Automaat W113 Pagode 1966 BLUE in zeer goede staat
Mercedes SL
190SL
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General information
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Second hand -
No -
Mercedes -
SL -
190SL -
Convertible -
2 -
2 -
nd
Vehicle history
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4.870 km -
09/1960 -
nd -
nd -
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nd
Technical specifications
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Manual -
4 -
105 HP -
nd -
1897 -
4 -
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nd
Energy consumption
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nd -
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Petrol
Aesthetics
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Blue -
Red -
No -
Leather
Equipments
Pas de données disponibles
Description
Presented in February 1954 at the New York Auto Show, alongside the legendary 300 SL, the Mercedes-Benz 190 SL was born from the desire to offer an elegant and sporty roadster, more accessible and easier to use than its prestigious big sister.
The initiative was notably spearheaded by Max Hoffman, the Mercedes-Benz importer in the United States, who was convinced of the commercial potential of a prestigious convertible aimed at an American clientele attracted by the lines of the 300 SL, but seeking greater comfort and ease of use.
Launched in 1955, the 190 SL adopted the main stylistic features of the 300 SL: a long hood, a wide grille adorned with the Mercedes star, delicately curved fenders and a low silhouette, both sporty and refined.
Unlike the 300 SL, a true sports car born from competition, the 190 SL prioritized comfort, smooth driving, and open-air travel. It quickly became one of the benchmarks for prestigious convertibles, particularly popular in the United States, where it symbolized European luxury and the post-war lifestyle.
Produced until 1963, before giving way to the famous 230 SL "Pagoda", only 25,881 examples were built. Today, it is among the most elegant and sought-after classic Mercedes.
A particularly attractive example
This 1962 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL, from the last years of production, is presented in a stunning Baby Blue exterior with a red leather interior and black carpeting. A particularly elegant contrast that perfectly highlights the sleek lines and refined interior.
It also stands out for its very comprehensive equipment, combining several original options and comfort accessories, some of which are rarely found on this model.
Its equipment includes, in particular:
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The rare third rear seat, mounted transversely behind the front seats, is an uncommon option that adds a touch of originality to this roadster, which is usually considered a strict two-seater.
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A vintage Becker radio, complete with its antenna on the left fender. Becker was among the most prestigious suppliers of automotive audio systems and notably equipped high-end Mercedes vehicles.
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A hand-wound watch, a typical detail of 1950s instrumentation.
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Sun visors and a right-hand exterior mirror complete the driver's equipment.
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A windshield washer, a welcome accessory at a time when this equipment was not yet standard.
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Additional fog lights, which contribute to the elegance of the front end.
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Two-point seat belts, improving occupant safety.
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An external luggage rack on the trunk, an iconic accessory of large touring roadsters, as elegant as it is practical for travel.
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A convertible top cover and a spare wheel cover, neatly completing the car's presentation.
In addition to this, there is of course its soft top and red leather upholstery, which give this magnificent convertible its full character.
A robust and refined mechanism
Under its long hood, the 190 SL houses the Mercedes M121 engine, a 1,897 cc inline four-cylinder engine developing 105 hp at 5,700 rpm in its original configuration.
Its design was particularly sophisticated for the time: cast iron block, aluminum cylinder head, overhead camshaft driven by chain and liquid cooling.
It is paired with a fully synchronized four-speed manual gearbox, transmitting power to the rear wheels.
The monocoque structure ensures good rigidity, while the four independent wheels, with double wishbones at the front and a swing axle at the rear, offer an interesting compromise between comfort and road holding. Braking is handled by four power-assisted hydraulic drums.
Weighing in at around 1,140 kg and with a top speed close to 170 km/h, the 190 SL offered quite respectable performance for its time. But its true calling remained grand touring: driving with elegance, comfort, and pleasure, rather than pursuing pure performance.
Weber carburetors: a transformation inspired by Mercedes research
One of the most interesting mechanical features of this example lies in its conversion to two Weber carburetors, replacing the original Solex 44 PHH.
This transformation has a particularly interesting history, as it finds its roots in the very development of the 190 SL.
As early as 1954, Mercedes engineers experimented with different carburetion solutions for their new four-cylinder engine. Among these was a supply via two Weber 45 DCOE carburetors.
The tests carried out in November 1954 were particularly revealing: this configuration allowed the engine to reach 115 hp, compared to the 105 hp of the production version ultimately equipped with Solex carburetors. The Weber carburetors also demonstrated interesting qualities of smooth power delivery at low engine speeds.
Mercedes will nevertheless retain the Solex for production.
Over the decades, these components would become one of the most delicate aspects of 190 SL maintenance. Their relatively complex design, synchronization difficulties, and wear on certain components could make adjustments difficult and affect driving pleasure.
This is why various conversions to Weber carburetors have been developed and adopted by specialists of the model.
This particular example benefits from such a transformation, while retaining the original large airbox and a remarkably discreet mechanical presentation.
The main benefit of this conversion does not necessarily lie in the search for additional power, but in the quality of engine operation.
When properly fitted and synchronized, Weber carburetors can offer more consistent fuel delivery, improved acceleration and a more spontaneous engine response, particularly at low and medium engine speeds.
The 190 SL thus gains in flexibility, responsiveness, and ease of driving. Acceleration becomes more natural, and the engine responds more readily to accelerator input.
The car's entire personality is enhanced: it retains the charm and authenticity of a great classic roadster, with a particularly enjoyable driving experience.
This development is all the more interesting as it follows on from the research carried out by Mercedes during the development of the model.
A true pleasure car
The 190 SL has a very different personality from modern sports cars. Its charm lies in the balance between the beauty of its bodywork, the quality of its design, and the smoothness of its handling.
Behind the wheel, the low driving position, the long hood, the large steering wheel and the magnificent instrumentation immediately immerse the driver in the atmosphere of the 50s and 60s.
Its four-cylinder engine offers enough power to enjoy secondary roads, while the manual gearbox and rear-wheel drive retain that direct contact with the mechanics that makes classic cars so appealing.
Thanks to its Weber conversion, this model adds a particularly attractive flexibility and ease of use to this experience.
With the wind in your hair, the purring of the engine, the elegance of the dashboard and the passing scenery, every drive is a reminder of why the 190 SL has become one of the great icons of the European convertible.
This is not simply a car to admire in a garage, but an automobile designed to travel, discover beautiful roads and savor every kilometer.
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