190 SL, W121, 1955-1963

Product Description

Mercedes-Benz 190 SL, W121, black. Manufacturer: Minichamps. Scale 1:43.
The principle of creating a new car with existing assemblies was applied not only to the 300 SL. A sporty model – the 190 SL – was developed in the same way, on the basis of the 180 model. The 190 SL was conceived from the outset as a Roadster but, unlike the famous gullwing Coupé, was not designed as a thoroughbred sports car. This was a sporty, elegant two-seater touring and utility vehicle. The bodywork, designed by Karl Wilfert and Walter Häcker, was closely based on that of its "big brother". Its chassis was the shortened frame/floor unit from the 180 model; with less extreme performance, there was no need for an elaborate spaceframe such as that of the 300 SL. The single-joint swing axle with lowered centre of rotation, familiar from the 220 a model, made for safe handling, an aspect which was praised by the press and motoring enthusiasts alike. The front-wheel suspension including subframe design was adopted from the 180/180 D models. The 190 SL was powered by a newly developed 1.9-litre four-cylinder engine with overhead camshaft, which acted as the progenitor of an entire family of engines. From 1956 a version with lower output was also fitted in the 190 Ponton Saloon. Initially the engine was only mounted on bearings at the front of the subframe, as on the 180 D – 220 a Saloons; from January 1956, however, the engine was given two additional points of support at the rear. This configuration also featured shortly afterwards on the new 190 and 220 S models.

Product Information

• Article Number: B66040575