View allAll Photos Tagged SLClass
Car: Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG Kompressor.
Engine: 5439cc V8.
Year of manufacture: 2004.
Date of first registration in the UK: 27th October 2004.
Place of registration: Not known.
Date of last MOT: 16th June 2023.
Mileage at last MOT: 129,063.
Date of last change of keeper: 22nd April 2021.
Number of previous keepers: 3.
Date taken: 23rd July 2023.
5.980 cc
V12
Auto / Moto : 94° European Motor Show Brussels
Autosalon Brussel
Salon de l'Auto Bruxelles
Brussels - Belgium
Januari 2016
5.980 cc
V12
Auto / Moto : 94° European Motor Show Brussels
Autosalon Brussel
Salon de l'Auto Bruxelles
Brussels - Belgium
Januari 2016
W121
Les Grandes Marques du Monde au Grand Palais
Bonhams
Parijs - Paris
Frankrijk - France
February 2019
Estimated : € 160.000 - 190.000
The 190SL was the vision of Max Hoffman, U.S. importer for Mercedes-Benz.
Hoffman wanted to capitalize on the success of the 300SL, a highly visible model that would bring the Mercedes-Benz marque much attention but was so expensive that it would amount to relatively few sales. At Hoffman's suggestion, Mercedes-Benz developed the 190SL on the W120 series 180 sedan chassis and announced it at the 1954 New York Auto Show as a prototype along with the road-going 300SL. It took about a year for the 190SL to appear at dealers.
SL stands for "Sports Leicht" but the 190SL was neither a sports car nor particularly light at 1160 kg. It was, on the other hand, aerodynamically efficient, comfortable and undeniably handsome, supplying a need apparent in America, its intended primary market, where two-seaters like the Thunderbird were appreciated as second cars for a growing middle class able to afford personal transportation even at the 190SL's generous price of just over $5,000 at the time.
The engine is a single overhead camshaft 1,897cc four-cylinder with a pair of Solex 44 PHH twin choke side draught carburetors and 8.8:1 compression ration that raised the output to 105 DIN horsepower, double that of the 180 sedan upon which it was based, and enough to give the little two-seater a top speed of 171 kph.
4-wheel drum brakes, conventional doors, leather seats and an improved single-pivot swing axle rear suspension complemented its conception for cruising rather than competing. As he so many times demonstrated, Max Hoffman's understanding of the right cars for the U.S. market was on target and the 190SL sold well even in mid-Fifties Europe. More than 26,000 190SLs were produced between 1955 and 1963, outselling the expensive 300SL by about eight to one.
Hoffman and Mercedes-Benz continued to develop the 190SL, during production offering removable hard tops in two styles (small and large rear windows) and accommodations for a third passenger in the tonneau with a side-facing accessory seat to widen its appeal. Features like the wheel well "eyebrows" linked it directly to its larger and more famous stablemate, the 300SL.
The 190SL has stood the test of time well. The characteristics of simplicity, reliability, styling, design and comfort that made it popular in the Fifties continue to resonate well with later generations. Mercedes-Benz style and quality have remained valued attributes. While a 190SL was half the price of a 300SL Roadster in the Fifties, today it is even more approachable at one-eighth the ticket of a 300SL Roadster in comparable condition.
Purchased by its present British collector owner as a restored car in 2014, this 1960 Mercedes-Benz 190SL is distinctively liveried in crisp black paint with attractively contrasting green leather upholstery, matching interior trim and a black cloth top.
It has had only five owners from new, the first two of whom, Drs. Thieden and Hansel in Germany, retained it for a total of 48 years. Dr. Hansel had it restored by renowned specialist Esdar Classic Cars in Bielefeld, Germany in 1990. The quality of Esdar Classic Cars' work is evident in its condition, nearly a decade after it was completed.
Since its acquisition it has been carefully and consistently maintained in the owner's own fully equipped shop and climate controlled facility staffed with highly experienced, trained and skilled technicians. Regularly started and attended to as needed to maintain it in ready-to-use condition, it is nearly pristine.
Equipment includes Marchal headlights, bumper overriders, colour-keyed hubcaps on factory wheels with understated blackwall tires, heater and a period multi-band radio.
The body panels are particularly attractive, evenly matched and displaying continuous, undistorted fit from front to rear. The engine compartment and chassis are essentially like new without undue embellishment. The chrome is bright and crisp, the upholstery and interior trim are taut and fresh. The top fits accurately and tightly, with good window and door seals. It has covered less than 15,000km since the restoration. Important and sometimes overlooked details such as the unblemished steering wheel rim, crisp instruments and bright interior chrome attest to its quality and consistent care.
