The Mercedes-Benz SL designation has long been synonymous with automotive elegance and sophistication. Each generation of the SL seems to both define and be defined by the era it represents. This was certainly the case when the R107 series SL debuted in 1971, succeeding the widely admired 230/250/280SL W113 “Pagoda” models. This new family of models, including the celebrated 1972 Mercedes-Benz 350SL, would continue with only minor updates until 1989, an exceptionally long production run for a luxury convertible.
With the introduction of the R107, Mercedes-Benz brought a V-8 engine into their convertible lineup for the first time. This was a necessary upgrade, given the new SL’s substantial weight of around 3400 pounds. The styling was characteristically conservative, bearing some resemblance to the previous pagoda top models, yet despite similar dimensions, the R107 conveyed a sense of greater size and presence.
The initial models for the 1972 year were designated as the 350SL, aligning with the European model nomenclature. However, despite the 350SL name, these cars were equipped with a robust 4.5-liter V-8 engine under the hood. This fuel-injected V-8 featured a single overhead camshaft per bank and produced a respectable 230 horsepower. It was paired exclusively with a three-speed automatic transmission, as a manual option was not offered. The 1972 Mercedes-Benz 350SL also boasted a fully independent suspension system and standard four-wheel disc brakes, highlighting its engineering sophistication.
Later in 1972, a shift occurred in model naming, and the designation evolved to 450SL for subsequent models. Another change involved how horsepower was rated; the adoption of the SAE net standard resulted in the 450SL’s power being listed at 190 hp. The following year, 1973, saw the 450SL equipped with substantial safety bumpers at the front and rear to comply with evolving federal safety regulations. By 1975, further emissions regulations led to a reduction in output to 180 hp with the introduction of a catalytic converter.
In 1976, the SL models received a continuous fuel injection system along with transistorized ignition, further refining the engine’s performance and efficiency. Two years later, in 1978, Mercedes-Benz enhanced the standard equipment list by including automatic climate control and stylish 14-inch aluminum wheels. The model year 1979 remained unchanged, and in 1980, modifications to the fuel injection system led to another decrease in power, from 180 hp to 160 hp.
The 450SL model concluded its production run with the 1980 model year, paving the way for the 380SL to carry the R107 legacy into the 1980s. Before its discontinuation, the 450SL achieved an average annual production of approximately 6,000 units. This, combined with their well-deserved reputation for durability and comfort, means that 1972 Mercedes-Benz 350SL and subsequent R107 models are readily available today, making them excellent choices for those seeking a comfortable and stylish classic convertible cruiser.
