In 1956, one of today's most popular convertibles, the Mercedes-Benz 190 SL, took part in the Mille Miglia and thus became one of the vehicles that are now allowed to take part in the new edition of the legendary and extremely demanding "1000 miles" road race from Brescia to Rome.
This is because only those vehicles that were already at the start of the original road races, which were held from 1927 to 1957, are allowed to take part in today's races. Back then, a total of 15 Mercedes-Benz cars took part, including six works cars: three special touring cars of the 220 "Ponton" type and three 300 SL "Gullwing" cars. At least that's what they thought until now.
The unknown Mercedes-Benz from the Mille Miglia
In 1956, the French driver team Michel Bianco / Jean Loup Pellecuer entered a Mercedes-Benz for the Mille Miglia. It had a start time of 3:47 a.m. with starting number 347 and finished 121st after a driving time of 16 hours, 6 minutes and 15 seconds.
Research in the archives of Mercedes-Benz Classic led to the surprising realization that this starting number 347 was not another 300 SL "Gullwing", but a 190 SL. However, this fact remained unknown until today because the vehicle was only mentioned as a Mercedes - without any further type designation - in the official communications of the Automobile Club of Brescia at the time.
The 190 SL becomes a Mille Miglia vehicle
On the basis of the new findings, Mercedes-Benz Classic has now lobbied the organizers of today's Mille Miglia to include the 190 SL on the list of vehicles admitted to the event.
"We are delighted that there will be another Mercedes-Benz vehicle for the Mille Miglia. This opens up participation to even more fans of the brand," says Michael Bock, Head of Mercedes-Benz Classic and Customer Center. "The 190 SL has experienced a strong upswing as a collector's vehicle in recent years. It is right up there with the many other desirable Mercedes-Benz vehicles."