In 1960 it would have been a second car for a successful professional or businessman, and it is so today, needing only a new owner to enjoy and experience it on the road or around town.
R231
5.980 cc
V12
630 hp
Max : 250 km/h
Expo : Dream Cars for Wishes
91° European Motor Show Brussels : Auto, Moto & Van
Autosalon Brussel
Salon de l'Auto Bruxelles
Brussels - Belgium
January 2013
W113
Chantilly Arts & Elegance Richard Mille
Château de Chantilly
Chantilly
France - Frankrijk
September 2016
W113
2.306 cc
150 PS @ 5.500 rpm
196 Nm @ 4.200 rpm
Vmax : 200 km/h
0-100 km/h : 11,1 sec
19.831 ex.
Techno Classica 2017
Essen
Deutschland - Germany
April 2017
W198
2.996 cc
6 in-line
215 PS
Vmax : 235 - 260 km/h
Techno Classica 2019
Essen
Deutschland - Germany
April 2019
R232
Brussels Motor Show
Autosalon Brussel
Salon de l'Auto Bruxelles
Brussels Expo
Brussels - Belgium
January 2026
R231
96° Brussels Motor Show
Autosalon Brussel
Salon de l'Auto Bruxelles
Brussels - Belgium
January 2018
W121
Les Grandes Marques du Monde au Grand Palais
Bonhams
Parijs - Paris
Frankrijk - France
February 2019
Estimated : € 160.000 - 190.000
The 190SL was the vision of Max Hoffman, U.S. importer for Mercedes-Benz.
Hoffman wanted to capitalize on the success of the 300SL, a highly visible model that would bring the Mercedes-Benz marque much attention but was so expensive that it would amount to relatively few sales. At Hoffman's suggestion, Mercedes-Benz developed the 190SL on the W120 series 180 sedan chassis and announced it at the 1954 New York Auto Show as a prototype along with the road-going 300SL. It took about a year for the 190SL to appear at dealers.
SL stands for "Sports Leicht" but the 190SL was neither a sports car nor particularly light at 1160 kg. It was, on the other hand, aerodynamically efficient, comfortable and undeniably handsome, supplying a need apparent in America, its intended primary market, where two-seaters like the Thunderbird were appreciated as second cars for a growing middle class able to afford personal transportation even at the 190SL's generous price of just over $5,000 at the time.
The engine is a single overhead camshaft 1,897cc four-cylinder with a pair of Solex 44 PHH twin choke side draught carburetors and 8.8:1 compression ration that raised the output to 105 DIN horsepower, double that of the 180 sedan upon which it was based, and enough to give the little two-seater a top speed of 171 kph.
4-wheel drum brakes, conventional doors, leather seats and an improved single-pivot swing axle rear suspension complemented its conception for cruising rather than competing. As he so many times demonstrated, Max Hoffman's understanding of the right cars for the U.S. market was on target and the 190SL sold well even in mid-Fifties Europe. More than 26,000 190SLs were produced between 1955 and 1963, outselling the expensive 300SL by about eight to one.
Hoffman and Mercedes-Benz continued to develop the 190SL, during production offering removable hard tops in two styles (small and large rear windows) and accommodations for a third passenger in the tonneau with a side-facing accessory seat to widen its appeal. Features like the wheel well "eyebrows" linked it directly to its larger and more famous stablemate, the 300SL.
The 190SL has stood the test of time well. The characteristics of simplicity, reliability, styling, design and comfort that made it popular in the Fifties continue to resonate well with later generations. Mercedes-Benz style and quality have remained valued attributes. While a 190SL was half the price of a 300SL Roadster in the Fifties, today it is even more approachable at one-eighth the ticket of a 300SL Roadster in comparable condition.
Purchased by its present British collector owner as a restored car in 2014, this 1960 Mercedes-Benz 190SL is distinctively liveried in crisp black paint with attractively contrasting green leather upholstery, matching interior trim and a black cloth top.
It has had only five owners from new, the first two of whom, Drs. Thieden and Hansel in Germany, retained it for a total of 48 years. Dr. Hansel had it restored by renowned specialist Esdar Classic Cars in Bielefeld, Germany in 1990. The quality of Esdar Classic Cars' work is evident in its condition, nearly a decade after it was completed.
Since its acquisition it has been carefully and consistently maintained in the owner's own fully equipped shop and climate controlled facility staffed with highly experienced, trained and skilled technicians. Regularly started and attended to as needed to maintain it in ready-to-use condition, it is nearly pristine.
