The Mercedes-benz R107 SL, a car that debuted half a century ago, often evokes a sense of understated presence rather than outright excitement. For many, including myself in my younger years, this two-seater roadster from Stuttgart seemed to simply exist, a respectable yet somewhat unremarkable member of the automotive landscape. However, a recent experience changed my perspective, prompting a deeper appreciation for this enduring model.
Caught in the typical Friday afternoon traffic snarl between Goodwood and the Chiltern Hills, I found myself surrounded by a surprising number of gleaming R107 SLs. Driven mostly by mature enthusiasts, tops down, they seemed to be heading towards a celebratory gathering, perhaps marking the 50th anniversary of this Teutonic classic. This unexpected encounter served as a potent reminder of the R107’s lasting appeal and significant place in Mercedes-Benz history.
From Pagoda to Pillarless: The R107’s Lineage
Replacing the celebrated W113 ‘Pagoda’ SL, penned by Paul Bracq and produced from 1963 to 1971, was no small feat. The W113, with its distinctive dished hardtop, had become an icon of the swinging sixties. Yet, Mercedes-Benz successfully transitioned to the R107 series in 1971, maintaining the SL’s prestige while forging a new path. The R107 enjoyed an exceptionally long and fruitful production run until 1989, when it was succeeded by the more contemporary R129 SL. Over its impressive 18-year lifespan, more than 237,000 R107 roadsters were manufactured, alongside an additional 63,000 SLC C107 coupes, a 2+2 variant built on a stretched R107 platform.
The Mercedes-Benz R107 SL and its SLC coupe sibling quickly established themselves in the market, garnering substantial early orders. Throughout its extensive production, the R107’s visual identity remained remarkably consistent. From its horizontally oriented headlamps and prominent chrome grille to its fluted taillights – a Mercedes innovation designed to stay clean in all weather conditions, later adopted by the W116 S-Class and subsequent models – the R107’s styling was undeniably conservative. While perhaps not designed to ignite passions, this safe and solid aesthetic undoubtedly contributed to its broad and enduring appeal.
Engine Evolution and Market Appeal
While the R107’s exterior design saw minimal changes over its 18 years, its engine range underwent significant evolution. Initially launched as the 350SL with a 200PS (141kW) straight-six engine, the lineup soon expanded. An entry-level 280SL, producing 190PS (140kW), was introduced, and at the top end, for the North American market, the powerful 560SL with a 230PS (169kW) V8 engine became available. Notably, North America became the primary market for the SL, reflecting its popularity in the US.
The Mercedes-Benz R107 SL became a favourite among affluent clientele worldwide, gracing golf club car parks, Hollywood sets, and television screens. Bobby Ewing, of the globally popular 1980s soap opera Dallas, famously drove an R107, albeit one modified for the North American market with large, federally mandated bumpers and quad round headlamps. This understated yet confident styling resonated deeply with buyers from day one, even if it lacked the outright visual drama of its W113 predecessor. The R107’s short wheelbase and substantial front and rear overhangs contributed to a somewhat less elegant profile compared to the Pagoda.
R107 SL vs. The Competition
In 1971, the R107 entered a market populated by compelling and diverse sporting executive cars. Alongside rivals like the graceful Fiat 130 Coupe, the technically advanced Citroën SM, the assertive Alfa Romeo Montreal, and the powerful V12 Jaguar E-type Series 3, the Mercedes-Benz R107 presented a more conservative proposition. While its contemporaries might have offered more flamboyant styling or exhilarating driving dynamics, the SL provided a sense of assuredness and longevity that resonated with buyers seeking a dependable and prestigious open-top experience. Later competitors, such as the Jaguar XJ-S and Cadillac Allante, aimed directly at the SL’s boulevard cruising niche, yet failed to significantly diminish the R107’s consistent and unwavering demand.
Tracing the SL Legacy: From Lightweight to Lasting
The Mercedes-Benz SL lineage traces back to the original 1952 300 SL competition car, with “SL” purportedly standing for Super Leicht (Super Light) in German. However, by the time the R107 arrived in 1971, the concept of “super light” was somewhat lost. The R107, a substantial two-seater, tipped the scales at over 1,500kg, prioritizing solidity and luxury over featherweight agility.
The first production SL, the iconic 300SL ‘Gullwing’ W198 coupe of 1954, remains perhaps the most celebrated and sought-after SL of all. This legendary coupe paved the way for the more accessible W121 190SL roadster in 1957, a heavier cruiser with conventional doors. The 190SL then transitioned to the elegantly styled W113 in 1963, before the R107 took over for its extended production run half a century ago.
The recent launch of the latest Mercedes-AMG SL brings the SL story into the modern era. With AMG’s involvement, there are high hopes that the new model will recapture the true sporting spirit of the SL, evolving beyond the relaxed cruising focus sometimes associated with the R107. While the R107 may have been more at home posing elegantly en route to leisure pursuits than engaging in spirited driving, it remains a significant and cherished chapter in the Mercedes-Benz SL narrative. Time will tell if the new AMG SL can deliver a more memorable driving experience, one that truly sets itself apart from the R107’s enduring, if somewhat understated, legacy.
