R107 roadster or C107 coupé
The Mercedes-Benz SL with model code R107 is a 2-seater roadster with a soft top or hard top. It could also be ordered as 2+2 seats, but the rear seat is practically useless, especially with the canopy down. There is also a 4-seater coupé, called the C107, which is an extended version of the R107. It may resemble a 2-door coupé based on the S-Class W116 of the time. The C107 was developed under pressure from American dealers who wanted a larger car that could compete against American 2-door coupés. The model was called SLC for SL Coupé. It was stretched a full 36 cm in both length and wheelbase.
Produced for 18 years
The roadster edition R107 was produced between 1971 and 1989, and is considered one of the longest production series for Daimler AG. The technology was upgraded in line with the development of the S-Class. But only small details distinguished the different model years. Production of the SL Coupé was halted when the new S-Class W126 saw the light of day. The SLC was then replaced by the SEC – S-class's new coupe.
The USA models
The SL and SLC became very popular in the United States, although it must have been difficult for Mercedes-Benz to meet strict American requirements for crash-proof bumpers and safety requirements for convertibles. Even GM/Cadillac resigned. The last American convertible for many years would be the 1976 Cadillac Eldorado.
One of the biggest challenges for Mercedes-Benz must have been the American emissions regulations. This resulted in major modifications to the engine management – which stole power and performance. American models were only equipped with V8 engines. From 1972 to 1980: the 450 engine, from 1981 to 1985: the 380 SL and from 1986: the 560 SL. The engines in the American models were heavily downgraded compared to the corresponding European engines. In 1972 and -73 the model was called the 350 SL despite being equipped with the 450 engine. The reason for this may have been because the engines in the American model only produced 190 HP, while the corresponding European engines produced 224 HP. From 1974 Mercedes-Benz was forced to adjust the power even further down to 180 HP.
R107 SL series
R107 SLC series
About the pictures
SL series
The car in the main photo was photographed in Notting Hill, London. The blue car with American bumpers was photographed in Lervik in Østfold. The gray car with American bumpers was photographed while visiting the Sjøflyhavna kro in Fornebu. The white car was parked outside a residence in Kensington, London. These are cars that homeowners place in front of their entrances – cars that are unfortunately rarely used. The red car on the grass mat participated in the Enfield Pageant of Motoring 2025. The red car with a hardtop, photographed from behind, was parked in Belgravia, London, 2026.
SLC series
The photos of the light blue SLC edition were taken at a car dealership on Ramstadsletta outside Oslo. The burgundy red car was parked in a parking lot in Vestby 2024.
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