From its roots as a racing machine to becoming a symbol of luxury and enduring classic, explore the journey of the Mercedes-Benz W107 SL, a model that captivated generations.
The story of the Mercedes-Benz SL, and by extension the celebrated W107, begins not on public roads, but on the thrilling circuits of motorsport. The W194 SL racing sports car of 1952 was a marvel of engineering, boasting a lightweight aluminium-magnesium body, a robust space frame chassis, and a potent three-litre straight-six engine delivering 168bhp. This racing pedigree was quickly established with victories in prestigious events like the Berne Grand Prix, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and the challenging Carrera Panamericana in Mexico.
This racing success paved the way for the first Mercedes-Benz SL road car, launched in August 1954 as the W198 300SL. It inherited the space frame construction from its racing sibling and introduced the iconic ‘gullwing’ doors, earning it the legendary Gullwing nickname.
The vision for the 300SL road car is largely credited to Max Hoffman, an influential American car importer. He recognized the market potential for a road-going version of the race car and persuaded the Mercedes-Benz board to bring his vision to life. With fuel injection enhancing the three-litre straight-six engine to 212bhp, the 300SL road car was capable of reaching speeds up to 162mph, depending on the axle ratio.
In 1957, the W198 300SL Roadster debuted, establishing many features that would become hallmarks of future SL models, including a folding fabric roof and an optional hardtop. The W121 190SL Roadster and Coupe, introduced in 1955, offered a different approach. These were more compact and comfortable grand tourers, utilizing a 1.9-litre four-cylinder engine and suspension derived from the Ponton saloon, distinguishing them from the performance-focused W198.
The Elegant W113 ‘Pagoda’ Mercedes-Benz SL
The Mercedes W113 230SL, unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in 1963, aimed to blend sporty performance with enhanced grand touring comfort. This roadster was designed to be both engaging and relaxing to drive, while also prioritizing occupant safety with pioneering crumple zones and a padded interior.
The W113 earned its “Pagoda” nickname from the distinctive concave shape of its removable hardtop, a design by safety innovator Béla Barényi. This roof not only provided a unique aesthetic but also contributed to the car’s structural rigidity and excellent visibility thanks to its large windows.
Like the 190SL, the 230SL was available as a Roadster with a folding soft top, a Coupe with a removable hardtop, and a Coupe with both a removable hardtop and a soft top. All versions offered the option of a rear transverse seat. Beyond the standard four-speed manual transmission, a four-speed automatic became available for the first time in an SL model. In 1966, a five-speed manual gearbox from ZF was also introduced.
The 230SL evolved into the 250SL in late 1966/early 1967, with engine capacity increasing to 2.5 litres, boosting torque while maintaining the 148bhp power output. The refined six-cylinder engine, now designated M129, also gained seven camshaft bearings for improved smoothness and durability. Braking performance and fuel tank capacity were also enhanced, and an oil cooler was added.
A fourth body style, the ‘California’ Coupe, arrived in March 1967, featuring rear seats and no soft top. Just a year later, in 1968, the 250SL was succeeded by the 280SL, powered by a 168bhp 2.8-litre M130 engine. Visually, the 280SL was almost indistinguishable from its predecessors, save for the model badge and minor trim changes.
Production of the Pagoda SL concluded in March 1971, with a total of 48,912 units manufactured, solidifying its place as a beloved classic.
The Iconic W107 Mercedes-Benz SL: A Long-Lasting Legacy
The Mercedes W107 SL, often referred to by its chassis code R107, entered production in the spring of 1971 and continued until August 1989, achieving the longest production run of any Mercedes-Benz model at the time. This enduring popularity cemented its status as a true icon.
The W107 SL ingeniously combined chassis components from the W114 mid-size saloon with powerful V8 engines derived from the W111 280SE 3.5. The result was a robust chassis featuring double-wishbone front suspension, a semi-trailing arm rear axle, and recirculating ball steering, perfectly matched to the potent engines.
