Finest Road King
Stars drove it while regular folks dreamed about it. The famous Mercedes R107 outlasted trends, presidents, and countless competitors. It changed history and became a legend in its own time. Where did it all start, though?
The Beginning
In April 1971, Mercedes-Benz launched the R107 SL, starting a new chapter in sports car history. This model became the first SL with a V8 engine and introduced the "R" designation for "roadster". It began what would become an 18-year production journey.
Tobias Nordhausen from Sondershausen, Deutschland, Wikimedia Commons
Complete Redesign
The R107 shared almost nothing with its predecessor, the W113 "Pagoda". Instead, engineers connected it to contemporary Mercedes sedans, borrowing suspension systems from the "Stroke/8" models. They focused on a self-confident, sporty yet luxurious character that balanced performance with comfort.
Design Philosophy
Joseph Gallitzendorfer and Friedrich Geiger were involved in the design process of the Mercedes-Benz R107. As the Director of Design at Mercedes-Benz, Geiger played a critical role in finalizing the R107's design. He led the styling team at the Sindelfingen plant.
Alexander Migl, Wikimedia Commons
Two Bodies, One Platform
Mercedes created two variants: the two-seat SL convertible with a retractable fabric top and a removable hardtop. Then came the SLC, a fixed-roof four-seat coupe with a 36 cm longer wheelbase. This marked the only time Mercedes based their S-class coupe on a roadster platform.
Powerful Beginning
The inaugural 350 SL featured a 3.5-liter V8 engine producing 147 kW (200 hp), borrowed from the premium-class 280 SE 3.5. Early 1971 models came with Bosch electronic fuel injection and an optional 4-speed automatic. This made them quicker than later variants with 0–60 times of 8 seconds.
Andrew Bone from Weymouth, England, Wikimedia Commons
Safety Innovations
Many safety features were included, such as an enhanced body with defined crumple zones, a strategically placed fuel tank above the rear axle, high-strength steel A-pillars, and glued-in windshield glass. Additionally, there was a four-spoke safety steering wheel and thoughtfully padded surfaces.
Ethan Llamas, Wikimedia Commons
American Market Focus
North America was the key target for this personal luxury car. When sales began in 1972, cars wore the 350 SL badge despite actually containing larger 4.5-liter engines. These were renamed 450 SL in 1973, starting a successful export program.
dave_7 from Lethbridge, Canada, Wikimedia Commons
Engine Expansion
By 1973, the powerful 450 SL with 165 kW (225 hp) joined European lineups after initially being reserved for North America. In 1974, the six-cylinder 280 SL/SLC with 136 kW (185 hp) debuted, marking the first time three different engines were available in an SL series.
Granada at de.wikipedia, Wikimedia Commons
Technical Specifications
The SL measured 4,390mm (172.8in) long with a 2,460mm wheelbase, while the SLC stretched to 4,750mm with a 2,820mm wheelbase. Both shared a width of 1,790 mm. Weight varied from 1,530 kg for the 300SL to 1,660 kg for V8 models, balancing sportiness with solid construction.
Spanish Coches, Wikimedia Commons
Interior Craftsmanship
Mercedes's dedication to quality was seen in the R107's cabin, which featured hand-stitched leather, real wood trim, and carefully considered ergonomics. Climate control, power seats, and central locking systems provided luxury amenities that competitors struggled to match throughout the 1970s and 1980s.
Distinctive Design Elements
Several design elements were incorporated into the vehicle’s sleek lines, including the Mercedes grille with its conspicuous three-pointed star, the ribbed taillights, the front fenders' chrome air intakes, and the slight hood bulge. These elements made a timeless silhouette instantly recognizable worldwide.
Alexander Migl, Wikimedia Commons
Air Ducts
Special air ducts were fitted into the doors of the R107 for the purpose of directing airflow across side windows and mirrors. This clever layout helped keep visibility clear regardless of weather conditions or road spray, proving the company’s attention to practical everyday usability.
Fuel Tank Capacity
It also possessed a generous 90-liter (23.8 US gallon) fuel tank until 1985, when capacity was slightly reduced to 85 liters (22.5 US gallons). This large capacity enabled impressive cruising range. These were essential for a grand touring car crafted for cross-continental journeys.
Spanish Coches, Wikimedia Commons
Fuel System Advancement
The first R107s used Bosch D-Jetronic electronic engine management. In December 1975, Mercedes switched to the Bosch K-Jetronic mechanical injection system with electronic breaker-less ignition and hydraulic valve-lash compensation. This tweak made things a bit slower to follow new, stricter emission rules.
