Mercedes-Benz : R107 SL / SLC

Model Introduction

The Mercedes-Benz R107 SL and C107 SLC, produced from 1971 to 1989, were among the longest-lived models in the company’s history, blending understated elegance with robust engineering. Styled in-house under Friedrich Geiger, the SL roadster and the longer-wheelbase SLC coupé shared smooth V8 power, advanced safety features such as a strengthened passenger cell and crumple zones, and a reputation for long-distance comfort. The R107 became a symbol of 1970s and 1980s luxury motoring, while the rarer C107 offered grand touring refinement with the practicality of a fixed roof and four seats.

Magazine Articles

  • CAR Magazine cover

    SL leaves the Boulevard

    CAR Magazine · June 1971
  • CAR Magazine cover

    Mercedes stretches the point

    The follow-up car to the two-seater SL, the Coupe has enough of most things to squelch the most ardent critics

    CAR Magazine · December 1971
  • CAR Magazine cover

    In the wind is it worth it?

    Mercedes 450SL

    CAR Magazine · September 1976
  • CAR Magazine cover

    Wankel's warrior

    This Mercedes has rotary power beneath its bonnet and is the fastest, and probably the smoothest, SL ever. But it's not for sale - Mercedes, like all the other one-time rotary exponents except one, got cold feet years ago.

    CAR Magazine · March 1980
  • CAR Magazine cover

    SL with a vengeance

    With hundreds of miles of clear autobahn ahead, and the lightweight 5.0 litre V8 from the new S-Class humming sweetly in the nose of your Mercedes roadster, few are the reasons for dropping below 125mph

    CAR Magazine · June 1980
  • Car Magazine cover

    Escape to the Black Forest

    Seeking decade-old design in a Mercedes? The 280SL's your car. Old it might be, but highly desirable it remains.

    Car Magazine · January 1983

Images