Equipment includes Marchal headlights, bumper overriders, colour-keyed hubcaps on factory wheels with understated blackwall tires, heater and a period multi-band radio.
The body panels are particularly attractive, evenly matched and displaying continuous, undistorted fit from front to rear. The engine compartment and chassis are essentially like new without undue embellishment. The chrome is bright and crisp, the upholstery and interior trim are taut and fresh. The top fits accurately and tightly, with good window and door seals. It has covered less than 15,000km since the restoration. Important and sometimes overlooked details such as the unblemished steering wheel rim, crisp instruments and bright interior chrome attest to its quality and consistent care.
In 1960 it would have been a second car for a successful professional or businessman, and it is so today, needing only a new owner to enjoy and experience it on the road or around town.
Car: Mercedes-Benz SL 350 Auto.
Engine: 3724cc in-line 6.
Power: 245 BHP.
Fuel: Petrol.
Year of manufacture: 2003.
Date of first registration in the UK: 21st March 2003.
Place of registration: Reading.
Date of last MOT: 14th June 2024.
Mileage at last MOT: 38,985.
Date of last V5 issued: 19th June 2024.
Date taken: 1st September 2024.
R231
2.996 cc
6 Cylinder
367 hp
0-100 km/h : 4,9 sec
Mercedes-Benz World at Brooklands
Weybridge
United Kingdom
December 2018
W121
Produced from 1953 to 1963, a total of 25.881 units were built. As early as 1953, development began on an open version of the 180 Ponton sedan. The 190 SL is therefore technically based on the so-called "Ponton Model". It was available only with a 1,9-litre 4 in-line petrol engine equipped with twin carburetors. It was introduced at roughly the same time as the 300 SL Gullwing. It shared some styling features and was intended to be an affordable version of the exclusive sports car. For this reason, Daimler-Benz described it in its brochures as a "touring car" rather than a sports car. In 1963, it was succeeded by the "Pagoda" (W113).
1.897 cc
4 In-line
105 hp
Mercedes - The Story of the Star
19/09/2025 - 22/02/2026
Autoworld
Brussels - Belgium
February 2026
Car: Mercedes-Benz 280 SL Auto.
Engine: 2746cc in-line 6.
Power: 182 BHP.
Year of manufacture: 1983.
Date of first registration in the UK: 3rd November 1983.
Place of registration: Preston (for Kendal ).
Date of last MOT: 27th February 2023.
Mileage at last MOT: 88,706.
Date of last V5 issued: 4th October 1983.
Date taken: 1st June 2024.
R129
Introduced in 1989 as a 2-passenger convertible with a removable hardtop - the first Mercedes to feature a fully automatic, hydraulically operated fabric convertible top, projector lens HID headlamps (1995) and an automatic rollbar, which self-deployed in a rollover event. The retractable rollbar could also be raised or lowered manually using a switch on the console, and facilitated occupant safety without compromising aesthetics. In 1992, the R129 became the first SL to offer a V12 engine and the first to feature official AMG variants. It was also the last SL to be offered with a manual gearbox. Production continued until 2001.
2.962 cc
6 In-line
234 hp
Mercedes - The Story of the Star
19/09/2025 - 22/02/2026
Autoworld
Brussels - Belgium
February 2026
This 1982 Mercedes-Benz SL Class comes from the generation of SL two-seaters that debuted in 1970 and lasted twenty years. This one featured a 3.8-liter aluminum V-8 for power, hence its alphanumeric name.
I found it at the same Benz dealer that had the BMW 2002.
R129
5,4 Liter
V8
Expo : AMG 50th Anniversary
09/09/2017 - 01/10/2017
Autoworld
Brussels - Belgium
August 2017
R129
5,4 Liter
V8
Expo : AMG 50th Anniversary
09/09/2017 - 01/10/2017
Autoworld
Brussels - Belgium
August 2017
R129
Aguttes
Autoworld - Auction & Motion
Estimated : € 40.000 - 60.000
Sold for € 42.929
Autoworld
Brussels - Belgium
October 2025
The 1989 Geneva Motor Show was marked by the presentation of the brand new version of the SL, dubbed the R129. This generation represented a real technological leap forward compared to the R107, with the introduction of advanced safety systems such as ESP and a retractable hardtop.
This model was delivered to its first owner on June 22, 1998. The color combination chosen is also one of the most elegant, combining “Midnight Blue” (code 904O) with an exclusive bluegray leather interior (code 518A). Today, the car has only 4,650 km on the odometer. Of course, this model is literally in mint condition, both in terms of its bodywork and interior. Both are extremely well preserved, as is its hardtop, which is still in place and in mint condition.
