Mercedes-Benz 190SL:1954-63
F or the quality, price and availability of parts, “it’s tough to beat a 190SL,” says Tom Hamilton, who has owned more than a dozen of the SL, or Sport Light, cars, including the inspiring 300SL roadster.
The 190SL, which was produced from 1954 to 1963, is considered a luxury sports tourer rather than an all-out sports car. However, a number of 190SLs have found their way into historic racing events around the world in recent years.
A nearly “bullet-proof” 1.9-liter overhead cam, four-cylinder engine, capably powers this curvaceous roadster, with its low nose and unmistakable tri-star grill insert. An optional hard top that could be lifted on and off the two-seater was available when the car was introduced, and fixed coupe models eventually found their way into the lineup.
All in all, the 190SL is a very cool car, which gets high marks for comfort and coolness. –LS
Photos and VIDEO at right.
SPECS:
Price: $25,000 to $70,000.
Engine: SOHV V-4
Horsepower: 105
Torque: 105 at 3200 rpm
Top Speed: 105-120 mph
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If ever there was a testament to the classic Mercedes-Benz automobile, it would be in the form of Tom Hamilton. An avid motoring enthusiast, he recently completed a 2,800-mile tour through China driving, of course, a classic Mercedes – his 190SL painted Strawberry Metallic Chromodox.
Despite more than a few organizational glitches during the rally, which he describes as being more disorganized than organized, his roadster ran without a hitch, which comes as no surprise to Mercedes Benz owners and enthusiasts.
“For the quality, and for the price and the availability of parts and expertise, it’s tough to beat a 190SL,” says Hamilton, who has owned more than a dozen of the SL, or Sport Light, series cars, including the inspiring 300SL roadster.
“There are a number of examples (of 190SL) that come up frequently that are reasonably restored. “ You can still buy one for $25,000 to $30,000, he says. On the other hand, “top-end” cars are commanding more than $100,000.
About a dozen years ago, for instance, he sold a highly restored 190SL to the Prince of Monaco for $110,000. But he admits it was a phenomenal automobile and restoration.
And if you’re looking for a more modern classic car, no oxymoron intended, Hamilton recommends the 280SL, with its distinctive Pagoda-shaped hard top.
More often than not, however, you’ll find the New York enthusiast in his 190SL, which has been mildly tweaked for those occasional world rallies.
“I don’t do it in a competitive fashion. I do it as a tourist,” he explains sheepishly. However, on some occasions, like the Classic Adelaide Rally in Australia, “I drove real hard.”
Even without adding a beefier torsion bar and improved shocks, which he recommends, the 190SL is a great drive. Of course, having competed in historic road racing for the past 15 years in a purpose-built 190SLR race car may have cast a jaded philosophy on the affable Hamilton.
Even the most sanitized 190SL has a nearly “bullet proof” 4-cylinder engine, he says, with plenty of creature comforts. “It is a very comfortable car and is very easy to get in and out of.” And there’s an incredible support network out there.
The International 190SL Group, of which Hamilton is president, is a veritable encyclopedia of information about this particular model of Mercedes, and offers its members painstakingly prepared owner and repair manuals, not to mention links for other help – if you need it.
But even more importantly than quality, reliability and increasing valuation, the 190SL is just, plain “fun to drive,” he says.
A LITTLE HISTORY ON THE 190SL
An early prototype of the Mercedes-Benz 190SL appeared next to the 300SL Gullwing at the 1954 New York Auto Show, but the 190SL was a far different car.
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