Classic Car Insurance for Mercedes 190 SL

The Classic Mercedes 190 SL

The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL’s success on track and its presence on road as the fastest production car at the time led Mercedes to develop a new car, using a thoroughly modern idea – take the appearance and engineering of the landmark model, and create a more affordable, mass market alternative.

The 190 SL was the end result. Offered as a roadster or with a removable hardtop (no gullwing versions for simplicity), it boasted a near identical appearance to drop-top versions of the more powerful, prestigious 300 SL and shared some of its engineering, such as its front double-wishbone suspension and rear swing axles.

However, the bodywork was draped over the chassis of the humdrum 190 Pontoon saloon, modified to fit the 190 SL’s wheelbase. And under the bonnet was a 1.9-litre four-cylinder engine developed from the 300 SL’s straight six, developing 105PS (77kW).

Over 25,000 were made during an eight-year production run, during which major mechanical and design changes were very limited. As such, a strong number of good examples exist, as does a solid parts network.