In the 70 years of its development history, the SL experienced the transformation from a thoroughbred racing car to an open-top luxury sports car – and has long enjoyed legend status, not least for this reason. Although the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL hogs the limelight as the holy grail of open-top motoring, its 190 SL roadster sibling made its production viable as a more affordable alternative to the exclusive Gullwing “Super Leicht”.
Produced by Mercedes-Benz between May 1955 and February 1963, a total of 25,881 units of the W121 190 SL were built. Sharing the basic styling, engineering, detailing, and fully independent suspension of the 300 SL, the smaller-engined two-door roadster used a modified and shortened floor pan from the W121 base saloon, and not the expensive purpose-built W198 tubular spaceframe of the 300 SL.
As the entry-level model in the roadster series, the 190 SL is the spiritual predecessor to the latest Mercedes-AMG SL 43. Much like its latest descendant, the smaller SL was endowed with advanced technology, such as a double wishbone suspension setup in front and an M121 BII 1,9-litre SOHC engine – one of the most powerful four-cylinder engines available at the time.
Fitted with twin-choke Solex carburettors, the straight-four delivered 77 kW and 142 Nm of torque, giving the lighter and now highly sought-after 190 SL spirited performance. Much in the same vein, the new SL 43 is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, and it is also the world’s first series-produced vehicle to feature an electric exhaust gas turbocharger – technology that comes directly from Formula One.
Report by FERDI DE VOS | Images © MERCEDES-BENZ AG