History has a habit of repeating itself, and it has got us wondering if the Mercedes-Benz 190SL is poised for big things.

The 190SL has lived a life in the shadow of its bigger brother, the 300SL. In both Gullwing and Roadster form, the 300SL is a legend of the classic car world. But even shortly after its production began in 1954 at the request of US importer Max Hoffman, Mercedes-Benz were all too aware that only a lucky few could afford one. They needed something to capitalise on its success; something that would sit a little lower in the product chain and be a little more attainable.

Enter the 190SL. Its styling is clearly derived from the 300SL with which it shares its basic suspension architecture, but it does without the expensive and complex tube spaceframe chassis, instead using a shortened version of the R121 sedan’s monocoque arrangement. Its single cam four is based on the overhead cam six found in the 300SL, but with two fewer cylinders it delivers a far tamer 104bhp. In short, its genetic makeup is far more pedestrian, but it definitely shares that unique character of casual elegant sportiness with the 300SL.

 

 

300SL prices departed years ago, and you’ll now need well over £1million to secure a good one. Prices of the 300SL Roadster have typically lagged behind over most of the 300SL’s life, but our data shows that they have well and truly caught up, and then some.

It wasn’t until 2009 that 300SL prices really began to take off. In the four years preceding, sub-£400,000 was the range; indeed, if you had the foresight you could have snagged a 1956 Gullwing with RM Sotheby’s for £342,000 at their Arizona sale in 2007.

The data shows that 190SL prices have followed a largely similar trajectory, it’s just that the actual numbers are smaller. Sub £50,000 was the going rate for good examples pre-2010; since 2015, those good cars are easily breaking £130,000. Indeed, the example in our pictures will soon be for sale with The Market for £120,000.

 

 

This brings a few points for discussion. 300SL’s have more than tripled in value over the same period of time, but 190’s haven’t quite done it just yet. The 300SL market has shown that Mercedes Roadsters are not disadvantaged like they once were, and the curves found on both graphs are largely similar. So, is the 190 still in the process of heading north, and will it eventually settle at just over three times its 2008 value, like its bigger brother has?

There are rough 190’s out there, and the market is largely divided on price. Barn find 190’s don’t seem to bring huge money like barn find E-Type’s can, so is there an opportunity waiting for those willing to roll their sleeves up? There aren’t many rough 300SL’s left anymore, which makes it difficult to compare.

Whatever the case, a smart 190SL purchase is guaranteed to provide many enjoyable afternoons of summer driving, and even a little European touring, too. The icing might just be a nice increase in value to boot.