Hemmings Find of The Day > California Dreamin’

January 10, 2007 · Posted in Uncategorized 

Hemmings Find of The Day > California Dreamin’” border=”0″ src=”http://www.carzz.org/wp-content/uploads/190SL_Wheel.jpg” /></p> <p> Few trips are as fine as driving on a warm, sunny day in a topless Mercedes-Benz SL. And as sexy as the current SL looks, the roadsters from the 50s and early 60s are even sexier. What's more, certain variants are even cheaper than the current series (this is a relative term, of course). </p> <p>@ near-as-makes-no-difference $48,000, the pictured 1963 Santa Monican 190SL with 90,000 miles on the clock is actually priced in higher bracket of the typical range for this classic (usually $35K for a well preserved example). </p> <p>But she sure is purdy.</p> <p><img alt=

Prospective buyers should understand that the 190 model was powered by a small, but peppy inline-4 cylinder engine and best fit the role of the stylish boulevardier – an act that this décapotable should manage with smug aplomb.

The scary-fast 300SL (think Gullwing) possessed the motor meant for winning races. Those GT models – hardtops and convertibles – are usually priced well into the six figure range today.

Think of the 190SL as the Diet Coke of the 50s/60s SL range – lightweight but eminently satisfying.

Purists – caveat emptor! This particular model has undergone a modernizing restoration with the traditional carburetors swapped for newer designs and the installation of a new sound system. They've kept the original Becker stereo (phew), but an additional aftermarket radio has been fitted below the glovebox and added speakers wired into the cockpit. Most are sure not to mind.

In total, one sweet machine. Go get it!


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