Mr. Vu Dang Le Nguyen, the “King of Coffee” in Vietnam, has recently shifted his passion for car collecting towards vintage cars, with a particular interest in the Mercedes-Benz 190 SL. Just recently, Mr. Vu was spotted driving a stunning green 190 SL with a matching soft top through the streets of Vietnam, a car that has never been seen in the country before.
What’s particularly noteworthy about this car is its unique green interior and soft top, a stark contrast to the red interior and soft top of the previous 190 SL owned by Mr. Vu. The new acquisition showcases his exquisite taste and eye for detail.
The green 190 SL driven by Mr. Vu boasts an impressively well-preserved interior, with only minor signs of aging on the seats. While the car lacks air conditioning, it has been fitted with essential additions such as a cup holder and a cigar ashtray, reflecting Mr. Vu’s personal touches.
The Mercedes-Benz 190 SL is a luxurious two-door convertible produced by Mercedes-Benz from May 1955 to February 1963. Known internally as the W121, it was first introduced as a prototype at the 1954 New York Auto Show and offered a removable hardtop as an option.
The 190 SL is a more affordable and appealing alternative to the multi-million-dollar Mercedes-Benz 300 SL, sharing similar styling, engineering, and fully independent suspension. Both vehicles feature double wishbones at the front and a swing axle at the rear.
Unlike the expensive W198 tubular frame of the 300 SL, the 190 SL’s R121 structure utilizes a modified single-unit floorpan derived from the W121 saloon car platform.
The car was available as a soft top or with a removable hardtop. An optional small jump seat for a third passenger could be fitted. In its early years, the 190 SL was offered as a sports racing model with a small perspex windscreen, Spartan one-piece leather-covered bucket seats, and aluminum doors.
Under the hood, the Mercedes-Benz 190 SL is powered by a 1.9-liter inline-four SOHC naturally aspirated engine, derived from the legendary 300 SL’s engine but with two fewer cylinders. This powerplant produces a maximum output of 104 horsepower and 142 Nm of torque, coupled with a 4-speed manual transmission and rear-wheel drive.
With this setup, the 190 SL is capable of reaching a top speed of 171 km/h, making it a capable and stylish classic convertible.
A Closer Look at the Classic Mercedes-Benz 190 SL: A Rare Find in Vietnam with Only an Estimated 3 in the Country
The Mercedes-Benz 190 SL is a rare classic car and a true gem in the collection of the owner of Trung Nguyen Coffee. This sleek and elegant vehicle is a testament to the enduring appeal of Mercedes-Benz’s iconic design and engineering. With its rich history and stunning good looks, it’s no wonder that this car is a prized possession for any classic car enthusiast.
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