Mercedes-Benz 190SL - World Of Classic Cars -

Mercedes-Benz 190SL 1957

The Mercedes-Benz 190SL made history at the New York International Motor Sports Show in February 1954 by being the first new production Mercedes- Benz to be unveiled outside of Germany. The impression given by the 190SL, alongside the bigger 300SL, was neat, sporty and with dashing lines. This was the trait of Mercedes-Benz designers Karl Wilfret and Walter Hacket. Despite opinions, the statistics tell their own tale as between May 1955 and February 1963, 25,881 of these cars were produced - it was a huge success for Mercedes-Benz. Its engine boasted four inline cylinders with a chain driven overhead camshaft and two Solex 44PHH carburettors delivering a respectable 108bhp for that era. The body was a monocoque design, welded to the shortened chassis of the type 180 saloon. A racing version with aluminium doors and a small windscreen was never produced although these parts could be ordered from the Factory for weekend racing.