1959 Mercedes-Benz 190SL Joins DFW Car & Toy Museum's Ron Sturgeon Collection
TL;DR
The DFW Car & Toy Museum gains a competitive edge by adding the rare 1959 Mercedes-Benz 190SL to its collection, attracting classic car enthusiasts and museum visitors.
The 1959 Mercedes-Benz 190SL features a 1.9-liter M121 inline-four engine producing 104 horsepower with a four-speed manual transmission and double-wishbone front suspension.
This museum addition preserves automotive history and cultural heritage, making classic car education accessible to the public with free admission and family-friendly exhibits.
Experience the 1959 Mercedes-Benz 190SL's vintage interior with rare air conditioning and a 7,000-rpm tachometer at the DFW Car & Toy Museum in Fort Worth.
The DFW Car & Toy Museum has enhanced its Ron Sturgeon Collection with the acquisition of a 1959 Mercedes-Benz 190SL, finished in classic white. This addition underscores the museum's commitment to preserving automotive icons that represent significant milestones in design and engineering. The 190SL, produced from 1955 to 1963, is celebrated for blending sporty performance with everyday usability, making it a favorite among enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Under the hood, the 190SL features a 1.9-liter M121 inline-four engine that generates 104 horsepower, paired with a four-speed manual transmission. This powertrain, combined with a double-wishbone front suspension and rear swing axles, delivered a refined driving experience that was both engaging and comfortable. The car's power-assisted drum brakes were advanced for its time, contributing to its reputation as a well-engineered roadster. These technical attributes highlight Mercedes-Benz's dedication to quality and innovation during the post-war era.
Inside, the 190SL offers a glimpse into 1950s luxury, with features like a Becker AM/FM radio, manual wind-up clock, locking glove box, and air conditioning—amenities that were rare in vehicles of that period. The dashboard is dominated by a two-spoke steering wheel framing a 7,000-rpm tachometer and a 140-mph speedometer, emphasizing the car's sporty character while maintaining practicality for daily use. This blend of elegance and functionality made the 190SL a standout model that appealed to a broad audience, from casual drivers to dedicated motoring aficionados.
Ron Sturgeon, founder of the DFW Car & Toy Museum, emphasized the cultural significance of the 190SL, noting that it represents more than just transportation; it embodies a lifestyle and an era where elegance met innovation. The museum, now located at 2550 McMillan Parkway in Fort Worth, Texas, provides a venue for visitors to appreciate this and other automotive treasures. With free admission and parking, the facility aims to make classic car culture accessible to all. Hours of operation are Tuesday through Saturday, from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, and more details can be found on the museum's website at https://dfwcarandtoymuseum.com.
The inclusion of the 190SL in the Ron Sturgeon Collection has implications for automotive preservation and education. It serves as a tangible link to a pivotal period in automotive history, when manufacturers began prioritizing both performance and luxury in mass-market vehicles. For enthusiasts and historians, the car offers insights into design trends and technological advancements that influenced later models. Moreover, its presence in a public museum ensures that future generations can experience the charm and craftsmanship of mid-century European roadsters, fostering a deeper appreciation for automotive heritage.
Curated from 24-7 Press Release