The Mercedes W107 SL was primarily offered as a two-seat convertible roadster with a standard fabric soft top and removable hardtop. While officially a two-seater, many W107 SLs were equipped with optional rear “jump seats.” The SLC (C107), a coupe derivative launched shortly after, provided a fixed hardtop and more practical rear seats, effectively a stretched W107 SL with a fixed roof, extended by 360mm.
Although sometimes called an “SL coupe,” the SLC was marketed as a more luxurious S-Class coupe, replacing the W111 Coupe in the Mercedes lineup. The SLC’s production ended in 1981, earlier than the SL, superseded by the larger 126-series SEC. The SLC was positioned to compete with high-end coupes like the Jaguar E-Type and Citroën SM.
Mercedes-Benz produced an impressive 237,287 R107 SLs, with approximately two-thirds sold in North America. This significant sales volume, surpassing the Pagoda, allowed for a more spacious interior design in the W107.
Volume production of the first Mercedes W107 model, the 350SL, commenced in April 1971, alongside the final W113 Pagoda models. Early North American 350SLs actually featured a larger 4.5-litre V8 engine and were later renamed 450SL/SLC for the 1973 model year. The 4.5-litre V8 became available in other markets with the official introduction of the 450SL/SLC outside North America in March 1973.
From July 1974, both the Mercedes W107 SL and SLC became available with a fuel-injected 2.8-litre straight-six engine, badged as the 280SL and 280SLC, offering a more fuel-efficient option.
Following the discontinuation of the SLC in September 1981, the 107-series SL continued with the 280SL, 380SL, and 500SL models. At this point, the V8 engines were refined for improved efficiency, resulting in slightly reduced power but better fuel economy, aided by numerically shorter axle ratios. In September 1985, a further update replaced the 280SL with the new 300SL, and the 380SL with the 420SL. The 500SL continued, and the 560SL was introduced exclusively for the USA, Australia, and Japan markets.
The final R107 SL, a 500SL finished in Astral Silver, rolled off the production line on August 4, 1989, and is now proudly displayed at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, Germany.
The R129 SL succeeded the R107, continuing production until 2001. It marked a new era for the SL, being the first to offer a V12 engine in the 600SL/SL600 model and incorporating advanced safety features such as a pop-up rollover bar, multiple airbags, and Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) from September 1995. Mercedes-Benz also pioneered Brake Assist for the R129 SL, enhancing braking performance in emergency situations. Facelifts in 1995 and 1998 brought further advancements, including new V6 (M112) and V8 (M113) engines. AMG’s involvement grew during this period, becoming an official partner in 1993 and part of the Daimler family in 1999, leading to high-performance models like the SL60 AMG, SL55 AMG, and the powerful SL73 AMG. By the end of R129 SL production in July 2001, 204,940 units had been manufactured.
The R230 SL followed in July 2001, continuing until late 2011, and was subsequently replaced by the R231 and the current R232 SL generation launched in 2022.
A pre-facelift R107 SL, showcasing the original design elements of this classic Mercedes roadster.
A post-facelift R107 SL, highlighting the subtle yet effective updates that kept the model fresh and desirable throughout its long production run.
MERCEDES W107 SL: A Detailed Timeline
The development of the R107 SL commenced in the late 1960s, with the goal of succeeding the W113 SL Pagoda. The R107 marked the first Mercedes-Benz model to use the ‘R’ designation, signifying ‘Roadster’, although enthusiasts and specialists often still use the W107 designation due to the widespread use of ‘W’ across most Mercedes-Benz models.
Launched in spring 1971 and produced until August 1989, the R107 SL’s enduring appeal is undeniable. Its distinctive silhouette remains handsome and stylish, avoiding any sense of being outdated. A well-maintained R107 SL is more than just a sound investment; it’s a genuinely usable classic car.