Mercedes SL R107 - Bosch D-Jetronic rear fuel delivery system by ClassicEd
Rally Championship Aspirations
In 1977, Mercedes rolled out the 450 SLC 5.0, a special racing version. It came with sporty features like a black rubber rear spoiler and a front lip spoiler. This lighter model dropped over 100 kg, rendering it fit to take on the World Rally Championship.
Motorsport Success
Ultimately, the 450 SLC 5.0 proved its mettle when Andrew Cowan and Colin Malkin won the 7,000-kilometer Vuelta a la America del Sur in 1978. In 1979, Hannu Mikkola drove it to victory in the Bandama Rally in Côte d'Ivoire, while other teams secured different positions.
Rennstreckenderwelt, Wikimedia Commons
Safari Rally Challenge
The factory team nearly clinched victory in the punishing 1979 Safari Rally, falling short only due to suspension breakages. Despite this setback, Mikkola managed an impressive second-place finish, further cementing the 450 SLC 5.0's reputation as a formidable rally competitor in the harshest conditions.
Roll Bar Concept
Early design concepts for the R107 included a fixed roll bar similar to the Triumph Stag. This was considered due to growing safety concerns after the Chevrolet Corvair controversy. Thankfully, bolder voices within Stuttgart prevailed and resulted in the clean, uninterrupted lines of the fully open roadster.
Alexander Migl, Wikimedia Commons
First Major Update
In March 1980, Mercedes refreshed the lineup. The company replaced the 350 and 450 models with the 380SL/SLC and 500SL/SLC. The transmission was upgraded from three to four speeds, which completed a full circle back to the configuration of the earliest 1971 models.
ABS Innovation
In that same month, the R107 introduced the ABS anti-lock brake system, which was a game-changer for safety back then. This cool braking tech helped drivers keep control when they had to stop suddenly, especially on wet or slippery roads, and it solidified Mercedes's reputation for safety.
End Of The SLC Era
The SLC coupe production ended in November 1981 after a solid decade. During its run, 62,888 SLCs were manufactured, including just 1,636 of the special 450SLC-5.0 and 1,133 of the 500SLC. These models were replaced by the larger W126-based SEC coupes.
Alexander Migl, Wikimedia Commons
Efficiency Improvements
Following the 1981 oil crisis concerns, V8 engines were retuned for better fuel economy. Now, there were taller rear axle ratios: from 3.27:1 to 2.47:1 for the 380SL and 2.72:1 to 2.27:1 for the 500SL. These changes improved cruising efficiency.
Jeremy from Sydney, Australia, Wikimedia Commons
Supplemental Restraint Systems
From January 1982, driver's airbags and belt tensioners became available as optional safety equipment in the R107. Hence, it was one of the earliest production cars to offer these now-standard safety elements, further advancing occupant protection.
Interior Review - Mercedes 300 SL R107 by Trade Classics
Mechanical Challenges
The 1981–1983 380SL/SLC models suffered from problematic single-row timing chains prone to failure. Mercedes-Benz offered free repairs to address the timing chain issue in affected models. However, some vehicles may have escaped this retrofit and could still experience chain failures.
Thomas Hundt, Wikimedia Commons
Climate Control Evolution
Manual climate control was a feature of early R107 vehicles. The automated system that was installed on late 450SLs was unstable because of servo problems with the vacuum-actuated vents and coolant flow regulation. The 1981-introduced 380SL was finally equipped with an evolved automated climate control system.
1982 Mercedes-Benz 380SL Climate Control by Motorismo Collection
Paris-Dakar Connection
After Mercedes disbanded their factory rally team in 1980, privateer Albert Pfuhl purchased all six factory rally cars, equipment, and spare parts. His team prepared these vehicles for the intriguing 1984 Paris-Dakar Rally, sporting a distinctive white and blue "BOSS" livery.
Mercedes-Benz 450 SLC 5.0 Rallye (W107) - Essen Motor Show 2019 by DrGumoLunatic
Second Generation Refresh
In September 1985, Mercedes launched a comprehensively revised R107 range with slight exterior changes, 15-inch wheels, uniform front spoilers, and improved front suspension with zero scrub radius. The biggest updates, however, were hidden under the hood with a refreshed engine list.
Riley from Christchurch, New Zealand, Wikimedia Commons
Engine Overhaul
With a 3-liter six-cylinder engine that produced 138 kW (188 hp), the 1985 update brought back the "300 SL" moniker that began the SL saga back in 1952. This one was replaced with the new 420 SL. It had 160 kW or 215 horsepower.
American Market Flagship
For the US, Japanese, and Australian markets, the brand created the range-topping 560 SL, which featured a massive 5.6-liter V8. This powerful variant became the most desirable export model, though it couldn't match the European 500 SL's performance due to emission controls and added weight.
