autoevolution
 

Body style: Convertible (spider/spyder, cabrio/cabriolet, drop/open/soft top)
Segment: Roadster & Convertible
Production years: 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989

MERCEDES BENZ SL (R107) 1971-1989 16 Photos
MERCEDES BENZ SL (R107) (1971-1989)MERCEDES BENZ SL (R107) (1971-1989)MERCEDES BENZ SL (R107) (1971-1989)MERCEDES BENZ SL (R107) (1971-1989)MERCEDES BENZ SL (R107) (1971-1989)MERCEDES BENZ SL (R107) (1971-1989)MERCEDES BENZ SL (R107) (1971-1989)MERCEDES BENZ SL (R107) (1971-1989)MERCEDES BENZ SL (R107) (1971-1989)MERCEDES BENZ SL (R107) (1971-1989)MERCEDES BENZ SL (R107) (1971-1989)MERCEDES BENZ SL (R107) (1971-1989)MERCEDES BENZ SL (R107) (1971-1989)MERCEDES BENZ SL (R107) (1971-1989)MERCEDES BENZ SL (R107) (1971-1989)MERCEDES BENZ SL (R107) (1971-1989)

In 1971 the Mercedes-Benz SL “Pagoda” was still in production when the new, R107, SL was introduced to the public in the spring of 1971.

It wasn't a big success in the beginning, but it ended up as the car with the longest lifespan in the Mercedes-Benz stable, behind the G-Class. Its predecessor was a big success and even in 1971 it was in high demand from the market. In fact, both cars were produced on the same time for a few months in 1971. But then, the R107 picked-up more orders.

The car featured a different front end, with horizontal headlights that ran around the corners, on the fenders, with the turn-signal lamps. Like its predecessor, the SL was a two-seat with a retractable canvas top and removable hardtop. However, the 1971 model, represented a departure from the uncompromisingly hard sports car, in favor of a more comfortable yet powerful luxury roadster.

Inside, there was a luxurious cockpit, that featured air-conditioning, leather seats, and a car stereo. The new deflector profiles on the A-pillars kept the side windows clean and the wind outside the cabin too.

The front and rear suspension were basically the same as the “Stroke Eight” models. The car was produced until 1989 and, along its long timeline, it received numerous upgrades including underparts from the W124 model.

MERCEDES BENZ SL (R107) 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989
  9 gasoline engines
  • 280 5MT RWD (185 HP)
  • 300 (G-Kat) 5MT RWD (180 HP)
  • 300 5MT RWD (188 HP)
  • 380 4AT RWD (280 HP)
  • 420 V8 4AT RWD (218 HP)
  • 450 V8 4AT RWD (220 HP)
  • 500 (G-Kat) V8 4AT RWD (223 HP)
  • 500 V8 4AT RWD (231 HP)
  • 500 V8 4AT RWD (245 HP)

MERCEDES BENZ SL (R107)
280 5MT RWD (185 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 280 5MT RWD (185 HP)
Cylinders:L6
Displacement:2746 cm3
Power:136 KW @ 5800 RPM
185 HP @ 5800 RPM
182 BHP @ 5800 RPM
Torque:177 lb-ft @ 4500 RPM
240 Nm @ 4500 RPM
Fuel System:Multipoint Injection
Fuel:Gasoline
Fuel capacity:22.5 gallons (85.2 L)
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:124 mph (200 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):10.1 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:Rear Wheel Drive
Gearbox:5-Speed manual
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Ventilated Discs
Rear:Discs
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:195/70R14
DIMENSIONS
Length:172.8 in (4389 mm)
Width:70.5 in (1791 mm)
Height:51.2 in (1300 mm)
Front/rear Track:57.1/56.7 in (1,450/1,440 mm)
Wheelbase:96.9 in (2461 mm)
Ground Clearance:6.7 in (170 mm)
Cargo Volume:9.2 cuFT (261 L)
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:3306 lbs (1500 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:4232.3 lbs (1920 kg)
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC)
Combined:20.7 mpg US (11.4 L/100Km)
CO2 Emissions:270 g/km

