1959 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL

Mercedes-Benz displayed a two-seat roadster concept with a removable hardtop at the 1954 New York Auto Show. When it came to market a year later (in January 1955) it was called the 190SL and was based on the 180 saloon. Production had been delayed due to alterations aimed at strengthening the saloon's shortened platform to compensate for the open body's reduced stiffness. It followed in the footsteps of its older sibling, the 300SL 'Gullwing,' but was a less intense and more affordable version. It used a carbureted 1.9-liter four-cylinder engine, unlike the 300SL's direction-injected 3-liter slant six, and shared a basic engine design, suspension system, and level of craftsmanship and detail that defines Mercedes-Benz.

The mechanical development was led by Fritz Nallinger. It received a detachable subframe, four-speed manual gearbox, four-wheel power-assisted hydraulic drum brakes, and a 1,897cc overhead-camshaft four, the first such engine ever to feature in a Mercedes-Benz. With the help of twin Solex downdraft carburetors, the M121 power unit developed 105 horsepower at 5,7000 RPM, giving the 190SL a zero-to-sixty mph time of 14.5 seconds and a top speed of 171 km/h. The engine was mated to a fully synchronized 4-speed transmission that sent power to the rear swing axles. The front suspension was fully-independent with wishbones. It used the same suspension system as the 300SL resulting in excellent drivability and confident road handling characteristics.

The bodywork was created by Walter Hacker and his design team under Mercedes-Benz design Chief Karl Wilfert. The team members included a young Paul Bracq, who later became the Mercedes-Benz head of design, responsible for the 230/250/280 'Pagoda' SL, top-line 600 series, and other models. Bracq also designed France's TGV high-speed passenger trains and penned other landmark designs for BMW, Citroën, and Peugeot during his prolific career.

The dramatic curves of the 190SL were immediately recognizable as a Mercedes-Benz product, with restrained use of brightwork that was both stylish and elegant. Several styling cues were sourced from the 300SL including the large three-pointed star in the grille and the 'eyebrows' over the wheels.

Sales were strong with 25,881 examples produced before production ended in 1963. Many examples were sent to the United States and although they did not offer the level of performance of sports cars of the era, they more than made up for it in attractive styling, build quality, refinement, and sophistication. Body styles included a folding soft-top or a removable hardtop, or both.

Although the idea of options was fairly new in the automotive industry at the time, Mercedes-Benz introduced what is known as an option list. This added to the 190SL's appeal to the public for now it could be custom custom-tailored to the individual enthusiast to suit their unique taste and cater to a larger audience. The list of available options included ostentatious color schemes, soft and hardtops, accessories, seats, and the rare sports-racing option.

The 190SL had been conceived by Max Hoffman, the U.S. Mercedes-Benz importer, as a less complicated and less costly version of the 300SL 'Gullwing' Coupe. It had conventional front-opening doors and normal-width sills, providing occupants with greater ease of entry and exit. The 'SL' designation, which it shared with the 300SL, roughly translated into English as 'sports light' and denoted the use of lightweight aluminum for the rear deck lid, doors, and hood of the 190SL. It was marketed by Mercedes-Benz as a grand touring car and was the only open SL choice until the Gullwing was replaced by the 300 SL Roadster in 1957.

While the Mercedes-Benz 300SL was renowned for its clever architecture, beauty, and superb performance excelling on the track as well as the road, the 190SL proved to be even more popular, outselling the 300SL by a factor of eight to one. It offered plenty of capabilities and racing-inspired technologies that were utilized in the 300SL, boasting a smaller engine more applicable to the masses and casual use.

by Dan Vaughan

Roadster

The 190 SL resembled the 300 SL both in styling, and engineering. The R121 was offered as a coupe with a removable hardtop and a soft top, or simply as a cabriolet with a retractable soft top. The 190 SL was powered by a new 1.9-liter straight-four single overhead cam engine that developed 104 horsepower at 5700 RPM. Never a proper sports car because of being underpowered, it was an affordable, highly refined grand touring car of the day when compared to the many British offerings of dubious reliability and engineering.