Bretbmorgan, Wikimedia Commons
Catalytic Converter Standard
By 1985, all R107 models were offered with a closed-loop three-way catalytic converter, signaling Mercedes' commitment to reducing emissions. This technology was initially developed for the American market. It then became standard across the range as European emissions regulations tightened throughout the decade.
Rudolf Stricker, Wikimedia Commons
Gray Market Phenomenon
However, the powerful European 500SL wasn't officially available in the US during the early 1980s. This created a thriving "gray market" where enthusiasts imported European-spec cars and had them converted to meet Federal regulations. The practice continued until Congress ended it in 1988.
Mercedes Benz 500SL R107 Roadster Grey Market Euro Bumper Lights Convertible by Cereal Marshmallows
Distinctive US Adaptations
American R107s had unique styling elements: four round sealed-beam headlights (versus European single-piece units) and massive five mph impact-absorbing bumpers. They extended the car's length by 8 inches. Such federally mandated changes gave US models a distinct appearance.
South African Production
Starting in 1977, Mercedes expanded R107 production globally. In South Africa, UCDD (United Car and Diesel Distributors) assembled approximately 40 units monthly from complete knock-down kits. They adapted the luxury sports car for the local market long before Mercedes acquired a majority stake in 1984.
AMG Performance Options
AMG, the specialist tuner, had some awesome upgrade packages for a bunch of R107 models. They boosted the engine size to 5.2 or 5.4 liters and threw in some performance camshafts for good measure.
AMG Performance Options (Cont.)
It also provided rare five-speed manual transmissions for those seeking more driver engagement and control over their vehicle. Additionally, limited-slip differentials were available to improve traction and handling, which made the vehicle more responsive and stable during cornering.
Exotic One-Off Creations
Among the many wild specials that AMG produced were the 350 SLC 6.3 and the 450 SLC 6.9. To produce some of the most potent Mercedes road cars of their day, both models incorporated the M100 engine from the brand’s flagship sedans.
73 Mercedes Benz 450SLC R107 Coupe V8 450 SLC SL Coupe by Cereal Marshmallows
Celebrity Status Symbol
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, the R107 became a cultural icon and status symbol, appearing in popular television shows like Dallas and Hart to Hart. Its timeless design attracted celebrity owners such as Sophia Loren and many other affluent people across Europe.
Dallas TV series 📺 🇺🇸 - Mercedes-Benz cut opening credits by Pedro Saraiva
Cinematic Influence
Paul Schrader's 1980 neo-noir film American Gigolo did more for this beast’s sales than the official marketing. Richard Gere's character drove a 450SL, presenting it as the ultimate aspirational accessory for the sophisticated urbanite. This essentially led to the model becoming a top seller in America.
Driving scene from the movie American Gigolo (Mercedes Benz 450 SL) by Flyingwire
Vapor Lock Challenges
Model years 1975–1976 for the 450SL suffered from vapor lock and difficult restart issues due to the catalytic converter being positioned under the hood. Unfortunately, engineers solved this in 1977 by relocating the converter to replace the resonator behind the transmission in the exhaust system.
Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA, Wikimedia Commons
Successor Challenge
The R129 SL, introduced in 1989, faced the daunting task of replacing a literal icon. This successor incorporated advanced technology, including electronic suspension, automatic roll bar, and integral seats. However, it maintained core SL values while modernizing the formula for a new decade.
End Of An Era
Production of the R107 finally concluded in August 1989 after an extraordinary 18-year run. The final car, a Signal Red 500SL, rolled off the production line on August 4, marking the end of an era. This historic vehicle resides in the Mercedes-Benz museum in Stuttgart.
Signal Red Mercedes-Benz R107 500SL on a grey day in Birmingham by SLSHOP
Impressive Longevity
With an 18-year production run from 1971 to 1989, the R107 holds the record for the second-longest single series ever produced by Mercedes-Benz. It was surpassed only by the G-Class SUV. This longevity speaks to its timeless design and enduring appeal across changing automotive eras.
The original uploader was Arpingstone at English Wikipedia., Wikimedia Commons
Performance Benchmarks
The 500SL represented the performance peak of European models, reaching 225km/h (140mph) with 177kW (240hp). Besides, the six-cylinder 280SL reached 207km/h (129mph), while the American-market 560SL, despite its larger engine, was limited to 127mph due to emission controls.
Tokumeigakarinoaoshima, Wikimedia Commons
Anniversary Recognition
In 2021, Mercedes-Benz celebrated the R107's 50th anniversary, highlighting its significance in automotive history. This half-century milestone renewed interest in the model. Enthusiastic events worldwide commemorated its lasting impact on sports car design and the well-known brand legacy.
50th Anniversary of the R 107 series Mercedes Benz SL by Crossley & Webb
