The Mercedes-Benz SL marque has long been synonymous with automotive elegance and sophistication. Each generation of the SL seems to not only define its era but also be perfectly defined by it. This was certainly the case when the R107 series Mercedes SL debuted in 1971, taking over from the much-loved 230/250/280SL W113 ‘Pagoda’ models. The R107 family of models continued with only minor updates until 1989, an exceptionally long production run for a luxury convertible.
With the R107, Mercedes-Benz introduced a V-8 engine into their convertible lineup for the first time. This was a necessary upgrade, considering the new SL’s relatively substantial weight of around 3400 pounds. The styling was characteristically conservative, with hints of the previous pagoda top models, yet despite having similar dimensions, the R107 appeared considerably larger and more substantial on the road.
The initial cars released in 1972 were badged as 350SL, aligning with European model designations, even though they were powered by a 4.5-liter V-8 engine. This fuel-injected V-8 featured a single overhead camshaft per bank and produced 230 horsepower. It was exclusively paired with a three-speed automatic transmission, with no manual gearbox option available. The suspension was fully independent, and four-wheel disc brakes were included as standard, reflecting the car’s premium positioning.
Also in 1972, the model’s name was revised, and the 450SL designation was adopted going forward. Another significant change was in how horsepower was rated. The introduction of the SAE net rating system meant that the 450SL’s power output was now listed at 190 hp, a more realistic figure under the new standards. The following year, 1973, saw the 450SL equipped with substantial safety bumpers both at the front and rear to comply with evolving federal safety regulations in the US market. In 1975, stricter emissions standards led to a further reduction in power to 180 hp with the addition of a catalytic converter to manage exhaust pollutants.
For the 1976 model year, the SL received an upgrade to a continuous fuel injection system, enhancing efficiency and performance, along with the introduction of transistorized ignition for improved reliability. Two years later, marking a step up in luxury and convenience, the 1978 Mercedes Benz 450sl came standard with automatic climate control and stylish 14-inch aluminum alloy wheels. These enhancements added to the 450SL’s appeal as a refined and comfortable open-top cruiser. The model remained largely unchanged for 1979, continuing its successful run. However, in 1980, further revisions to the fuel injection system resulted in another power decrease, bringing the output down from 180 hp to 160 hp.
The 450SL model concluded its production run at the end of the 1980 model year. Its successor, the 380SL, took over the mantle and carried the R107 legacy into the 1980s. Before its discontinuation, the Mercedes Benz 450SL achieved impressive sales figures, averaging around 6,000 units sold annually. Thanks to this substantial production volume and Mercedes-Benz’s renowned reputation for durability and engineering, the 1978 450SL and other models from its era are readily available on the classic car market today. This makes them an accessible entry point into classic Mercedes ownership, offering a genuinely comfortable and stylish experience for those seeking top-down motoring in a timelessly elegant roadster.