During the first years of production, the 190 SL was available as a sports-racing model with a small 'Perspex' windscreen, modest interior, and aluminum door skins. In 1963, both the 190 Sl and the 300 SL were replaced by the Type W113 230SL 'Pagoda.' When purchased, this particular car was undergoing a restoration by the previous owner. The current owner completed the final detailing.

Roadster
Chassis number: 121.042.10-01119
Engine number: 121921-10-9502497

In addition to its famed 300SL 'Gullwing', Mercedes-Benz in 9155 launched a lower-priced roadster with more modest performance. The car was the 190SL and the German automaker would produce more than 25,000 of them between 1955 and 1963.

Never known for its strong performance, the model was somewhat collector car world in the shadow of the 300SL until recently.

This example is a matching-numbers example that was built in Stuttgart, Germany, in 959. Although over 25,000 were originally manufactured between 1955 and 1963, fewer than 50 examples survive in this factory combination of Erdberrot (DB 543 Strawberry Metallic) paint with camel leather interior.

The car was purchased new by a couple from New York who specifically requested the Strawberry Metallic paint and a three-piece matching leather luggage set. The new owners traveled to Germany to take delivery of the car and then toured Europe for three months before shipping the 190 SL back home.

In 1997, the family sold the car to Slim Wheatley, who in turn sold the car in 2005 to its current owner in California. The car has been given a ground-up restoration that took well over a year. Following the comprehensive restoration, the 190SL was shown at venues including Rhinebeck, West Point and Hershey. In 2006, it won 1st Place at the Chico Concours and 2nd Place at the Palo Alto Concours. The following year it was invited to the Quail Motorsports Gathering in 2007. In 2008, it won 1st Place at the Carmel Concours on the Avenue.

The car has just 400 miles on the odometer since the restoration work was completed. It has the complete tool kit, gas can and luggage set.

In 2012, the car was offered for sale at the Gooding & Company auction held in Pebble Beach, California. It was estimated to sell for $100,000 - $130,000 and offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $203,500, inclusive of buyer's premium.

Roadster
Chassis number: 8502751
Engine number: 8502773

This 1959 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL Roadster with Hard Top was offered for sale at the 2007 Christies auction of 'Exceptional Motor Cars at the Monterey Jet Center.' It is white with a red leather interior and a black top. It is powered by a four-cylinder, single overhead camshaft engine with an available 105 horsepower. There is a four-speed manual gearbox and four-wheel drum brakes.

The 190SL Mercedes was built to high quality and refinement. They were sports tourers that were elegant, sophisticated, yet sporty. Introduced in 1954, their largest criticism was their engine which did not meet many individual's expectations. Within a few years, the engine output had been raised to 105 horsepower and the top speed reached 110 mph. Zero-to-sixty took only 13.3 seconds to accomplish. The car was able to be driven for long times without breaks, thanks to its 14.3-gallon fuel tank and 20 to 26 mpg fuel consumption. The car has good interior room with seating for two, and a boot that has good luggage capacity.

The very early history of this vehicle is not fully known. It was placed in storage around the mid-1970s where it would remain for the next fifteen years. During its time in storage, it was treated to a complete restoration.

The current owner purchased the car in early 1999 and was then given routine maintenance and servicing. This example is fitted with the rare third seat known as the 'transverse seat' which provides additional seating, though cramped, for additional occupants.

The car was estimated to sell for $50,000 - $70,000 at auction. The high bid fell slightly above those estimates, settling at $71,500, including buyer's premium.

by Dan Vaughan

Hardtop Coupe
Chassis number: 121.040.9502307

In 2011, the car was offered for sale at the Gooding & Company auction held in Pebble Beach, California. It was estimated to sell for $50,000 - $80,000 and offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $143,000 inclusive of buyer's premium.

