An automotive masterpiece graced the world stage in 1954 at the prestigious New York Auto Show. Engineered as a more accessible sibling to the illustrious 300 SL, this car featured performance, elegance and value for money in the perfect blend capturing the hearts of enthusiasts from the 60’s till date. In this week’s edition of Classic Car on DubiCars we review the unassuming and allure of German engineering, the Mercedes-Benz 190 SL.
History
The production of the Mercedes-Benz 190 SL commenced in 1955 and continued its elegant journey until 1963. The Mercedes-Benz 190 SL was developed as a more accessible and affordable alternative to the prestigious 300 SL, which had garnered significant attention for its groundbreaking design and performance.
The 190 SL featured a sleek convertible design with a removable hardtop, making it an attractive option for those who desired a sporty and stylish vehicle. While it didn’t match the performance capabilities of the 300 SL, the 190 SL still offered a remarkable driving experience and became a symbol of luxury and sophistication.
Mercedes-Benz produced a total of 25,881 units in 8 years with the first 3,000 units milestone crossing in just 1 year. Also, SL stands for Super Light race car which the 300 SL was based on.
Feature Model History
CV Auto has kept the complete history details of the 190 SL model’s history under wraps. However, what we can tell is that the 190 SL is from the 1960 production year and features a signature silver paint scheme along with red interior upholstery. The total kilometres clocked on the ODO are over 74,000km, which is great for a classic car from this period. Here is this particular 1960 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL listed for sale on DubiCars by CV Auto.
Design
The 190 SL is characterized by its gracefully flowing curves, giving the car a sense of fluidity and sophistication. These lines, especially along the sides and fenders, contribute to the overall aesthetic appeal. The front grille is a standout feature, bearing the iconic Mercedes-Benz emblem. The hood of the 190 SL is subtly sculpted adding to the car’s profile.
This 190 SL from CV Auto features a removable hardtop, allowing drivers to choose between a closed cabin and the exhilaration of top-down driving. The fender-mounted side mirrors contribute to the vintage charm of the 190 SL. The classic wheel designs with large chrome hubcaps gave a timeless appeal to the sports car.
Finally, the 190 SL features chrome accents on the window surrounds, door handles, and trim details, providing a luxurious touch. These elements make the car look sporty and elegant matching the sleek and flowy silhouette of the car.
Interior & Features
The interiors of the 190 SL are luxurious and plush and with all the chrome accents, feels premium. In the ’60s, the interiors of the car were basic and functional with almost every feature operated manually, the SL’s cabin is no different. However, what is surprising is the electric push start button.
This 1960 model has red interior upholstery and along with chrome-finished trims adds a wonderful contrast. There is no air-conditioning, but there is a blower and heater along with four vents placed on the dashboard.
Adding to the vintage charm of the interior is an analogue clock situated on the glove box. This clock is a wind-up type, requiring manual winding by opening the glove box.
Engine & Performance
The name 190 came from the engine under the bonnet. It is a 1.9-litre four-cylinder carburated petrol engine paired with a 4-speed manual gearbox. The engine produced 104hp and 142Nm. In the 1960’s, the performance was enough to propel this piece of German art to a top speed of 170km/h.
The engine makes a fabulous rumble especially higher up the rev range and offers decent performance for a car that is over 60 years old. The transmission has a good mechanical feel to it and the throws between the gears are huge, which was the case for cars from this era.
Driveability
Mercedes-Benz didn’t use the top-notch tubular frame from the 300 SL. Instead, the 190 SL featured an underbody from a Mercedes-Benz sedan at the time, making it cost-effective. Both front and rear suspensions featured coil springs and drum brakes. This made the 190 SL easy to drive every day and on weekends over a long journey.
Famous Stars Who Owned A 190 SL
The iconic American actress and later Princess of Monaco, Grace Kelly, owned a Mercedes-Benz 190 SL. The legendary singer Frank Sinatra and the 35th President of the United States, John F. Kennedy, also owned the German sports car. Other notable celebrities include the Hungarian-American actress Zsa Zsa Gabor, Academy Award-winning actor Yul Brynner, and the iconic actress Elizabeth Taylor. It is safe to say that the Mercedes-Benz 190 SL managed to capture the hearts and minds of the glittering and glamorous world of Hollywood.
If you are looking to add your name to this celebrity list, check this particular 1960 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL listed for sale on DubiCars by CV Auto.