Our test drive showed us that the car was in good working order, despite the very low mileage in recent years. Of course, a general overhaul would be necessary if the next owner wanted to run this car. Like the other SL in this collection, our car is one of those “exceptions that prove the rule”... The vast majority of SLs, especially in the R129 generation, have clocked up tens of thousands of miles thanks to their outstanding road handling qualities. Finding a model with such reasonable mileage is already a challenge in itself, and will become even more so in the coming years. So don’t miss this opportunity to add to your collection the SL from the 1990s, a symbol of a generation, in such exceptional condition. This opportunity may never come again...
R230
5.980 cc
V12
670 pk
1.000 Nm
Vmax : 320 km/h.
Expo : AMG 50th Anniversary
09/09/2017 - 01/10/2017
Autoworld
Brussels - Belgium
August 2017
W198
The 'Made in Germany' class simply had to have a Mercedes 300 SL Gullwing in its ranks. Produced between 1954-1957, its upward-opening doors defied the conventions of car design and have helped it to become one of the most collectible Mercedes models to date. Widely considered as one of the greatest sports cars of all time, it wasn't just a pretty design : the 300 SL was the fastest car in the world on release.
London Concours 2019
Made in Germany
Honourable Artillery Company
London
England - United Kingdom
June 2019
R230
5.980 cc
V12
670 pk
1.000 Nm
Vmax : 320 km/h.
Expo : AMG 50th Anniversary
09/09/2017 - 01/10/2017
Autoworld
Brussels - Belgium
August 2017
R121
Chassis n° 121042 6501028
Zoute Sale - Bonhams
Estimated : € 80.000 - 120.000
Sold for € 149.500
Zoute Grand Prix 2024
Knokke - Zoute
België - Belgium
October 2024
When the Mercedes-Benz 190SL debuted at the 1954 New York Auto Show, the flashes of glamour shining from the halo 300SL became that little bit more attainable. The 190SL, coded W121, shared its sense of style and several major components with the 300SL supercar, but diverged in two main areas. The 300SL's complex tube-frame chassis was swapped for a more conventional pressed steel monocoque, and the 190SL employed a smaller 1900cc single-cam inline four. The 190SL would always be more of a tourer than a hardcore racer, but priced competitively and offering that hit of post-war serotonin that America was craving, the 190SL was a runaway success. Over 25,000 were built during an eight-year lifespan.
Delivered new in elegant Pearl Grey (colour code DB125) over red leather (code 1079), our vendor purchased this lovely matching numbers example 190SL in 2021 to fulfil a long-held ambition of completing the Mille Miglia, which was done that same year with success. The Datenkart accompanying the car reveals it was delivered new to Los Angeles, USA, and was ordered with a list of options including Perlgrau "Sonderlackierung" - a special and desirable colour.
This190SL remained in the US until 2014, in the long-term ownership of Mr Edwin Kitt. It features the correct Solex twin-barrel carburettors. Presented in lovely condition after a professional restoration that seems to have been carried out a while ago (unfortunately no restoration details or photos are available). The 190SL has been maintained by recognized classic car specialist Phillippe Sybille in Belgium in recent years. Having hardly used the car since the Mille Miglia adventure, the current owner has decided to part with his beautiful 190SL and give the opportunity to its next custodian to participate in "the world's most beautiful race". The documentation includes Belgian registration documents, a current Mille Miglia Registro certificate and of course the Registro badge mounted on the front plate holder, a copy of an old US title, the owner's manual and a copy of the Datenkart confirming the car's original specifications and matching numbers.
Car park find at the Classics in Cardiff show.
Car: Mercedes-Benz SL 500 auto.
Engine: 4966cc V8.
Year of manufacture: 1998.
Date of first registration in the UK: 20th February 2009.
Place of registration: Brighton.
Date of last MOT: 13th April 2023.
Mileage at last MOT: 96,242.
Date of last change of keeper: 28th April 2022.
Number of previous keepers: 3.
Date taken: 14th May 2023.
Album: Classics in Cardiff May 2023
Car park find at the Classics in Cardiff show.
Car: Mercedes-Benz SL 500 auto.
Engine: 4966cc V8.
Year of manufacture: 1998.
Date of first registration in the UK: 20th February 2009.
Place of registration: Brighton.
Date of last MOT: 13th April 2023.
Mileage at last MOT: 96,242.
Date of last change of keeper: 28th April 2022.
Number of previous keepers: 3.
Date taken: 14th May 2023.
