1961 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL

When Mercedes-Benz introduced the 300SL, the first iteration of the SL Class (Sport Leichtbau) of 'grand tourers', it was the fastest production car of its day. The two-seat coupe was introduced in 1954 and used distinctive gull-wing doors, later offered as an open roadster. During its production lifespan, a total of 3,258 coupes and roadsters were built. Since enthusiasts were often unable to afford the steep price tag or unable to locate one for sale, Mercedes-Benz offered the less exotic 190SL. Based on the 180 Salon, it was introduced in 1954 at the New York International Motor Sport Show alongside the 300SL 'Gullwing' coupe. The U.S. Mercedes-Benz importer Max Hoffman had suggested the model as a less expensive, more accessible model that would appeal to a wider audience in America. It was similar in appearance to the 300SL and its 'SL' label denoted a sporting characteristic that was reinforced by its lightweight aluminum doors, hood, and rear decklid. It was a versatile vehicle built with rigid monocoque body construction, an available aluminum hardtop, and roll-up windows.

The production-ready 190SL, internally designated 'W121,' made its debut in 1955 at the Geneva Motor Show. The 190SL entered production in January of 1955 - the delay in development was caused by the strengthening and development of the shortened platform to compensate for its open roadster's reduced stiffness. The engineering development was led by Fritz Nallinger who used the all-independently-suspended running gear of the 180 Saloon, along with a detachable subframe, four-speed manual gearbox, and a 1,897cc overhead-camshaft four-cylinder engine. It used twin Solex downdraft carburetors that helped develop 105 horsepower at 5,700 RPM. Zero-to-sixty mph was accomplished in 14.5 seconds on its way to a top speed of 107 mph. Braking power was supplied by power-assisted 'Alfin' drums. Under the direction of Mercedes-Benz design head Karl Wilfert, Walter Hacker and his team designed the 190SL body. The list of designers included a young Paul Bracq, who would later become Mercedes' head of design, responsible for the 230/250/280 'Pagoda' SL and 600 series. Mr. Bracq's career resume would also include work for Citroen, Peugeot, BMW, and France's TGV high-speed trains.

The Mercedes-Benz 190SL was an unqualified success, earning design awards in Switzerland, Holland, and France's Grand Prix d'Elegance.

Although the 190SL was built without racing pretensions, rather designed as a stylish grand tourer, its performance credentials were established through competition with factory support readily supplied to preferred clients. Doug Stearne drove a 190SL to victory in 1956 at the newly established Macao Grand Prix (the first event was held in 1954). Stearne was 2 1/2 laps ahead of the second-place Ferrari Mondial at the finish. A year later, at Casablanca, Mercedes distributor Joseph F. Weckerlé took the under 2.0-liter class win with his 190SL.

Sales were strong, outselling the 300SL, with 25,881 examples built between 1955 and 1963 with many finding homes in the United States. They accomplished the goal of being a more practical, less expensive, and smaller version of the illustrious 300SL.

by Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2020