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 Dan Vaughan

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.

Roadster
Chassis number: 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.

by Dan Vaughan

Roadster
Chassis number: 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 number: 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.

by Dan Vaughan

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.

Roadster
Chassis number: 121.040.10.025444
Engine number: 121.928.10.003335

The Mercedes-Benz 190SL was powered by a 1.9-liter four-cylinder engine that was mated to twin Solex Carburetors and produced 120 horsepower. Top speed was 105 mph. Whereas the 300 SL had been bred for the race track, the 190 SL was best suited for touring, and came with copious amounts of luggage space, despite having a convertible top.

This matching-numbers example was given a restoration in SL-Classics, in Düren, Germany. The no-expense-spared work brought the car back to a concours level, with emphasis placed on maintaining as many original components as possible. It is finished in Tunis Beige (DB 46) with a black leather interior. It has a factory removable black hardtop, a black canvas soft top, black hub caps, a complete tool kit, an owner's manual, and rare fitted luggage that match the interior.

by Dan Vaughan

Roadster
Chassis number: 121.040-10-020849

In the mid 1950's Mercedes was searching for a sporting model it could sell for less than the 300 SL. The 190 SL carried some of the 300 SL's features such as fully independent suspension but it was built on a shortened sedan chassis. It was introduced, in prototype form, at the 1954 New York Auto Show and was available with a removable hard top.

The 190 SL is powered by a slightly oversquare Type M121 BII 1.9 liter straight-four, single overhead cam engine. It is based on the 300 SL's straight six, carries twin-choke dual Solex carburetors and produces 120 horsepower.

This vehicle was purchased by Douglas and Anne Lyman while he was serving in the military in Europe. The car was delivered in Stuttgart, Germany, and imported by the Lymans into the U.S. The current owners purchased the car from them in 1976, in San Diego, California.

Roadster

The 190 SL is a two-door luxury roadster produced by Mercedes-Benz between May 1955 and February 1963. It was first shown in prototype form at the 1954 New York Auto Show and was available with an optional

removable hardtop.

The 190 SL presented an attractive, affordable alternative to the exclusive Mercedes-Benz 300 SL. It shared basic styling, engineering, detailing, and fully independent suspension. Instead of the 300 SL's expensive purpose-built tubular space frame the 190 SL rode on a shortened monocoque platform modified from a small saloon.

The current owners purchased the car from Portland Oregon restauranteur Marco Frattaroli. They commissioned a full restoration in Padova, Italy that was completed in 2018.

Roadster
Chassis number: 121.040.10.018340

This 1961 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL has a documented history and was in the care of its original owner for over four decades. It was purchased new in 1961 from Dan Gillum Motors of Reno, Nevada, by local resident Dayton McDonald for $5,406. It left the factory finished in Fire Engine Red (DB 534) and was fitted with a black hardtop and Creme leather upholstery. The current owner acquired the 190 SL in 2014 and invested over $60,000 in mechanical and cosmetic work since then, including a complete repaint, new soft top, new dash upholstery, and other work.

The 1,897cc single overhead cam four-cylinder engine has twin Solex 44 PHH carburetors helping to produce 105 horsepower at 5,750 RPM. There is a four-speed manual gearbox and four-wheel servo-assisted drum brakes.

by Dan Vaughan

Roadster
Chassis number: 121.040.10.020827

This 1961 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL Roadster is believed to have been purchased new by an American physician while he resided in Alicante, in Spain's Costa Blanca resort area. He later brought the car to Texas, where it remained until 2014. Between 2015 and 2016 it was given a complete nut-and-bolt rotisserie restoration by marque experts, addressing both mechanical and cosmetic issues and detailing throughout. The car was finished in its original Black (DB 040) color over an all-new original-type red leather interior and equipped with rebuilt instruments and a Becker Europa radio.

by Dan Vaughan

Roadster
Chassis number: 121.040.10.017706

The Mercedes-Benz 190 SL was powered by a 1.9-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a four-speed manual transmission. Popular with enthusiasts, the 190SL remained in production for nine years, beginning with its public debut at the 1954 New York Auto Show.

The Mercedes-Benz Classic Center acquired this example in 2010 and at the time, it had been given a complete restoration. Additional mechanical refreshing and sorting followed, including to the front suspension, braking, and fuel systems. Upon completion, the car was sold to its current custodian in 2010.

This 190 SL wears its factory-correct colors of Fire Engine Red over Crème leather. It has a Becker Europa radio, a kinder seat in the rear for a small, third occupant, a tool roll, and a top boot cover.

by Dan Vaughan

Roadster

This 1961 Mercedes-Benz 190SL is an original German-spec/issued vehicle. It was given a complete restoration in 2021-2022 by Bechtel Mercedes in Germany. After the restoration was completed, it won Best of Show in the 'Memory Lane' category at the 2023 Miami Auto Show.

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