Mercedes-Benz 190 SL (1960) – Into the Wild

The current Mercedes-AMG SL fulfills a dual role, as it should succeed both the previous SL and the AMG GT Roadster. It must therefore (especially as SL 63) be an exceptionally sporty roadster, but at the same time a comfortable top-segment convertible. The fact that the SL cannot be caught for one hole is not exactly new. The first SL was already available in two flavors. You had the very sporty 300 SL for its time as a Gullwing and as a Roadster, but you also had the milder 190 SL. The latter was only available as a convertible and is actually the real ancestor of the regular SL. The 300 SL mainly found (spiritual) succession in the form of the SLR, the SLS and in a sense also the AMG GT.

Although the 190 SL was not as extreme as the 300 SL, that did not alter the fact that it was a progressive convertible for its time. Not only because of the special design, which broadly resembled that of the 300 SL Roadster, but also because of technical similarities. For example, the 190 SL also had independent suspension, with double wishbones at the front. However, the base was much more conventional, because he borrowed it from the Mercedes-Benz 190 W121. It also had the same engine as the W121, a 1.9 four-cylinder, with which the 190 SL, of course, lagged considerably behind the 300 SL with a six-in-line equipped. Yet with a power of 105 hp in 1955 you had a nice spicy convertible. Incidentally, thanks to its engine, the 190 SL has a special similarity with the latest SL, because they are the only SL’s ever with a four-cylinder. All other SLs had at least a six-cylinder engine.

The beautiful specimen in these photos was spotted and posted to the forum by AutoWeek forum member louisz, who shared more photos of it on his Flickr account. This copy dates from 1960 and it took 40 years to get a Dutch registration. He has now been bivouacking with the same owner for almost eight years, who apparently does not hesitate to take it on the road. Fortunately, because while a 190 SL isn’t worth as absurdly as a 300 SL, it could easily be worth between $100,000 and $150,000. It is therefore anything but obvious to find a 190 SL abandoned along the road as happened here. Kudos to this beautiful spot!