1955 MERCEDES BENZ Typ 190 SL Coupe (W121) 190

Vehicle Overview

Unlike his famous brother, the “Gullwing” SL, the 190 SL Coupe was designed to be a sporty, two-seat GT car. It was launched in 1955 and it was into production until 1963.

The 190 SL was shown to the public in 1954 at the New York International Motor Sports Show. It was a prototype nowhere near production standard. The adjustments and finishes were made to the car and, in January 1955, the preseries started. But it wasn’t until May 1955 when the true, series production, started. The car was modified along its production time, according to the market requests. Most of the 190 SL’s were sold in the U.S.

The exterior design took the “eyebrows” from the 300 SL and the general shape of the vehicle. It featured round headlights on the front fenders and lowered, flat, hood. The short cabin was good for two adult passengers and the trunk was large enough to carry two suitcases of medium size.

Inside, there was only leather, wood, and chrome. The steering wheel was ivory and the dials on the dashboard had chromed circles around them. The four-speed transmission was standard, but it was offered with different gear ratios and final drives.

The engine was an inline-four with two Solex 44 PHH upside-down carburetors (downdraught). The front suspension was independent while the rear was still a solid axle.