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50 - 1955 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL Chassis number 5501011 • Legendary…
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Estimate €80,000 - €100,000
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Description
1955 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL Chassis number 5501011 • Legendary model • Attractive configuration • Rare 1955 version: 1 of 1,727 produced • Matching numbers • Excellent condition Unveiled as a prototype at the New York International Auto Show, notably at the instigation of the American importer Max Hoffman, the 190 SL went into production in May 1955 and remained in the catalogue until 1963. A total of 25,881 units were built, a significant proportion of which were destined for the American market. With its design inspired by the 300 SL but adapted for more everyday road use, the 190 SL occupies a special place in the history of Mercedes-Benz. Its meticulous construction, the gradual evolution of its mechanics over the course of its production run, and the good availability of parts continue to make it highly sought-after by collectors today. The car on display is a first-series 190 SL, which left the factory in 1955 and was delivered new to the American market. It retains the sought-after features of the early production run, notably its 300 SL-style seats, its characteristic dashboard, its small rear lights and its small door handles. An expert report dating from 2007 details the major restoration work carried out on this vehicle. The mechanical components were overhauled in the United States in the early 2000s. The work included a complete overhaul of the engine and its accessories, the carburettors, the exhaust system, the running gear, the braking system, as well as the replacement of the electrical system. The bodywork, for its part, underwent extensive restoration after the body was stripped down to the bare shell. Although we do not have the invoices for this work, the car’s visual condition and presentation speak for themselves. A second expert report, carried out in 2014 by Henri Pluton, confirms the presence of the original engine (matching numbers). The expert does, however, note a discrepancy of two digits between the stamped number (55-01009) and the chassis plate (55-01011); a common and documented anomaly in these early years of production. More recently, in 2023, the original Solex carburettors were fully overhauled by the specialist Niemöller at a cost of €3,690. This 1955 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL represents a rare opportunity to acquire a first-series model, particularly pure and faithful to the spirit of the original design. Combining the timeless elegance of its ‘baby SL’ styling with a high-quality vintage restoration and rigorous mechanical maintenance — as evidenced by the recent overhaul of its carburetion — this icon of 1950s lifestyle is ready to hit the road again, much to the delight of its future owner. 1955 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL Chassis number 5501011 • Legendary model • Stunning design • Rare 1955 version: 1 of 1,727 produced • Matching Numbers • Excellent condition Unveiled as a prototype at the New York International Auto Show, largely at the instigation of American importer Max Hoffman, the 190 SL went into production in May 1955 and remained in the lineup until 1963. A total of 25,881 units were assembled, a significant portion of which was destined for the American market. With its design inspired by the 300 SL but adapted for more everyday road use, the 190 SL holds a special place in the history of Mercedes-Benz. Its meticulous construction, the gradual evolution of its mechanics over the course of its production run, and the good availability of parts continue to contribute to its great appeal amongst collectors today. The example presented here is a first-series 190 SL, which rolled off the production line in 1955 and was delivered new to the American market. It retains the sought-after features of early production, notably its 300 SL-style seats, its characteristic dashboard, its small tail lights, and its small door handles. An expert report dating from 2007 details the major restoration undertaken on this vehicle. The mechanical components were overhauled in the United States in the early 2000s. The work included a complete rebuild of the engine and its accessories, the carburettors, the exhaust system, the running gear, and the braking system, as well as the replacement of the electrical system. The bodywork, for its part, underwent extensive restoration after the shell was stripped down. Although we do not have invoices for this work, the car’s visual condition and presentation speak for themselves. A second expert report, conducted in 2014 by Henri Pluton, confirms the presence of the original engine (matching numbers). The expert notes, however, a two-digit discrepancy between the stamped number (55-01009) and the chassis plate (55-01011); a common and documented anomaly in these early years of production. More recently, in 2023, the original Solex carburettors were fully overhauled by specialist Niemöller at a cost of 3,690 euros. This 1955 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL represents a rare opportunity to acquire an early-series model, particularly pure and faithful to the spirit of the original design. Combining the timeless elegance of its “baby SL” silhouette with a high-quality vintage restoration and rigorous mechanical maintenance—as evidenced by the recent overhaul of its carburettor system—this icon of 1950s lifestyle is ready to hit the road again, much to the delight of its future owner.
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About the sale Classic cars
Auction location
Auction time 06/29/2026 at 2:00 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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