The Mercedes SL is among the few true legends of the automotive world. For over seven a long time, the star-badged sports activities automobile has captivated lovers across the globe – every technology charming in its personal distinctive approach. Amongst them, the 190 SL, little brother to the mighty 300 SL, stays an insider’s favorite.
Since its unveiling within the mid-Fifties, the Mercedes 190 SL hasn’t had a straightforward time. That’s not attributable to its elegant styling or the modest 1.9-litre four-cylinder underneath the bonnet – although that does little to spice up its presence in collectors’ garages. The true subject is its sibling, the 300 SL, which casts an extended shadow. The gullwing’s success, gorgeous design and groundbreaking expertise made it an automotive icon.
It’s value noting that the Mercedes 190 SL of the W 121 sequence was revealed alongside the 300 SL on the 1954 New York Auto Present. Its delicate styling borrows closely from the 215-horsepower gullwing, although the smaller SL was supplied solely as a two-seat roadster. Consumers might spec a hardtop for year-round use, or perhaps a third, sideways-facing seat to make it a three-seater. Whereas the 1.9-litre four-cylinder engine produced a comparatively modest 77 kW / 105 PS, designer Josef Müller defined on the time: “It’s supposed for a clientele who want to cowl lengthy distances at excessive velocity in a automobile that appears very sporty, however can be extremely snug.” From 1955 to 1963, and earlier than the arrival of the W 113 “Pagoda” successor, round 26,000 examples of the 190 SL had been inbuilt Sindelfingen.
Though the 190 SL shares design language with the 300 SL, it was technically derived from the “Ponton” saloons of the W 120 / 121 vary launched in 1956. It borrowed components just like the shortened floorpan, entrance suspension and subframe idea from these four-door fashions. Then and now, the 190 SL stays a relaxed, laid-back cruiser slightly than a pointy sports activities automobile. However its compact footprint and manageable weight enable a prime velocity of 170 km/h and a 0–100 km/h dash in 14.5 seconds. Its speedometer – borrowed from the 300 SL and scaled to 270 km/h – makes bolder guarantees than the automobile can ship. Priced at over 17,000 Deutschmarks in 1955 with each a cloth roof and optionally available aluminium (later metal) hardtop, the 190 SL was considerably costlier than a comparable Porsche 356, which value round 13,000 DM – and practically double that of a Mercedes 180 “Ponton” saloon.
All through its manufacturing, the Mercedes 190 SL was constantly up to date according to the remainder of the Mercedes vary. Upgrades included a wind-up clock, a metal hardtop (later with a panoramic rear window), bigger tail lights, seatbelts, a windscreen washer system, and – from 1961 – a revised engine. Nonetheless, key enhancements like disc brakes, elevated energy and automated transmission had been all reserved for the extra assertively styled Pagoda successor. A light-weight competitors model was additionally supplied in extraordinarily small numbers for hill climbs and rally use, however solely a handful had been constructed earlier than 1956. In the present day, many replicas exist – particularly within the US – usually fitted with modified carburettors and tuned to round 130 PS.
Properly-kept examples with clear histories begin at round €65,000, whereas absolutely or partially restored vehicles in wonderful situation command between €100,000 and €120,000. That places the fashionable W 121 on related footing to the W 113 Pagoda and nicely under the 300 SL, which has lengthy since crossed the million-euro threshold.
