Mercedes-Benz 190 SL
The elegant open-top cruiser that brought 300 SL style to a wider audience.
- Power
- 105 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 13.0 s
- Top speed
- 106 mph
- Est. value
- $95k–$220k
About the Mercedes-Benz 190 SL
Introduced at the 1954 New York Auto Show alongside the 300 SL 'Gullwing', the 190 SL was designed as a more affordable, lifestyle-oriented alternative to its racing-derived sibling. It shares the same basic suspension layout and styling cues as the 300 SL but is powered by a 1.9-litre four-cylinder engine derived from the larger six-cylinder unit. While not a high-performance sports car, its exceptional build quality and timeless aesthetics have made it a staple of the classic car market. It remains highly sought after for its reliability and suitability for long-distance touring.
Mercedes-Benz 190 SL specs
The Mercedes-Benz 190 SL produces 105 bhp (78 kW) and 142 Nm (105 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 13.0 seconds and has a top speed of 106 mph (171 km/h).
| Make | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|
| Model | 190 SL |
| Trim | 1.9 |
| Years | 1955–1963 |
| Type | Classic |
| Body style | Roadster |
| Country | Germany |
| Production | About 25,881 built |
| Original price | About $4,000 when new |
| Engine | 1.9-litre inline-four |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,897 cc (1.9 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 105 bhp (78 kW) at 5,700 rpm |
| Torque | 142 Nm (105 lb-ft) |
| Redline | 6,000 rpm |
| 0–60 mph | 13.0 s |
| Top speed | 106 mph (171 km/h) |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1,160 kg (2,557 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 91 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is a Mercedes-Benz 190 SL worth?
A typical Mercedes-Benz 190 SL is estimated to be worth $95,000 – $220,000 (about £71,000 – £164,000).
Its original price when new was about $4,000.
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
Mercedes-Benz 190 SL rarity in CarSpot
The Mercedes-Benz 190 SL is an Epic card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 79 out of 100. Supercars and serious performance cars, typically worth around £100,000 to £250,000. An Epic card is worth 80 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Mercedes-Benz 190 SL fun facts
- The 190 SL was the first Mercedes-Benz to be offered as a dedicated roadster with a removable hardtop, creating a silhouette that defined the SL class for decades.
- Max Hoffman, the influential US importer, was the primary catalyst for the car's creation, convincing Mercedes-Benz that a smaller roadster would be a success in America.
- The engine features a single overhead camshaft and twin Solex carburetors, a sophisticated setup for a production four-cylinder in the mid-1950s.