MERCEDES BENZ SL (R107)
300 (G-Kat) 5MT RWD (180 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 300 (G-Kat) 5MT RWD (180 HP)
Cylinders:L6
Displacement:2962 cm3
Power:132 KW @ 5700 RPM
179 HP @ 5700 RPM
177 BHP @ 5700 RPM
Torque:188 lb-ft @ 4400 RPM
255 Nm @ 4400 RPM
Fuel System:Multipoint Injection
Fuel:Gasoline
Fuel capacity:22.5 gallons (85.2 L)
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:124 mph (200 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):9.7 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:Rear Wheel Drive
Gearbox:5-Speed manual
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Ventilated Discs
Rear:Discs
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:205/65VR15
DIMENSIONS
Length:172.8 in (4389 mm)
Width:70.5 in (1791 mm)
Height:51.2 in (1300 mm)
Front/rear Track:57.1/56.7 in (1,450/1,440 mm)
Wheelbase:96.9 in (2461 mm)
Ground Clearance:6.7 in (170 mm)
Cargo Volume:9.2 cuFT (261 L)
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:3306 lbs (1500 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:4232 lbs (1920 kg)
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC)
Combined:21 mpg US (11.2 L/100Km)
CO2 Emissions:267 g/km

MERCEDES BENZ SL (R107)
300 5MT RWD (188 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 300 5MT RWD (188 HP)
Cylinders:L6
Displacement:2962 cm3
Power:138 KW @ 5700 RPM
188 HP @ 5700 RPM
185 BHP @ 5700 RPM
Torque:192 lb-ft @ 4400 RPM
260 Nm @ 4400 RPM
Fuel System:Multipoint Injection
Fuel:Gasoline
Fuel capacity:22.5 gallons (85.2 L)
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:126 mph (203 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):9.6 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:Rear Wheel Drive
Gearbox:5-Speed manual
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Ventilated Discs
Rear:Discs
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:205/65VR15
DIMENSIONS
Length:172.8 in (4389 mm)
Width:70.5 in (1791 mm)
Height:51.2 in (1300 mm)
Front/rear Track:57.1/56.7 in (1,450/1,440 mm)
Wheelbase:96.9 in (2461 mm)
Ground Clearance:6.7 in (170 mm)
Cargo Volume:9.2 cuFT (261 L)
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:3306 lbs (1500 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:4232 lbs (1920 kg)
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC)
Combined:21.6 mpg US (10.9 L/100Km)
CO2 Emissions:259 g/km

MERCEDES BENZ SL (R107)
380 4AT RWD (280 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 380 4AT RWD (280 HP)
Cylinders:V8
Displacement:3839 cm3
Power:150 KW @ 5250 RPM
204 HP @ 5250 RPM
201 BHP @ 5250 RPM
Torque:232 lb-ft @ 3250 RPM
315 Nm @ 3250 RPM
Fuel System:Multipoint Injection
Fuel:Gasoline
Fuel capacity:22.5 gallons (85.2 L)
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:128 mph (206 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):9.8 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:Rear Wheel Drive
Gearbox:4-Speed automatic
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Ventilated Discs
Rear:Discs
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:205/70R14
DIMENSIONS
Length:172.8 in (4389 mm)
Width:70.5 in (1791 mm)
Height:51.2 in (1300 mm)
Front/rear Track:57.1/56.7 in (1,450/1,440 mm)
Wheelbase:96.9 in (2461 mm)
Ground Clearance:6.7 in (170 mm)
Cargo Volume:9.2 cuFT (261 L)
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:3395 lbs (1540 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:4321 lbs (1960 kg)
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC)
Combined:20.3 mpg US (11.6 L/100Km)
CO2 Emissions:276 g/km

MERCEDES BENZ SL (R107)
420 V8 4AT RWD (218 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 420 V8 4AT RWD (218 HP)
Cylinders:V8
Displacement:4196 cm3
Power:160 KW @ 5200 RPM
218 HP @ 5200 RPM
215 BHP @ 5200 RPM
Torque:243 lb-ft @ 3750 RPM
330 Nm @ 3750 RPM
Fuel System:Multipoint Injection
Fuel:Gasoline
Fuel capacity:22.5 gallons (85.2 L)
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:132 mph (212 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):9 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:Rear Wheel Drive
Gearbox:4-Speed automatic
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Ventilated Discs
Rear:Discs
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:205/65VR15
DIMENSIONS
Length:172.8 in (4389 mm)
Width:70.5 in (1791 mm)
Height:51.2 in (1300 mm)
Front/rear Track:57.1/56.7 in (1,450/1,440 mm)
Wheelbase:96.9 in (2461 mm)
Ground Clearance:6.7 in (170 mm)
Cargo Volume:9.2 cuFT (261 L)
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:3527 lbs (1600 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:4453 lbs (2020 kg)
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC)
Combined:19.8 mpg US (11.9 L/100Km)
CO2 Emissions:283 g/km

