Body style: Convertible (spider/spyder, cabrio/cabriolet, drop/open/soft top)
Segment: Premium Coupe
Production years: 1955, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963
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.
ENGINE SPECS - 190 | |
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Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 1897 cm3 |
Power: | 77 KW @ 5700 RPM 105 HP @ 5700 RPM 103 BHP @ 5700 RPM |
Torque: | 107 lb-ft @ 3200 RPM 145 Nm @ 3200 RPM |
Fuel System: | Carburetors |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 112 mph (180 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 14.5 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | Manual, 4 Speed |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Drums |
Rear: | Drums |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 6.40-13 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 168.9 in (4290 mm) |
Width: | 68.5 in (1740 mm) |
Height: | 52 in (1321 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 56.3/58.1 in (1,430/1,476 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 94.5 in (2400 mm) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 2557 lbs (1160 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 3086 lbs (1400 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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Combined: | 27.4 mpg US (8.6 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 204 g/km |