BACK
1971: Volume production of the W107 SL begins in March/April with the 350SL, powered by a 3.5-litre V8 producing 197bhp.
1973: The 450SL model is introduced, featuring a larger 4.5-litre V8 engine delivering 222bhp.
1974: In response to the oil crisis, the fuel-efficient straight-six powered 280SL is launched, offering better economy than the V8 models.
1975: Between November 1975 and February 1976, the 350SL, 450SL, and 280SL transition to a new Bosch D-Jetronic fuel injection system to meet stricter emissions regulations, resulting in a slight reduction in power and torque.
1980: A facelifted R107 SL is presented at the Geneva Motor Show in March, incorporating minor interior refinements, including a steering wheel design shared with the 116-series S-Class. A new four-speed automatic gearbox replaces the older three-speed unit, and lighter alloy engines from the S-Class are adapted for the SL range. The new five-litre V8 powered 500SL debuts with 237bhp, while the 350SL is replaced by the 3.8-litre 380SL (215bhp). The 280SL remains in production.
1981: In autumn, the 380SL and 500SL V8 engines are updated under the ‘Mercedes-Benz Energy Concept’ to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. This includes increased compression ratios, altered camshaft timing, new injection valves, and electronic idle control. The revised valve timing enhances low-end torque, particularly for the 380SL. Rear axle ratios are also adjusted to suit the new engine characteristics.
1985: Another facelift for the R107 SL is unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, featuring subtle exterior updates, including larger 15-inch wheels, improved front suspension, and a new engine lineup. The three-litre 300SL (185bhp) straight-six replaces the 280SL, and the 4.2-litre 420SL V8 (215bhp) takes over from the 380SL. The 500SL gains electronic ignition and Bosch KE-Jetronic injection, increasing output to 242bhp. The 560SL V8 (5,547cc, 227bhp with catalytic converter) is introduced exclusively for North America, Australia, and Japan.
1989: In August 1989, the 237,287th and final R107 SL, a 500SL in Astral Silver metallic, is produced at the Sindelfingen plant, and subsequently becomes a prized exhibit at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart. The successor, the R129 SL, is publicly unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March.
The Enduring Market Appeal of the W107 SL
Despite economic uncertainties, the classic car market, particularly for desirable models like the Mercedes W107 SL, has shown remarkable resilience.
Following a period of market stabilization, strong demand for high-quality classic cars, especially Mercedes-Benz SL models, has returned. Low-mileage, well-maintained late-model 300SL, 420SL, and 500SL variants remain highly sought after, although sourcing top-condition late 500SLs is becoming increasingly challenging. Classic color combinations like blue and black exteriors with cream leather interiors are consistently popular and sell quickly, with the iconic Signal Red remaining eternally desirable.
Interestingly, there’s a growing interest in the pastel yellow, green, and brown hues that were fashionable in the 1970s. These earlier W107 models represent excellent value, offering a more accessible entry point into R107 ownership for those who appreciate the character of the early cars.
As the quality gap widens between exceptional and less desirable examples, purchasing the best possible W107 SL is crucial. The cost of a high-quality restoration can easily reach six figures, further driving up the value of well-preserved and meticulously maintained examples.
While W113 Pagoda SL values have stabilized, the W121 190SL market is experiencing significant growth, with top examples, particularly pre-1957 RHD models with Mille Miglia eligibility, regularly exceeding £100,000.
Mint condition, low-mileage R129 SLs are also appreciating, especially exceptional SL60 AMG models. Classic Mercedes-Benz coupes generally command higher prices than saloons or estates, but convertibles, particularly early models like the W111 and later dropheads like the 124-series, lead the market.
For those considering SL ownership, acting decisively is advisable, especially for the R129 SL, as current affordability may not last. As enthusiasts increasingly seek to enjoy classic combustion engine vehicles, models like the Mercedes W107 SL and its successors are poised to become even more coveted in the years to come.
