It was not later at the Geneva Spring Motor Show in 1955 that the final production form was displayed. It was available as a roadster, which was actually a cabriolet with its wind-down windows and a tough fabric top, or as a coupe which was basically a hardtop version with a removable hardtop. Either a roadster could be ordered with a hardtop or a coupe could be ordered with a softtop, all in all we have a 190SL. Its engine was a four inline cylinders with a chain driven overhead camshaft and two Solex 44PHH carburetors, delivering a respectable 108 bhp for that era. The body was a monocoque design, welded to the shortened chassis of the type 180 saloon. A racing version with aluminium doors and a small windscreen was never produced although these parts could be ordered from the Factory for weekend racing. A number of discrete changes were made throughout the production run, but my favourite of all was in October 1959, the coupe hardtop rear screen was elegantly enlarged providing more rearward visibility. The softtop however did not get the same treatment and remained with the small window like the earlier hardtop.
The 190SL's reputation was regrettably slightly tarnished. Admittedly it was regarded as an indispensable prop for films and fashion magazines. But the Frankfurt demi-mondaine Rosemarie Nitribitt also bought one to increase her appeal. The similarity between the 190SL and the 300SL is clear to see. This too was a good looking car and popular, however it did not find its way into the racetracks. The high reving reliable engine nevertheless gave it a sporty feel and occupied the niche for a sporty touring car with good driving performance and found popularity in the summer heat of the USA with open top driving.