Mercedes 190 SL: The Legendary Gullwing’s Little Brother
It may not have a space frame, gullwing doors, or a big inline-six, but the 190 SL is a special car nonetheless.
The 300 SL Gullwing is perhaps the most famous Mercedes-Benz of all time. It’s a bona-fide sports car icon, and nearly every fan of the brand has a poster or a model car of one in their home. A lucky few have the real thing in the garage.
Unfortunately, its legendary status means that its smaller sibling often gets ignored. Based on the W121 platform, the 190 SL offered much of what made the 300 SL so alluring in a smaller, more affordable package.
While it lacked the cutting-edge tubular space frame and parlor trick doors of its larger stablemate, the 190 SL shared much with the more famous car. The 190 SL shares the 300 SL’s fully independent suspension, which consist of double wishbones up front and swing axles in the rear.
Also shared was the basic architecture of the 300 SL’s straight six, albeit in a four cylinder configuration. The 190 SL engine’s bore was the same size as the 300 SL’s with a shorter stroke. The engine displaced 1.9 liters and was fed by a pair of Solex carburetors, and was good for 120 horsepower.
For its day, that made it a respectable performer. The engine proved reliable and was later detuned for use in the W120/W121 sedans.
This beautiful 1958 example wears the classic color combo of silver paint over a red interior. If British sports cars of this era are defined by dark green paint over tan leather, then this is the German equivalent.
The original owner bought the car new in Germany and brought the car with them when moved to the United States. At some point, it was repainted in silver (from the original black) and has been carefully maintained throughout its life. Now, for $89,000, it can be yours.
Currently located at a dealer in Traverse City, Michigan, it’s a one-owner car…sort of. Apparently, last year, this dealer sold the car for the original owner. Someone bought it, but they never drove it, and they stored it at the dealership. They decided to sell the car, and the new owner, on paper, will be the third owner.
Photos: GR Auto Gallery
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