When the Mercedes Benz 190SL entered production in 1955, it provided a more affordable sporting option to the Mercedes Benz 300SL, utilizing instead a related 4 cylinder engine with a single overhead cam mounted in a unitary chassis based on the floorpan of the W121 saloon. The fully independent suspension was much the same as the 300SL with double wishbone front and swing axle rear suspension, and even the body styling, and interior were closely modeled on that of the 300SL. Although very sporting in appearance, the 190SL is, in many ways more of a GT car as the engine was somewhat underpowered for other cars at its price point, yet build quality and engineering was of the typically very high level of Mercedes vehicles of the time. Only available as a convertible bodystyle, unlike the 300SL which came in the gullwing coupe form, the 190SL was available with a removeable hardtop as an option, increasing the car’s versatility. My 190SL was purchased locally having been in the area in the same family since at least the 1970s. Under that family’s ownership, extensive mechanical repair and restoration work had been carried out by the Sports Car Shop in Eugene, Oregon to get the car running and operating in perfect condition. Cosmetically, the car is a beautifully patinated driver level car, with good paint, chrome and interior showing minor signs of age but no significant flaws. There are very fine hairline cracks in the steering wheel making the white wheel look like old ivory and there are signs of gentle use throughout the car, but for the most part, it is in excellent cosmetic and mechanical condition. Despite the lower level of power, acceleration and driveability are good, with a softer ride than many sports cars of this era highlighting that it is more of a GT car than a car built around the idea of ever being on a track.