Mercedes-Benz SL 1955–1963 car dimensions: 4290 mm long, 1740 mm wide and 1320 mm high. Unladen weight is 1,140 kg. Braked towing is 1,200 kg.
The cabin is a two-seater layout with optional transverse rear seat for a third passenger. Upholstery is MB-Tex as standard on the roadster, with leather available or standard on coupe versions. Heating and ventilation controls are separate for driver and passenger sides, with a blower and defroster vents. A radio is optional. Map pockets sit in the doors, and the floor starts with rubber mats.
The boot holds about 210 litres and takes a three-piece luggage set plus the spare wheel. Without the optional rear seat fitted, the space behind the front seats takes two full suitcases. Tailored luggage sets for both areas were offered.
Payload is listed at 260 kg, rising to 280 kg from 1960. Braked towing capacity is 1200 kg and unbraked is 620 kg.
The two-seater cabin feels solid and luxurious for its era, with MB-Tex artificial leather upholstery standard on the roadster in four colours matching the paint, or genuine leather available. Early cars had bucket seats similar to the 300 SL. from 1956 thicker padded seats from the coupe version were fitted. Dual-zone heating allows separate temperature control for driver and passenger sides, with independent fresh-air levers for leg space and a blower for low-speed use. A manual soft top folds easily without lowering windows, and an optional hardtop is available. Optional transverse rear seat for a third passenger or extra luggage space. Rubber mats or later carpet cover the floor, with map pockets in the doors.
Fuel: petrol 96 octane, tank 65 litres, consumption 8.6 l/100 km by DIN guideline or 10.8-14.2 l/100 km.
Service: engine oil change every 6000 km, gearbox/final drive/steering oil and greasing every 18000 km.
Brakes: four-wheel drums, vacuum servo standard from May 1956.
Safety kit: seat belt anchorage points fitted from October 1961. low-pivot swing axle for stable handling.
The 1.9-litre four-cylinder runs on 96-octane petrol from a 65-litre rear tank. Official DIN fuel use is 8.6 litres per 100 km measured at three-quarters of top speed plus 10 percent. Real-world figures range higher depending on driving.
Servicing follows a clear schedule: change engine oil every 6000 km using SAE 10 winter or 20 summer grade. Gearbox, final drive and steering box oils plus chassis greasing are due every 18000 km. Regular checks cover fan belt, filters, spark plugs, brakes and wheel bearings.
Safety centres on hydraulic drum brakes all round with vacuum assistance standard after early 1956. The low-pivot single-joint swing axle and independent front suspension give secure roadholding praised in period tests. Seat-belt mounting points arrived as standard in late 1961. No formal crash-test ratings appear in contemporary records.
Keeping the car means watching for rust at jack points, floors, spare-wheel well, fender eyebrows and trailing-arm mounts. Aluminium doors, bonnet and boot lid help, but steel body panels need care. Carburettors and the optional early brake servo are known service points. Original manuals cover lubrication, top care and body cleaning.
Length 4290 mm, Width 1740 mm, Height 1320 mm, Wheelbase 2400 mm (SL 1955–1963)
Sources: manufacturer data, Mercedes-Benz Classic technical data, 142 Nm is that 14.5 mkg figure, Maximum speed is published only as 170–180 km/h.