any refunds or betterment from Waimak.
