The Mercedes-Benz 190 SL was presented at the 1954 International Motor Sports Show in New York together with its “big brother”, the 300 SL. The new Mercedes-Benz 190 SL enjoyed a highly positive response, prompting the decision in favor of large-scale production. The Mercedes-Benz 190 SL and the 300 SL were designed on the initiative of the American Mercedes importer Maximilian (“Maxi”) E. Hoffman who made out excellent sales prospects for the two models in the US market – and he was proved right: both series sold very well indeed. The 190 SL was developed on the basis of the three-box bodied Mercedes from the W 120 series and designed as a roadster right from the start. Unlike the Gullwing, it was not meant to be a thoroughbred sports car but a sporty, elegant two-seater for touring and everyday use.
The bodywork of the Mercedes-Benz 190 SL was designed by Karl Wilfert and Walter Häcker who modeled it closely on that of the 300 SL. The car displayed in New York in February 1954 was a prototype, neither matured in its styling nor fully tested in terms of its engineering. The 190 SL was carefully revised in both respects, and the final version was presented by Mercedes-Benz at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1955. It differed significantly from the prototype: the stylized air intake on the engine hood had been omitted, the front edge of the engine hood had been relocated toward the rear, “eye-brows” now also featured on the rear wheel cut-outs, and the bumpers, indicators and rear-light units had been modified.
The pre-production series was built at the Sindelfingen plant from January 1955, and production of the main series began in May. Designed as a sporty, elegant two-seater for touring, the car, internally designated W 121, rapidly acquired great popularity, also and especially among the ladies. Initially, only a roadster with soft-top was available. It was joined in the fall by a coupe with removable hardtop, available with or without a soft-top. The 190 SL was praised for its safe handling characteristics. These were ensured, among other things, by the single-joint swing axle with a low pivot point adopted from the 220a. The front axle suspension complete with subframe had been adopted from the 180 with which the 190 SL also shared the floor unit, though in shortened form.
Mercedes-Benz 190 SL had a newly developed 1.9-litre gasoline engine. The four-cylinder powerplant featured an overhead camshaft and is regarded as the archetype of an entire family of engines. In the 190 SL, it developed 105 hp (77 kW) at 5700/min and accelerated the roadster from standstill to 100 km/h in 14.5 seconds. The roadster’s top speed was 170 km/h – a highly respectable speed on the roads of the 1950s and 60s. Fuel consumption of 8.6 litres per 100 km/h was fairly moderate, and the 65 liter tank provided the car with an adequate range.
Throughout its production period, the 190 SL was improved in numerous detail features. Among the more conspicuous modifications were the broad chrome trim strips at the upper door edges (March 1956) and larger rear-light units (June 1956, also used on models 220a, 219 and 220 S). In July 1957, the rear number plate illumination was relocated to the bumper horns to permit the attachment of the broad number plates introduced at the time. The rear bumper horns were incorporated in the standard specifications while those at the front were available at extra cost. They had been standard all round on the US versions right from the start. From October 1959, a new hardtop with a larger rear screen on the coupes provided a clearly improved view toward the rear. In August 1960, the trunk lock was modified and the previously used bow was replaced by a shell-shaped handle.
In 1963, the last 190 SL came off the assembly line, bringing the total production volume to 25,881 units. Most of these had been shipped to the USA. The 190 SL initiated the post-war tradition of roadsters from Mercedes-Benz.
