DFW Car & Toy Museum Adds Historic 1959 Mercedes-Benz 190SL to Collection

The DFW Car & Toy Museum has expanded the Ron Sturgeon Collection with the addition of a 1959 Mercedes-Benz 190SL, representing one of the most cherished roadsters from the 1950s and 1960s. This acquisition goes beyond simply adding another vehicle to the collection—it serves to preserve a significant piece of automotive history that illustrates how luxury sports cars became more accessible to enthusiasts during the mid-20th century.

The 190SL perfectly captures the style, engineering excellence, and luxury that Mercedes-Benz has long been recognized for. Beneath its elegant exterior lies a spirited 1.9-liter M121 inline-four engine producing 104 horsepower through a four-speed manual transmission, making the vehicle as enjoyable to drive today as when it originally left the production line. With double-wishbone front suspension, rear swing axles, and power-assisted drum brakes, this sporty yet approachable roadster delivered a refined, smooth driving experience that continues to appeal to enthusiasts worldwide.

The interior showcases vintage sophistication with features considered rare luxuries during its production era, including a Becker AM/FM radio, manual wind-up clock, locking glove box, and air conditioning. The two-spoke steering wheel frames a 7,000-rpm tachometer and 140-mph speedometer, demonstrating the thoughtful integration of sporty ambition and daily practicality that made the 190SL such a distinctive vehicle in its time.

Ron Sturgeon, founder of the DFW Car & Toy Museum, highlighted the vehicle's importance beyond basic transportation. "The 190SL isn't just a car—it's a mood, a lifestyle, and a testament to an era where elegance met innovation," Sturgeon stated. "It's the kind of car that makes you want to take the scenic route, and we're thrilled to have it as part of our growing collection of automotive legends."

Visitors can now view the 1959 Mercedes-Benz 190SL at the museum's North Fort Worth location at 2550 McMillan Parkway. The museum's new 150,000-square-foot facility provides free parking and admission, with operating hours Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. Additional details about the collection and visiting schedule are accessible at https://dfwcarandtoymuseum.com.

This addition to the Ron Sturgeon Collection holds significance because it preserves an important chapter in automotive history while making classic car culture available to the public. The 190SL represents a crucial moment when luxury sports cars became more attainable, influencing generations of automotive design and consumer expectations regarding what constitutes a premium driving experience.