The Mercedes-Benz 190 SL roadster saw the light of day in the year 1955 impersonating a less expensive and less advanced alternative for the 300 SL roadster.
Technically the 190 SL roadster shared nothing with big brother 300 SL. But the bodywork design and interior design, which appealed to many people, were strongly inspired by the 300 SL roadster...
The Mercedes-Benz 190 SL was a real touring-convertible in opposite to the 300 SL roadster which was a true sports car. But the 190 SL was affordable (to Mercedes-Benz standards) and the car found a great share of enthusiastic owners primarily in the sunny states of the USA.
The sales success of the 190 SL was based on the good looks of the car but also because of the excellent comfort, the excellent mechanics and its reliability.
The Mercedes-Benz 190 SL was equipped with a four-cylinder engine with a cylinder capacity of 1897 cc. and fitted with two carburettors. The standard four-speed manual gearbox was fully synchronized and featured floor shift.
From 1956 on the 190 SL was fitted with standard power brakes. During the entire period of production a very nice hardtop was available. The story goes that many European owner ordered the roadster with the hardtop and hardly ever took it off!
In the year 1963 the 190 SL was succeeded by the new Mercedes-Benz 230 SL roadster which was going to be known by the nickname "Pagoda".

Technical data

4 cylinder engine
cylinder capacity: 1897 cc.
carburettor(s): 2x double Solex
capacity: 105 bhp. at 5700 rpm.
top-speed: 107 mph. - 170 km/h.
weight: 1160 kg.