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Mercedes-Benz1952 Mercedes-Benz W188 I Roadster Dimensions, Size & Specs| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1952 |
| Production Years: | 1952 - 1955 discontinued in 1955 |
Precise measurements of the 1952 Mercedes-Benz W188 I Roadster, engineered for optimal performance and comfort
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4730 mm186.2 in15.5 ft |
| Width: | 1910 mm75.2 in6.3 ft |
| Height: | 1510 mm59.4 in5.0 ft |
| Ground Clearance: | 180 mm7.1 in0.6 ft |
| Weight Specifications | |
| Curb Weight: | 1540 kg3395 lbs |
| Maximal permitted Weight: | 2000 kg4409 lbs |
| Tire Specifications | |
| Rims Size: | 15 |
The Mercedes-Benz W188 I Roadster, produced between 1952 and 1955, is an iconic luxury roadster from the 1950s, representing the elegance and engineering excellence of its era. This generation of the W188 series boasts classical styling and impressive dimensions for a roadster of its time. Measuring 4730 mm (186.2 inches) in length, 1910 mm (75.2 inches) in width, and 1510 mm (59.4 inches) in height, the vehicle presents a balanced, elongated silhouette that emphasizes both luxury and performance. With a curb weight of 1540 kg (approximately 3397 lbs) and a maximum weight of 2000 kg (around 4409 lbs), the W188 I Roadster remains both solid and agile. Its ride height or ground clearance is 180 mm (7.1 inches), suitable for a comfortable drive that still maintains road contact essential for handling dynamics. Equipped with 15-inch rims, the car maintains the authentic vintage look true to its period. The W188 I Roadster stands out as a symbol of post-war automotive design, combining handcrafted craftsmanship with advanced engineering for its time. These dimensions and specifications reflect its status as a premium grand tourer designed for both style and driving pleasure, making it a cherished classic among collectors and enthusiasts today.
Discover the standout features that make the 1952 Mercedes-Benz W188 I Roadster a leader in its class
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The Mercedes-Benz W188 I Roadster, produced from 1952 to 1955, measures 4730 mm (186.2 inches) in length, 1910 mm (75.2 inches) in width, and 1510 mm (59.4 inches) in height. These dimensions reflect a classic roadster silhouette, offering a balanced blend of long hood and passenger space typical of luxury sports cars of its era. Its size makes it noticeably larger than many contemporary sports cars from the early 1950s, emphasizing presence and elegance on the road.
The W188 I Roadster has a curb weight of approximately 1540 kg (3395 lbs) and can support a maximum weight of up to 2000 kg (4409 lbs). The relatively substantial curb weight for a roadster is attributed to its robust build quality, luxury fittings, and advanced engineering for the time, including a substantial chassis and engine assembly. Despite this weight, its performance remains impressive given the period's technology.
The Mercedes-Benz W188 I Roadster features a ground clearance of 180 mm (7.1 inches). This moderate ride height helps provide a balanced driving experience, suitable for smooth roads and the occasional uneven surface. It ensures enough clearance to avoid scraping on common road obstacles while maintaining a low center of gravity that benefits handling and stability, which is important for a roadster designed for driver engagement and luxury cruising.
This generation of the W188 Roadster is equipped with 15-inch rims. The 15-inch wheel size was typical for luxury and performance cars of the early 1950s and contributes to a smooth ride quality due to the larger tire sidewalls compared to modern low-profile tires. This setup strikes a balance between comfort and handling precision, complementing the car’s grand touring nature.
With its length of 4730 mm (186.2 inches) and width of 1910 mm (75.2 inches), the W188 I Roadster is generally capable of fitting into a standard modern garage, which typically measures around 6000 mm (236 inches) in length and 3000 mm (118 inches) in width. However, due to its width and the need for door clearance and maneuvering space, careful parking is recommended. Its relatively low height of 1510 mm (59.4 inches) ensures it can fit comfortably without clearance issues vertically.
The W188 I Roadster succeeded the Mercedes-Benz 170 S and similar luxury vehicles from the late 1940s, which were generally smaller and less performance-oriented. With a length of 4730 mm (186.2 inches) and a width of 1910 mm (75.2 inches), the W188 represents a significant evolution in terms of dimensions, providing a longer and wider body that improved interior space and road presence. This increase made the W188 more commanding and better suited to grand touring, distinguishing it from the more compact and modest pre-war and immediate post-war Mercedes models.
Compared to contemporaries like the Jaguar XK120 and the Ferrari 166 MM, the W188 I Roadster is larger and heavier. The Jaguar XK120 measures approximately 4480 mm (176.4 inches) in length, making the W188 about 250 mm (9.8 inches) longer, while the Ferrari 166 MM is shorter and narrower as well. The W188’s broader width and heavier weight reflect Mercedes-Benz’s emphasis on luxury and comfort, whereas competitors leaned more towards sportiness and lightweight performance.
Given the 4730 mm (186.2 inches) length and 1910 mm (75.2 inches) width, the W188 I Roadster offers a relatively spacious cabin for a two-seater roadster of its era. The design prioritizes passenger comfort and luxury, with roomier seating compared to many sports cars of the early 1950s, which were often cramped. The height of 1510 mm (59.4 inches) contributes to a comfortable headroom, while the car’s broad width allows for a generous shoulder room enhancing the overall spacious feel.
The W188 I Roadster's dimensions, notably its extended length (4730 mm / 186.2 inches) and width (1910 mm / 75.2 inches), contribute significantly to its majestic and elegant road presence. The elongated body and sleek proportions emphasize luxury and grandeur, which were key to its design philosophy. Performance-wise, while the heavier curb weight (1540 kg / 3395 lbs) and size may reduce nimbleness compared to smaller sports cars, the car was engineered to balance comfortable cruising with sufficient agility, making it a refined grand tourer of its time.
The W188 I Roadster is distinguished by its blend of luxury, advanced engineering, and striking design during the early 1950s. Produced from 1952 to 1955, it featured a powerful inline-6 engine, sophisticated suspension for improved comfort and handling, and exceptional build quality. Its considerable size and weight reflected a focus on grand touring luxury rather than pure sports car agility. The model is also notable for its exclusivity and significance as one of Mercedes-Benz’s first post-war flagship sports cars, setting a benchmark for prestigious roadsters that followed.