MERCEDES BENZ SL (R107)
450 V8 4AT RWD (220 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 450 V8 4AT RWD (220 HP)
Cylinders:V8
Displacement:4520 cm3
Power:162 KW @ 5000 RPM
220 HP @ 5000 RPM
217 BHP @ 5000 RPM
Torque:265 lb-ft @ 3250 RPM
359 Nm @ 3250 RPM
Fuel System:Multipoint Injection
Fuel:Gasoline
Fuel capacity:22.5 gallons (85.2 L)
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:Rear Wheel Drive
Gearbox:4-Speed automatic
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Ventilated Discs
Rear:Discs
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:205/65VR15
DIMENSIONS
Length:172.8 in (4389 mm)
Width:70.5 in (1791 mm)
Height:51.2 in (1300 mm)
Front/rear Track:57.1/56.7 in (1,450/1,440 mm)
Wheelbase:96.9 in (2461 mm)
Ground Clearance:6.7 in (170 mm)
Cargo Volume:9.2 cuFT (261 L)

MERCEDES BENZ SL (R107)
500 (G-Kat) V8 4AT RWD (223 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 500 (G-Kat) V8 4AT RWD (223 HP)
Cylinders:V8
Displacement:4973 cm3
Power:164 KW @ 4700 RPM
223 HP @ 4700 RPM
220 BHP @ 4700 RPM
Torque:269 lb-ft @ 2500 RPM
365 Nm @ 2500 RPM
Fuel System:Multipoint Injection
Fuel:Gasoline
Fuel capacity:22.5 gallons (85.2 L)
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:134 mph (216 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):7.8 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:Rear Wheel Drive
Gearbox:4-Speed automatic
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Ventilated Discs
Rear:Discs
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:205/65VR15
DIMENSIONS
Length:172.8 in (4389 mm)
Width:70.5 in (1791 mm)
Height:51.2 in (1300 mm)
Front/rear Track:57.1/56.7 in (1,450/1,440 mm)
Wheelbase:96.9 in (2461 mm)
Ground Clearance:6.7 in (170 mm)
Cargo Volume:9.2 cuFT (261 L)
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:3549 lbs (1610 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:4475 lbs (2030 kg)
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC)
Combined:18 mpg US (13.1 L/100Km)
CO2 Emissions:311 g/km

MERCEDES BENZ SL (R107)
500 V8 4AT RWD (231 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 500 V8 4AT RWD (231 HP)
Cylinders:V8
Displacement:4973 cm3
Power:170 KW @ 4750 RPM
231 HP @ 4750 RPM
228 BHP @ 4750 RPM
Torque:299 lb-ft @ 3000 RPM
405 Nm @ 3000 RPM
Fuel System:Multipoint Injection
Fuel:Gasoline
Fuel capacity:22.5 gallons (85.2 L)
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:137 mph (220 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):8.1 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:Rear Wheel Drive
Gearbox:4-Speed automatic
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Ventilated Discs
Rear:Discs
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:205/70R14
DIMENSIONS
Length:172.8 in (4389 mm)
Width:70.5 in (1791 mm)
Height:51.2 in (1300 mm)
Front/rear Track:57.1/56.7 in (1,450/1,440 mm)
Wheelbase:96.9 in (2461 mm)
Ground Clearance:6.7 in (170 mm)
Cargo Volume:9.2 cuFT (261 L)
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:3395 lbs (1540 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:4321 lbs (1960 kg)
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC)
Combined:19.3 mpg US (12.2 L/100Km)
CO2 Emissions:305 g/km

MERCEDES BENZ SL (R107)
500 V8 4AT RWD (245 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 500 V8 4AT RWD (245 HP)
Cylinders:V8
Displacement:4973 cm3
Power:180 KW @ 4750 RPM
245 HP @ 4750 RPM
241 BHP @ 4750 RPM
Torque:295 lb-ft @ 3750 RPM
400 Nm @ 3750 RPM
Fuel System:Multipoint Injection
Fuel:Gasoline
Fuel capacity:22.5 gallons (85.2 L)
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:140 mph (225 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):7.3 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:Rear Wheel Drive
Gearbox:4-Speed automatic
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Ventilated Discs
Rear:Discs
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:205/65VR15
DIMENSIONS
Length:172.8 in (4389 mm)
Width:70.5 in (1791 mm)
Height:51.2 in (1300 mm)
Front/rear Track:57.1/56.7 in (1,450/1,440 mm)
Wheelbase:96.9 in (2461 mm)
Ground Clearance:6.7 in (170 mm)
Cargo Volume:9.2 cuFT (261 L)
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:3549 lbs (1610 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:4475 lbs (2030 kg)
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC)
Combined:19.1 mpg US (12.3 L/100Km)
CO2 Emissions:293 g/km
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