MercedesBenz 190SL

From 1955 to 1963 the 108mph W121 Mercedes-Benz 190SL defied all price:performance comparisons. Although its halo has dimmed a tad in the last five years, historic price growth makes a mockery of them still.

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It's all about the cachet cash can buy, thanks to New Yorkbased importer Max Hoffman, whose vision convinced Mercedes to produce the 300SL Gullwing and Roadster. He fulfilled his pledge to sell 1000 of each, then persuaded Mercedes that a cheaper, similar-looking four-cylinder would see 10,000 sales. The result sold 25,881, more than 10,000 in the US.

In 1955, the 1.9-litre 190SL, which retained drum brakes to the last, cost £2776 in the UK.