A Story of Success: The Rise of the Mercedes-Benz SL 190
The Mercedes-Benz SL 190 model was a symbol of the economic boom and a requisite in numerous German movies in the 1950s and 1960s. Drive topless as a roadster, representative as a coupé – its diversity, sporty touch, easy handling and, in comparison to other touring sports cars, undemanding series production turned the 190 SL model into a complete success. This was reflected by a total of 25,881 vehicles sold.
In 1954 the 190 SL prototype was introduced at the “International Motor Sports Show” for the first time. The vehicle was met with great enthusiasm by visitors as well as the specialized press. In 1953, the U.S. importer Hoffmann suggested to the Daimler-Benz management to introduce two different sports cars instead of the more conservative Mercedes models at that time in order to increase U.S. business. As a result, the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL model as well as the 190 SL model were put into production.
While in 1954 the 300 SL model was already fully developed and could be produced, the New York–presented 190 SL design had undergone several changes by Walther Haecker and Hermann Ahrens. The 190 SL design and performance were intended to move closer to the 300 SL model designed by Friedrich Geiger.
For this purpose, the air scoop on the hood top was removed and the flashing lights, radiator grille, bumper, rear mudguard and dashboard were revised. The front mask, bumper bars, headlights and parts of the hood as well as tail lights and chassis components of the Ponton models were adopted. In line with the spirit of the time, the 190 SL had generous chrome elements and was equipped with bumper horns for the United States production line.
The new 190 SL design was introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in 1955. In June 1955, 190 SL production started in Sindelfingen — the same place where the 300 SL had been produced.
From Sports Ambitions to Collector’s Icon
In early brochures, the Mercedes-Benz SL 190 was offered as a sports car intended for hill climbs and rallies. However, with a weight of 1,180 kg (1,200 kg with hardtop), the vehicle was too heavy. To increase driving performance, the weight had to be reduced. For this purpose, bumpers and top could be removed, the windshield and doors replaced by a Plexiglas shield and lightweight metal doors without windows.
The result was a sports roadster. However, only 17 models were sold and production of this version was discontinued in 1956. The majority of 190 SL models were roadsters. In total, three versions were introduced by Daimler-Benz as touring and sports cars:
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May 1955: Roadster with folding roof
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December 1955: Coupé with hardtop (without folding roof)
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Coupé with folding roof and hardtop
The 190 SL was positioned in the upper price category. At that time, its price was comparable to about half the cost of a single-family house. It was also a car many owners kept as part of a collection. Numerous celebrities like Frank Sinatra, Alfred Hitchcock and Grace Kelly were among its buyers.
One owner who became widely known after her violent death was Rosemarie Nitribitt from Frankfurt. She was murdered at the age of 24 in 1957, and the circumstances of her death were never fully clarified. Her story dominated tabloids for months and was filmed in 1958 in the movie Das Mädchen Rosemarie, which addressed the double standards of the upper class.
Because she owned a black 190 SL, the model gained a rather somber fame under the name “Nitribitt SL,” and Daimler-Benz reportedly experienced a temporary decline in sales due to the negative image.
Today, the 190 SL and 300 SL are among the most commonly restored Mercedes-Benz models worldwide. Several reconstructions have established themselves successfully. The Mercedes-Benz 190 SL is a prime example of a high-quality classic car and is one of the most sought-after models on the vintage car market, with prices rising sharply. It is estimated that only about 2,000 vehicles still exist worldwide, and finding original models in good condition is not easy. Enthusiasts looking for Mercedes-Benz spare parts can find a wide range of products — from technology and chassis to engine, brakes and interior — in specialized online shops.