Album: Classics in Cardiff May 2023
W198II
Re-creation to SLS aluminium competition specifications
Bonhams : the Chantilly Sale
Estimated : € 1.500.000 - 2.500.000
Chantilly Arts & Elegance Richard Mille
Château de Chantilly
Chantilly
France - Frankrijk
September 2017
W198 II
- One of 1,858 Roadsters built
- Delivered new in Dortmund, Germany
- Present ownership since 1991
- Major mechanical overhaul in 2008
- Numerous invoices
- Dutch registration documents
Bonhams : The Zoute Sale
Important Collectors' Motor Cars
The Zoute Grand Prix Gallery
Estimated : € 1.000.000 - 1.200.000
Not sold
Zoute Grand Prix Car Week 2025
Knokke - Zoute
België - Belgium
October 2025
Created to spearhead Mercedes-Benz's return to competition in the post-war era, the 300 SL debuted in the 1952 Mille Miglia, finishing 2nd and 4th overall. Wins in the Carrera Pan-Americana and at Le Mans followed, and the 300 SL was on its way to becoming part of motor sporting legend. Max Hoffman, the Mercedes-Benz importer for North America, believed there would be a market for a road-going version and managed to convince the factory that such a car would be a success.
The first racers were open-topped but before the '52 season's end the distinctive 'Gullwing' doored Coupé had appeared. Unusually high sills were a feature of the multi-tubular spaceframe chassis, and while access was not a problem of the open car, the adoption of coupé bodywork required innovative thinking - hence the Gullwing doors.
Launched in 1954, the production 300 SL retained the spaceframe chassis of the racer and was powered by a 2,996cc, overhead-camshaft, inline six canted at 45 degrees to achieve a lower, more aerodynamic bonnet line. Using Bosch's innovative direct fuel injection, this state-of-the-art power unit produced 215bhp at 5,800rpm. A four-speed gearbox transmitted power to the hypoid bevel rear axle, while suspension was independent all round by wishbones and coil springs at the front with swing axles and coil springs at the rear.
Tested by the highly respected American magazine Road & Track in 1955, the 300 SL accelerated from 0-60mph in 7.4 seconds, going on to achieve a top speed of 140mph: outstanding figures for its day. It was, arguably, the world's first supercar. Its racing parentage notwithstanding, the 300 SL was and remains a thoroughly practical automobile, as civilised in city driving as it is exhilarating on the highway.
Clearly the 300 SL Coupé would be a hard act to follow yet the Roadster version, introduced just three years later, succeeded in bettering its closed cousin's already exemplary road manners. Built with conventional doors, the 300 SL Roadster was first exhibited at the Geneva Salon in May 1957 and was an immediate hit with the 1950s 'Jet Set' of royalty, actors, and socialites. The production of an open 300 SL involved altering the cockpit area, where the spaceframe was redesigned to permit lower sills for improved access. At the same time the rear suspension was changed to incorporate low-pivot swing axles. Disc brakes were standardised from March 1961, while towards the end of production a small batch of Roadsters was completed with an aluminium cylinder block.
The Roadster's neutral steering characteristics received fulsome praise from Road & Track. A 0-60mph time of 7.0 seconds and a top speed of 130mph were recorded, making the 300 SL Roadster one of the fastest convertibles of its time. The 300 SL Roadster sold well for a car that cost more than a Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder, and would outlive the 300 SL Coupé, which ceased production in 1957, by several years. Roadster production ceased in 1963 after 1,858 cars had been built, some 70% being exported to the USA, and today the model is both rare and highly sought after.
The beautiful Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster we offer was delivered new in 1959 in Dortmund, Germany and is believed to have been driven in Europe until 1969 when it was exported to the USA. Resident in California from 1969 until 1991, the Mercedes then came back to Europe where the last custodian kept the car in his collection from 1991 to 2025. It is believed that the original 1959 engine was replaced in period by the factory; the engine number has been retained.
Some years ago the Roadster was repainted in the current exterior colour 172 Grau, an attractive official Mercedes colour, and given a new brown leather interior. In 2008, a major overhaul of the engine and mechanicals was undertaken (invoice available) while recently the car underwent a major service. Front disc brakes have been mounted to make it more driveable.
The Roadster is now in beautiful condition and drives very well. It comes with a copy of the Datenkarte,, as well as a lot of invoices.
A beautiful example of the iconic 300 SL Roadster, this is a highly desirable motor car that would make an exhilarating yet extremely practical touring companion; indeed, there cannot be many better ways of travelling to a classic event, taking part and driving home.