Skip to content

1-Stop Classic Car News

Best classic cars and more!

Mobile Menu
  • About us
  • Contact us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Disclaimer

1959 Mercedes Benz 190SL Classic

By admin  Posted on 11/09/2019 In Mercedes-Benz Tagged 190SL, 1959, acceleration, auto, automobiles, automotive, autos, autotest, car, cars, classic, drive, mercedes, mercedes benz, oldschool, review, ride, sound, test, vehicle 
  • facebook
  • tweet
  • google+
  • pinterest
  • linkedin

In the 50’s there was the Mercedes 300SL. Which was a car everybody wanted, just because it was the fastest production car available worldwide. However, the 300SL was very expensive. Because it was so exclusive. But Mercedes wanted to exploit the success of the 300SL and sell more affordable cars. So this car was introduced, the Mercedes 190SL. And even though the car looked similar to the 300SL with the same lines and exterior. There are some big differences. For example, this car is built on the shortened W121 platform. Which was called the R121 platform. Which was actually the chassis for the old Mercedes Ponton. Which was more like a family car compared to the 300SL which used the, for that time, that very advanced W189 chassis. And because of that they could push the price down significantly. The engine is different as well The engine in this car is a litre 4-cylinder.

Which was actually the 6-cylinder from the 300SL but with 2 cylinders less. The bore and stroke of the engine are almost similar to the 300SL. And there are 2 solex carburetors mounted on it. And those were diffucult to configure which was the reason that not all 190SL’s were running smoothly. And became a little notorious for those engines. I must say that I haven’t noticed anything about this car. The engine just runs perfectly smooth after starting. The engine produces about 105 horsepower. Which isn’t surprisingly much But it doesn’t feel very slow. When you see this car and read on paper that this is the 300SL’s little brother. You might think that it isn’t fun to drive. That it might be more of a cruiser than a sports car. Which is partially true. This car is ideal to drive long distances in a relaxed way. But on occasions it is just great to drive fast and to trow it into corners. Maybe this is because the engine isn’t really powerful, so you really have to step on it in order to go fast. That’s possible..

But maybe it’s just the car’s character which just fits the car. It’s just a beautiful car to look at. Even though I am not a Mercedes fan! So I must admit that when I read 190 in the invitation to drive this car. I thought it was that old taxi model.. So the letters SL make a big difference! This car was produced in the 50’s. And that is visible throughout the entire car. The interior is very retro. But very nice nonetheless. Lots of chrome, many nice dials and buttons. And as is usual in a car this old it isn’t really clear what all buttons do until you try them because they aren’t marked. This is just a trip down memory lane as one might say. The 190SL is obviously a convertible. But it was available in two models a softtop version, like this one.

Or with the optional hardtop. And if you would like to transport a third person then there is space in the back. This car isn’t fitted with that option but a crosswise third seat was available as an option. Which could facilitate a garden gnome without legs. Which can’t be too long, even for a garden gnome.. It just isn’t spacious in the back at all. The car we are driving today has done just under 29.000 miles. Originally this car was delivered to New York in 1959. But now it’s in the Netherlands, and it has been completely renovated. The bonnet, doors and the trunk lid are still made out of this cars original steel the remainder has been retouched but the car is back in top notch condition. As usual this car is borrowed from Gina Classics. They have the full documentation belonging to this car and pictures made during the renovating process. Offcourse all invoices are complete as well. This car is for sale for 109.000 euros.

But if you ask me, that money buys you one of the best looking cars from the 50’s!

See more:

  • facebook
  • tweet
  • google+
  • pinterest
  • linkedin

Related Posts

  • Toyota Corolla Ultimate Classics
  • Mercedes Benz Classic Buyer’s Guide
  • 1948 Chevrolet Coupe
  • 1955 Mercedes-Benz 180 Ponton
  • Is Bentley Brooklands the very last real Bentley?
  • The K Car – The car that saved Chrysler

Post navigation

Is Bentley Brooklands the very last real Bentley?
1970 Challenger T/A First Start in Years!

Recent Posts

  • Toyota Corolla Ultimate Classics
  • Rolls-Royce Cars – Versatile Luxury Cars
  • How To Purchase a Classic Volkswagen
  • Mercedes Benz Classic Buyer’s Guide
  • 1948 Chevrolet Coupe
  • 1948 Chevrolet Fleetline
  • 1955 Mercedes-Benz 180 Ponton
  • 1962 Toyota Stout Custom Truck

Categories

  • Alfa Romeo
  • Austin
  • Bentley
  • Chevrolet
  • Chrysler
  • Citroen
  • Dodge
  • Jaguar
  • Lamborghini
  • Lancia
  • Mercedes-Benz
  • Rolls-Royce
  • Toyota
  • Volkswagen
Copyright © 2019 OSCCN&T and respective partners.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are as essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
SAVE & ACCEPT