I was introduced to the 190SL's when I happened on a 190SL "Convention" being held at West Point NY maybe 10 years ago. There must have been 30 or 40 190's gathered near the West Point's Thayer Hotel...quite an impressive sight. The cars were real beauties, adorned in pastel and fun car colors from the 1950's.
I was driving a Havana Brown 1971 280SL and asked if I could walk around. Our own Dan Caron (Dr. Benz), one of the hosts, let me park (but to the side, of course) and take a look. The cars were in excellent condition and looked like fun to drive although I guessed they'd be a little noisy, bumpy, and chilly in cold weather.
I'd describe 113's as Sporty Touring cars while 190SL's are real Sports cars...a tiny engine but more than adequate to keep the 190's moving very nicely.
I spoke to some of the drivers. A few had driven long, very long distances to get to the the event...cross country treks are not unusual for 190SL's.
I met the other host, Jim Villers. Jim was very familiar with 190's as well as 113's. He said (if I remember correctly) 190's were pure collector cars while 113's could also be daily drivers. 190SL's go long distances to shows because shows are their reason for being.
I told Jim that it was great to have so many cars in one place, to see that the meeting was two or thee days long with receptions, dinners, seminars, and more. Why, I asked, can't 113 cars gather in one place for a several day event? (This was before this Group existed.)
Jim looked at me for a second, then said, "Organizing 113 owners would be like herding cats." They are a different breed of owners. Jim doubted that a 113 club could ever be formed.
Well, Jim might have been only partly correct. We do have this Group and we also have Pagoda University...but we still don't have the single annual get-together in the fashion of the 190's. I doubt many 113's would drive coast to coast to see other cars...and are we going to a dress up for a reception and dinner? I doubt it.
Sorry for going on but the 190 topic recalled the days of old before any real 113 group's were born.
Dan, thanks again for letting me park near the 190's that day so long ago.
Richard M, NYC