The car had been offered by musical artist Sheryl Crow to benefit the Community Foundation of the Ozarks in their dedication to rebuilding high schools in Joplin, Missouri.

The car had been purchased in 1993 by Peter McParlin of Dallas, Texas. At the time of purchase, the car displayed 60,000 miles and was believed to be an original-condition driver that had been well-maintained, but was in need of some cosmetic attention. The car was then treated to a thorough mechanical overhaul which included an engine rebuilt, starter and generator service, as well as the installation of new pistons, bearings, oil pump and idler. The gas tank was cleaned and relined, the fuel filter serviced and the exhaust header powder-coated. New motor mounts were installed, while the suspension, steering box and brakes were all refurbished as needed. The transmission was disassembled and a new clutch disc was installed. Cosmetically, the exterior was bare-metal blasted and refinished in a coat of proper Mercedes-Benz white Glasurit paint.

It was sold to K.C. Colvin in November of 2004. Ms. Crow purchased it a short time later. Mr. Colvin installed a correct 190SL soft top that had been sourced from a donor car. Mr. Colvin dialed in the engine and carburetors, rebuilt the brakes and suspension, and installed new black leather upholstery and a correct dash covering. By February 2005, the work was completed and the car was delivered to Ms. Crow.

by Dan Vaughan

Roadster

This 1959 Mercedes-Benz 190SL was delivered in February 1959 at Cardiff by the Sea, California. The car remained with the original owner until 2005 when it was acquired by Rudi Konicek of Rudy & Company for his client Dennis Highinbotham who owns a chain of Mercedes-Benz dealerships. Rudi Konicek personally drove the car up the California coast on holiday and visited friends on his way back to Victoria, British Columbia. There he performed a restoration with an emphasis on originality. After restoration the car served as a static display and club car for many years in the showroom of a Mercedes-Benz dealership. The car is powered by an 1897cc 4-cylinder engine developed 109 horsepower.

Roadster
Chassis number: 121.040.10.9501952
Engine number: 121.921.10.9501972

The Mercedes-Benz 190 SL was powered by a Type M121 BII 1.9-liter four-cylinder engine producing 120 bhp at 5,700 RPM. They had a double-wishbone front suspension with swing axles at the rear.

Between 1955 and 1963, 25,881 units were built.

This particular example was sold new in Southern California and has remained in that part of the country until recently. It is a well-optioned example with front bucket seats, leather luggage strap trunk, leather upholstery, U.S. bumper with guards, ATE power brakes with booster, English instrumentation, rearview mirror, Blaupunkt radio amplifier and antenna, externally lockable passenger side door, locking glove box door, heater with blower, soft convertible top, and sealed-beam headlights. Dealer-installed options include seatbelts, a love box-mounted mechanical clock, and whitewall tires.

This 190 SL has been given a recent cosmetic restoration and finished in DB40G Black on its factory-original body panels.

by Dan Vaughan

Roadster

This car has been given a restoration and finished in Silver with black leather seats and a properly fitting black canvas soft top. It has the correct Solex carburetors, a 1897cc SOHC four-cylinder engine, four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes, and a four-speed manual transmission.

by Dan Vaughan

Roadster
Chassis number: 121.042.10.015341
Engine number: 121.921.10.015429

This Mercedes-Benz 190 SL is finished in its original color scheme of black over a tan leather interior with a matching tan canvas convertible soft top. Its first owner was reported to be an American woman who held dual citizenship, as well as residences, in France and the United States. It was acquired new in Paris on November 13th of 1959 and factory-equipped for U.S. specifications. The first miles were put on the odometer while it was in Paris before eventually shipping the car to the United States.

The 190SL was later treated to a comprehensive, nut-and-bolt restoration. Since that time it has lived a pampered life and has seen limited use.

by Dan Vaughan

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 its 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 by today's standards. It was a beautiful sibling to the prestigious and awe-inspiring gullwing door 300SL.

by Dan Vaughan