MERCEDES-BENZ

190SL

The Mercedes-Benz 190SL was first shown as a prototype at the 1954 New York Motor Show alongside the spectacular 300SL Gullwing, and the production W121 version was unveiled at the 1955 Geneva Motor Show. Conceived as a glamorous yet attainable open two-seater, the Mercedes-Benz 190SL shared the basic styling, detailing and fully independent suspension of its famous big brother while riding on a shortened monocoque platform derived from the W120 "Ponton" saloon, keeping costs and price far below those of the purpose-built 300SL. Powered by a 1.9-litre overhead-cam four-cylinder engine of around 105 horsepower fed by twin Solex carburettors, the 190SL was built as a roadster, usually supplied with a soft top and an optional removable hardtop, with a rarer fixed-roof coupe also offered. Its shape changed little over eight years, the main updates being enlarged taillights and a larger hardtop rear window. Produced from May 1955 to February 1963 with 25,881 cars built, the Mercedes-Benz 190SL combined open-air style with everyday usability and is today a much-loved 1950s classic, valued for its craftsmanship and timeless lines.