Histoire

Mercedes 190 SL

Mercedes 190 SL
In the aftermath of World War II, when Mercedes restarted car production, it was initially with relatively modest models. But with the 300, launched in April 1951, Mercedes was back at the highest international level. The 300 had several versions, including the 300 C presented in September 1955. It featured independent suspension, but also had a larger rear window and could be supplied with a three-speed automatic transmission. Production was limited to 1,432 examples, in 1955 and 1956. The impeccable 300 C that we present was sold new on February 22, 1956 to the management of Friedrichshütte AG in Dortmund, a major steelworks in the region. The order specified the desirable sunroof option as well as cloth upholstery and an additional headrest. The asking price was 24,426 marks, about two and a half times that of a Mercedes 170. The car was subsequently exported to Belgium before returning to Germany in 1999, bought by Mr Trepels who, like the first owners, had made his fortune in the steel industry. He kept the car for 15 years, using it only for show. In 2014, with only 45,607 km on the odometer, it was sold to its current owner who has a large Mercedes collection in the Netherlands. The car was registered in that country, and has not been used since. It is not known whether this Mercedes 300 C has ever been restored, but according to the owner, if so, the work must have been done 20 years ago. In any case, the car is in impeccable condition both inside and out and looks as if it was when it left the factory in 1956. It was completely overhauled in 2014 before being sold by Artcurial to a French buyer. It is now ready to hit the road in the hands of a new owner.

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