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Mercedes-Benz1955 Mercedes-Benz SL Roadster (W121) Dimensions, Size & Specs| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1955 |
| Production Years: | 1955 - 1963 discontinued in 1963 |
Precise measurements of the 1955 Mercedes-Benz SL Roadster, engineered for optimal performance and comfort
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4220 mm166.1 in13.8 ft |
| Width: | 1740 mm68.5 in5.7 ft |
| Height: | 1320 mm52.0 in4.3 ft |
| Ground Clearance: | 155 mm6.1 in0.5 ft |
| Weight Specifications | |
| Curb Weight: | 1140 kg2513 lbs |
| Maximal permitted Weight: | 1400 kg3086 lbs |
| Tire Specifications | |
| Rims Size: | 13 |
The Mercedes-Benz SL Roadster (W121) produced from 1955 to 1963 is a celebrated classic roadster known for its elegant design and compact, sporty dimensions. Measuring 4220 mm (166.1 inches) in length and 1740 mm (68.5 inches) in width, the W121 SL offers a balanced and narrow profile that contributes to its classic roadster aesthetics and agile handling. Standing at a height of 1320 mm (52 inches), this model features a streamlined silhouette that enhances its aerodynamic performance and visual appeal.
With a curb weight of 1140 kg (2513 lbs) and a maximum permissible weight of 1400 kg (3086 lbs), the W121 maintains a lightweight construction that improves driving dynamics and responsiveness. Its ride height or ground clearance is 155 mm (6.1 inches), providing enough clearance for sporty driving conditions while maintaining a low center of gravity for improved stability.
The W121 SL rides on 13-inch rims, typical for sports cars of its era, complementing its overall vintage design. As a two-seater roadster, it offers an intimate and engaging driving experience that is synonymous with classic European sports cars.
This generation of the Mercedes-Benz SL is not only a symbol of 1950s engineering and luxury but also remains admired for its proportions and elegant roadster charm. It presents an excellent example of mid-century automotive design, combining heritage with timeless performance characteristics. Whether for collectors, enthusiasts, or those comparing classic car sizes, the SL Roadster W121 stands out as a compact yet beautifully engineered vehicle in the Mercedes-Benz lineage.
Discover the standout features that make the 1955 Mercedes-Benz SL Roadster a leader in its class
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The Mercedes-Benz SL Roadster W121, produced from 1955 to 1963, features a length of 4220 mm (166.1 inches), a width of 1740 mm (68.5 inches), and a height of 1320 mm (51.9 inches). These compact dimensions give it a classic roadster profile that balances sporty aesthetics with manageable on-road presence.
The Mercedes-Benz SL Roadster W121 has a curb weight of approximately 1140 kg (2513 lbs), which reflects the weight of the vehicle without passengers or cargo but with all necessary fluids. Its maximum allowable weight is around 1400 kg (3086 lbs), indicating the highest total mass including passengers and cargo. This relatively light weight contributes to its agile handling characteristics typical of a classic roadster.
The SL Roadster W121 by Mercedes-Benz offers a ride height or ground clearance of 155 mm (6.1 inches). This moderate ground clearance suits the vehicle’s roadster style, providing a balanced blend between sporty, low-profile aesthetics and practical clearance for typical road conditions encountered during its production era.
The Mercedes-Benz SL Roadster W121 is equipped with 13-inch rims. These rim dimensions were typical for cars of that period and contribute to the vehicle’s classic appearance while supporting the handling and ride quality expected of a mid-20th-century sports roadster.
Yes, the Mercedes-Benz SL Roadster W121 fits comfortably into a standard garage. With a length of 4220 mm (166.1 inches), width of 1740 mm (68.5 inches), and a height of 1320 mm (51.9 inches), it is compact enough to allow standard garage doors, which typically measure about 2400-2700 mm (94-106 inches) in width and 2000-2100 mm (78-83 inches) in height, to provide adequate clearance for parking with ease.
The Mercedes-Benz SL Roadster W121 was the successor to earlier Mercedes roadsters and compact sports models. Compared to its predecessors from the early 1950s, the W121 featured a more refined and slightly larger body, especially in length and width, providing enhanced cabin space and road presence. The dimensions at 4220 mm length and 1740 mm width allowed for a sportier yet comfortable driving experience, marking a gradual evolution towards the larger and more luxurious SL models that followed.
In comparison to other sports roadsters from the mid-1950s to early 1960s, such as the Porsche 356 or Jaguar XK120, the Mercedes-Benz SL Roadster W121 was competitive in size. Its 4220 mm length was slightly longer than many contemporaries, while the 1740 mm width allowed for good stability without becoming bulky. This placed the W121 in the mid-to-upper range of roadster dimensions, emphasizing both elegance and driving stability, hallmark traits that set it apart in its class.
The Mercedes-Benz SL Roadster W121 is a two-seater roadster, designed primarily for driver and passenger comfort during sporty driving. Given its compact dimensions, interior space is focused on a driver-oriented layout, with limited rear or cargo space. The modest height of 1320 mm (51.9 inches) and width of 1740 mm (68.5 inches) provide a snug but comfortable cabin for two, aligning with the roadster tradition for intimate and spirited driving experiences.
The Mercedes-Benz SL Roadster W121 is known for blending classic sporty styling with advanced engineering for its time. Produced from 1955 to 1963, it showcased elegant curves, a low-slung body, and refined mechanical components. Technically, the W121 brought improved suspension and chassis design for better handling dynamics. It was designed to offer both performance and luxury, with a focus on a pleasurable open-top driving experience emblematic of Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to quality.
Given its curb weight of 1140 kg (2513 lbs) and compact dimensions, the Mercedes-Benz SL Roadster W121 offers a nimble and responsive driving experience typical of mid-century roadsters. Its moderate ride height of 155 mm (6.1 inches) lowers the center of gravity, enhancing stability in corners. The 13-inch rims and relatively light body allow for balanced handling, making it well-suited for spirited drives on winding roads while maintaining classic luxury levels expected from Mercedes-Benz.
