Mercedes-Benz 300 SL R107
Year of manufacture: 1986
Power: 188 hp
Displacement: 2,962 cm3
Number of cylinders/valves: 6/2
Weight: 1,620 kg
Condition: perfect
Catalog number: 30
Introduction
The Mercedes-Benz 107 series (R107) was produced from 1971 to 1989. It was the second longest-produced series by the German automaker Mercedes-Benz after the off-road vehicle Mercedes-Benz G-Class. For the first time, the serial car bearing the SL designation was equipped with a V8 engine, specifically a 3.5 L V8, which delivered a full 200 horsepower with fuel injection.
Development
The R107 and C107 adopted chassis components from the mid-sized Mercedes-Benz W114 model from 1968 and originally paired them with V8 M116 and M117 engines used in the W108, W109, and W111 series. The body styles of the R107 and C107 changed very little from their introduction in 1971 until the end of production in 1981 (coupe) and 1989 (soft-top).
Technical Specifications
The decision to produce the R107 series (the SL line received the internal designation “R” for Roadster instead of “W” for Wagen = car for the first time) was made by the board after intensive discussions on June 18, 1968. A major point of debate was whether to offer a Targa roof version (a removable roof panel) instead of the soft-top version. Due to stricter safety standards, alarming reports about licensing cars with open roofs from the USA were considered.
The final decision in favor of the roadster with a soft-top and an additional removable hardtop is credited to Hans Scherenberg, head of development, who fought for it fiercely.
Karl Wilfert, then head of design in Sindelfingen, developed a coupe based on the R107 and one day presented it to the board as a “rough draft.” Wilfert, initially rejected, eventually managed to push through his idea of a sporty coupe with the toughness that was so characteristic of him.
Just six months after the premiere, the SL lineup was expanded in October 1971 by the comfortable four-seat 350 SLC sports coupe, whose unconventional lines found many fans worldwide over the years. Internally, the series was designated C107 (“C” means “coupe”). Up to the windshield, its appearance matched the open-roof variant; behind the windshield, the overall height and length increased. The flat roof spanned the four-seat passenger compartment in a gentle curve and transitioned into a large and very steep rear window, which curved in two directions. Unlike the SL, the trunk lid had a slightly convex shape.
Besides elegance and quality, the vehicles boasted timeless safety features; for example, the crash response of the open two-seater was far ahead of its time. Technically, this was reflected in carefully defined body deformation behavior and vehicle frame construction, a high-strength A-pillar, and an interior uncompromisingly designed according to strict safety criteria.
In 1973, the fuel crisis hit Europe, and Stuttgart had to respond. From summer 1974, a more economical R107 roadster called the 280 SL was offered (there were three SL engine options – common nowadays but extraordinary back then), which had an inline six-cylinder OHC engine producing 185 hp (136 kW). It could exceed 200 km/h while consuming 3 to 5 liters less fuel per 100 km than the V8.
After fourteen years, the R107 roadsters received their last facelift in autumn 1985, including interior updates. The lineup was led by the six-cylinder 300 SL with a 3.0-liter engine producing 188 hp; the role of the 380 SL was taken over by the new 420 SL with a V8 engine delivering 218 hp. The crown jewel remained the 500 SL roadster, whose 5.0-liter engine with new injection produced 245 hp. Thanks to this, the car could reach speeds up to 225 km/h and accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.5 seconds. All updated models were also offered with a catalytic converter and slightly reduced power.
A special model produced only for export to the USA (and in small numbers to Japan and Australia) was the 560 SL from 1985–89, powered by an environmentally friendly V8 engine derived from the 5.0-liter V8. The long-stroke engine delivered 231 hp from 5.6 L displacement; the roadster, with specifically chosen gear ratios, topped over 220 km/h and accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in under 8 seconds.
An important distinction between “European” and “American” cars is that models for the American market had larger bumpers, making the roadster 250 mm longer, and their front ends were adorned with two pairs of round headlights.
Throughout its long production “life” and great success, the SL was equipped with various six- and eight-cylinder engines. Its model designations were thus equally diverse. Over time, all engines underwent modifications (and slightly adjusted power outputs) to better comply with tightening emission standards in most European countries.
Production of the R107 series ended in August 1989, more than 18 years after the launch of the 350 SL. This SL series set an internal record that will likely never be broken. In the company’s entire history, no other passenger car series has been produced for such a long time, except for the G-Class. A total of 237,287 vehicles were produced in Sindelfingen, a figure that impressively demonstrates the great popularity of the 107 series. A total of 62,888 coupes were made between 1971 and 1981.
