While the original 190 was introduced
in 1956 at the Frankfurt Auto Show, the much improved "new" 190 was
not in fact launched until 1961.
The first iteration reatined the body style of the 180 sedan, and was fitted with a new single overhead camshaft four cylinder engine (which was actually a de-tuned 190SL power plant), however it was not all that powerful, and had its work cut out when fitted to the heavier 4 door sedan.
The biggest differentiation with the 180 model was on the inside, where the quality of trim was discernably better, although on the outside the only way to tell the two models apart was the decorative chrome line around the body.
However things got a whold lot better with the release of the new look 190c model in 1961. This new iteration was vastly more modern, the Mercedes designers incorporating fins
for the first time, at design style being almost mandatory
on cars built in the early 1960's.
The 190 was built to the usual high standards that Mercedes
buyers expected and by the end of production (1965) the
190c could be specified with power steering, automatic
transmission and front disc brakes.
Both cars shared the same engine, an overhead cam 4 cylinder
with a displacement of 1897cc. Today they are at the cheaper
end of old collectable Merc's.
