When encountering a classic Mercedes-Benz SL, enthusiasts often picture the elegant W113 “Pagoda” roof model. Recently, I had the opportunity to examine a 1975 Mercedes-Benz 450SL, and while it’s undeniably a Mercedes-Benz roadster, my reaction wasn’t quite the same surge of enthusiasm I experience with the earlier generation. The R107 series, produced from 1971 to 1989, boasts impressive production numbers, exceeding 230,000 units (Pattni, 2024). However, a closer look reveals that this generation arguably represents a step back in design purity compared to its celebrated predecessor.
The Shared Platform Predicament: SL and SLC
A significant factor influencing the design of the 1975 Mercedes-Benz 450SL was its intended platform sharing with a longer wheelbase 2+2 coupe, the SLC. The logic was understandable – creating a platform to serve both a roadster and a coupe aimed at a broader market. However, the execution resulted in design compromises that arguably diminished the appeal of both vehicles.
The SL appears somewhat abbreviated, while the SLC gives off a visually stretched impression. This outcome seems to stem from the challenges of component sharing across two distinct vehicle types. Essentially, the SLC was conceived as an SL with a fixed roof and approximately 14 inches added to its wheelbase, primarily behind the B-pillar (Spencer, 2011). This extension fundamentally altered the visual harmony of the original SL design.
Above: 1975 Mercedes-Benz 450 SL, showcasing its roadster form. Below: 1977 Mercedes-Benz 450 SLC, the coupe variant sharing the R107 platform (Mr. Choppers via Wikipedia CC 3.0)
Questionable Proportions: A Departure from Elegant Design
To my eye, the 1975 450SL’s proportions seem unbalanced. This is partly attributable to doors that appear excessively long relative to the car’s 97-inch wheelbase. Conversely, the 450SLC’s rear section presents an awkward aesthetic, characterized by an unusually flat rear deck, substantial C-pillars, and doors that seem too short for its 111-inch wheelbase.
Further Reading: ‘1969 Jaguar XJ: A Design Triumph Over Detroit’s Offerings’
While the SL’s styling possesses a degree of cohesiveness lacking in the SLC, the sleek and refined lines of the W113 were replaced with a heavier, more ponderous design language typical of early 1970s Mercedes-Benz. Notable examples include the generously sized, wrap-around ribbed taillights, which, while characteristic of the era, contribute to the overall bulkier appearance.
Dimensions Deceive: Larger Stature, Less Interior Space
The R107 generation SL gives the impression of being a significantly larger car. Therefore, it was surprising to discover that its exterior dimensions are actually quite similar to the W113. The newer design is only three inches longer, one inch wider, and features a wheelbase extended by a mere 2.5 inches. The height is even reduced by half an inch.
Despite the increased external heft, the 1975 450SL actually offers reduced interior space. Shoulder room is diminished by an inch, and trunk capacity is reduced by three cubic feet. Furthermore, the track is narrower by at least an inch, contributing to the less planted, less athletic stance compared to the W113. Even the aerodynamic efficiency suffered, with the drag coefficient increasing from 0.42 to 0.45.
The weight of the 450SL also increased by over 500 pounds. However, this weight gain is partly attributed to the adoption of a V8 engine in US models, replacing the inline-six. Prices also saw a significant jump, rising from the mid-to-high $7,000 range in 1971 to over $10,000 in 1972, the first full sales year of the R107 in the United States.
By 1975, the featured model carried a list price of nearly $18,000. Remarkably, this price point was only marginally lower than Mercedes-Benz’s entry-level large sedan, the 450 SE, placing the 450SL firmly in the luxury vehicle segment.
Design Nuances: Rocker Panels and Roofline Hints
The 1975 450SL does incorporate some interesting design details. The ribbed rocker panels, for instance, are a distinctive feature. Notably, the Mercedes exhibits significantly less lower-body curvature compared to American sporty coupes of the same era. This design choice likely served a practical purpose, reducing mud and road spray from the wheels.
The removable roof subtly echoes the W113’s signature downward curving shape. However, the quarter windows feature an upward kick at their base, which arguably lends the R107 design an unresolved or slightly unfinished appearance. Raising the beltline at the C-pillar could have enhanced the design flow and potentially benefited the SLC’s aesthetic even more.
While I may seem critical of the R107, it’s important to maintain perspective. The 1975 Mercedes-Benz 450SL was undoubtedly a more sophisticated and interesting design than much of what Detroit was producing in the early 1970s. Furthermore, succeeding the iconic W113 was an undeniably challenging task. Nevertheless, my overriding impression upon photographing this particular 1975 model was one of slight disappointment.
The car’s visual presence leans towards ponderousness rather than agility – a characteristic not solely attributable to federally mandated bumpers. Mercedes-Benz design during this period seemed to be transitioning towards a more substantial, almost tank-like aesthetic, marking a departure from the lithe elegance of earlier models.
NOTES:
Vehicle specifications are sourced from Automobile Catalog (2024), Flamming (1992) and Wikipedia (2024).
