1958 Mercedes-Benz 190SL Roadster

The fifties equivalent of the modern SLK, the Mercedes-Benz 190SL ably filled a niche role alongside the legendary 300SL Gullwing for a sporting tourer offering plenty of style, typically Teutonic engineering and lively performance at a relatively affordable price. Largely built for the burgeoning American market for personal sports cars, the 190SL was designed around Daimler-Benz' first unitary construction platform and the immensely strong steel backbone chassis was clothed in a mixture of steel and aluminium panels (including the bonnet, bootlid and doors) to keep weight down. Powering the 190SL was the same 1897cc four-cylinder unit found in the 190 saloons, developing 105bhp and driving the rear wheels through an all-synchro four-speed gearbox. Braking was hydraulically operated via race-derived Al-fin type drums. One feature that made the 190SL so popular was the versatility afforded by offering a choice of a folding top or beautifully made hardtop that effectively turned the SL into a snug coupe for the winter months. Inside, the 190SL has an abundance of lovely period detailing, from the padded dashboard and chrome horn ring to lovely little touches like the chrome courtesy light. As fifties classic sports cars go, the 190SL has to be about the most practical car around. Reliable, versatile, chic and as solid an investment as there is, the 190SL will always turn heads.