1961 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL news, pictures, and information

View more photos
Roadster

This particular automobile was purchased in 1962 by a USAF Captain stationed at Wright-Patterson AFB. In his ownership the car traveled throughout the United States, from Ohio to California and then to Europe where it was refurbished by the Mercedes-Benz factory. The automobile traveled the world again to be purchased 23 years ago by the current owner in Fairfield, OH. A second restoration was started fifteen years ago and completed in April 2007.

This automobile cost approximately $5,020.00 (East Coast US) plus $300 for removable hardtop. The overhead valve, 1897cc 4-cylinder produced 105 horsepower and was capable of zero-to-sixty in 13.2 seconds and could reach top speed of 106 miles per hour.

View more photos
Roadster
Chassis Num: 12104010024460

The 190 SL Mercedes-Benz was introduced at the 1954 New York Auto Show and complimented the 300 SL as appealed to a wider audience of buyers due to its lower price tag while offering the same visual appeal. The SL nomenclature denoted 'Sport Leicht' or (sport light), but in actuality it was a touring vehicle with a curb weight of over 2500 lbs. It was attractive but its was not a true 'SL'. The engine was a single overhead camshaft four-cylinder unit that displaced 1897cc and offered just over 100 horsepower. They were equipped with a four-speed manual gearbox and an independent front suspension.

This example was treated to a restoration many years ago. It is finished in red with a removable black hardtop. It features an upgraded Weber carburetor for added performance resulting in 120 horsepower, a Becker AM/FM radio, wide whitewall tires, and steel wheels.

In 2008 this 190SL Roadster was brought to the Automobiles of Amelia presented by RM Auctions where it had an estimated value of $55,000 - $75,000. As the gavel fell for the final time, the lot had been sold for $46,750 including buyer's premium.

View more photos
Roadster

The 190SL was first seen in pre-production form at the New York Motor Show on February 6, 1954. In 1955 two versions of the 190SL were offered to the public - a Coupe with a removable hardtop and a Roadster. A total of 25,881 190SL's were produced from 1955 to February 1963; of which 10,368 were imported to the United States. This 190SL is painted a rare 'mitt blau' ('DB 350') blue color.

The 190SL is powered by dual carbureted 1.9-liter four-cylinder overhead cam engine that is rated at 105 horsepower and capable of a maximum speed of 106 miles per hour.

View more photos
Roadster
Chassis Num: 1210421000115

The 300 SL Coupe and a prototype version of 190 SL Roadster were introduced around the same time. The 300 SL was an expensive sports car while the 190SL was more sensible and affordable. Production began in 1955 and continued until 1963 by which time over 2,000 had been produced. Power was from a four-cylinder 1897cc engine capable of producing 105 horsepower.

In 2007 this car was given a high quality cosmetic restoration. It is painted in white with red interior with a black canvas top.

In 2008, the car was offered for sale at the Hilton Head Sports & Classic Car Auction presented by the Worldwide Auctioneers. It was estimated to sell for $55,000 - $70,000. Even though bidding failed to reach those estimates, the lot was sold for a high bid of $45,000 including buyer's premium.

Roadster
Chassis Num: 12104210017818

There were more than 26,000 examples of the 190SL roadster produced between 1955 and 1963. This was the vision of Max Hoffman, Mercedes' representative in the United States who envisioned a 300SL Gullwing-type vehicle that was more suitable to many American buyers - more specifically it was less expensive and could be had in convertible bodystyles. This simpler, more affordable open model demonstrated that the American people were interested in this type of Mercedes. The car offered power, comfort, luxury, and had excellent road manners with stylish good looks.

Prior to coming into the possession of its current owner, this 1961 Mercedes-Benz 190SL Roadster was in the care of its previous owner for approximately 27 years. It has an older, high-quality restoration that still shows well today. It is painted in ivory white with a red leather interior. There is a white hardtop and there is a black convertible top that also accompanies the car. The car rides on steel wheels with white and chrome center caps and whitewall tires. Inside, there is a radio and a correct Eight-Day wind-up clock.

In 2008, this vehicle was offered for sale at the 'Sports & Classics of Monterey' presented by RM Auctions where it had an estimated value of $60,000 - $90,000. It was offered without reserve and sold for a high bid of $63,250 including buyer's premium.

Max Hoffman was responsible for the sporty two-seat Mercedes-Benz 190SL sports car. The S represented 'Sports' while the L meant Light, or 'Sehr Leicht'. With a curb weight of 2560 pounds, it was hardly 'light' when compared with other vehicles in it class, some 500 through 1000 pounds less. It was however an excellent alternative to the higher-priced Mercedes-Benz 300SL. The gullwing-door 300SL was available only as a coupe while the 190 SL could be purchased as a Roadster with a soft top convertible or with a removable hardtop roof.

In 1954, Mercedes introduced its two-door 190SL at the New York Auto Show. Fifteen months later the production version was displayed at the 1955 Geneva Auto Show. Gone was the air-scoop that had been on the hood, along with other aesthetic aspects.

The 300SL was initially priced at $7,460 while the 190SL was $3998. As a result the 190SL outsold the 300SL by nearly eight to one. In its best year 4,032 190SL's were produced. In its worst year only 104 examples were produced.

Under the hood was an 1897 cc four-cylinder OHC engine that was capable of producing around 105 horsepower. It took 14.5 seconds to go from zero to sixty and had a top speed of nearly 110 mph. Drum brakes were placed on all four corners of the 14 foot, one inch vehicle. Servo brakes were optional until 1956 at which point they became standard.

The engine capacity was taken into account when naming the vehicle. By moving the decimal place once to the left, it created 189.7. The number was then rounded up to 190. So the 190 represents the approximate engine capacity in liters, meaning about 1.9 liters.

The 190SL production run lasted from 1955 through 1963. Most of the body-styles were open roadsters the rest were coupes. In comparison to many other nameplates, this is a very low number, guarantying its exclusivity and rarity in today's standards. It was a beautiful sibling to the prestigious and awe-inspiring gullwing door 300SL.

Vehicle Spotlight

1961 Mercedes-Benz models
Mercedes-Benz 300 SL
Mercedes-Benz 300D

Mercedes-Benz: 1961-1970

Similar Automakers

Manufacturer Website

Other models by Mercedes-Benz