If there is one thing Mercedes-Benz is known for, it has to be the uniquely delivered top-notch luxury it offers through its diverse range of models. Throughout its long time in existence, the company has made some of the most iconic luxury vehicles in the history of car production. This is still true today, as Mercedes-Benz remains one of the most popular options in the luxury brands' category.
Examples of timeless luxury cars from the Mercedes-Benz lineup can be seen in all forms. They have great SUVs, sports cars, as well as roadsters. In fact, their classic roadster, the Mercedes- Benz 190 SL is considered to be a standard in the industry, and it is still highly sought-after today.
This iconic car was produced from 1955 until 1963. However, it was first shown as a prototype at the 1954 New York Auto Show. The Benz 190 SL was replaced by the 230SL.
The Mercedes-Benz 190 SL is a special model, so we decided to explore its awesomeness by having a detailed look at the features and other attributes of its final model.
The Benz 190 SL Is A Smooth Ride
When it comes to the fastest cars in the Mercedes-Benz lineup, the 190 SL misses that list when you look at the cars of both today and yesterday. It’s not necessarily slow, but it’s not intended to be the quickest of the bunch. Instead, its drivetrain delivers a smooth ride that really made this roadster from Mercedes stand out.
The 1963 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL is powered by a 1.9-liter 4-cylinder inline engine. It produces a max power of 76 hp at 4,500 rpm and 107 lb-ft of torque at 2,500 rpm, according to conceptcarz.com. This car also has a brake horsepower of 78.
The final model of the Mercedes-Benz 190 SL has a 4-speed manual transmission, and it’s a rear-wheel-drive car. The cylinder block is made of cast iron, and it has a compression rate of 8.8:1.
When it comes to speed, supercars.net reports that it maxes out at 110 miles per hour. The 190 SL can accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 13.3 seconds. As we pointed out, this isn’t fast, but it’s perfect for a car like this. This car is the definition of classic Mercedes luxury, which is one of the many reasons it’s still highly appreciated today.
The factory claimed that this car has a fuel economy of up to 26 miles per gallon. The fuel tank holds 17.2 US gallons of fuel.
The Mercedes-Benz 190 SL Is Worth A Pretty Penny
One way to judge the impact of a car is to look at the price it fetches on the used car market. It should be noted that there was a total of 25,881 units of the 190 SL were produced. Of that number, the least was the 1963 model, which means it’s also the hardest one to find if you’re looking to buy one.
Many listings for the Mercedes-Benz 190 SL are priced well above the $100k mark. There were a few that were slightly below it, but this is not a cheap ride to purchase, especially if you want one in good condition. It should also be noted that when it comes to a car like this, most sellers are firm on their price. This is because people who own these cars have typically taken great care of them, which is quite an investment on its own.
Despite this, the market for these classic cars means that the seller has the upper hand. The 190Sl is rare to find, and its price tag reflects that.
To point out the iconic nature of the entire lineup of the Mercedes-Benz 190 SL, some models demand almost $300k for the honor of ownership. These cars are considered some of the best Mercedes has ever produced, and this is one piece of evidence to prove that.
The Mercedes-Benz 190 SL Is One Of The Greatest Roadsters Ever Made
There are a few iconic roadsters out there. Of course, for modern roadster enthusiasts, there is Mazda’s Miata. But the Mercedes-Benz 190 SL was decades before it, and in many ways set the standard for what these little cars should be. Sure, many of the modern options are a great deal faster, but there is just something about the classic style of this Mercedes. Although simple, it’s truly a beauty to behold, especially the ones that have been either been restored or were hardly used.
There is also something special about the last model of any iconic car. They are almost never the best or the most popular of the lineup, but the final model represents a conclusion. It’s the evolution from the start of an idea to the end. It’s always sad when great cars are discontinued, but the legacy of the Mercedes-Benz 190 SL is proof that no great car ever really dies.