Description
Stylistically evocative of the mighty 300SL, but with a slightly less complex drive train, the 190SL remains among the most desirable roadsters of its era. The prototype was first shown at the 1954 New York Auto Show, with the 190SL in production between May 1955 and February 1963.
The 190SL was sold alongside the faster, more expensive Mercedes-Benz 300SL, similar not just in terms of styling, engineering and detailing, but also sharing fully independent suspension, double wishbone suspension at the front and swing axles at the rear.
The 190 SL was powered by a new, slightly over square 1.9 litre straight-four SOHC engine that developed 120hp with twin-choke dual Solex carburettors, the four-cylinder engine block was based on the six-cylinder engine of the 300 SL. Teamed with a four-speed manual gearbox, this endowed the sleek aerodynamic and comparatively light 190SL that boasted a top speed of 115mph and a respectable 0-60 time of 13.0 seconds.
This example from 1959 ordered in DB40 Schwarz (Black) is offered with the colour matching large window steel hardtop that was an option from October 1959, with contrasting maroon leather interior this car presents in lovely original condition.
