When a 1975 Mercedes-Benz SL crossed my path recently, my reaction was notably subdued compared to the enthusiasm I felt photographing the earlier W113 generation, famed for its distinctive “pagoda” roof. The R107 series, produced from 1971 to 1989, achieved the highest production numbers among SL models, with over 230,000 roadsters rolling off the assembly lines (Pattni, 2024). Yet, it’s debatable whether this generation matched the design excellence of its predecessor.
A key factor influencing the design was the decision to base the SL’s architecture on a shared platform with the longer-wheelbase 2+2 coupe, known as the SLC. While the logic of targeting a broader market with a four-seater was understandable, the execution resulted in design compromises that arguably detracted from both models.
The SL appeared somewhat abbreviated, while the SLC adopted a visually elongated and less cohesive aesthetic. This outcome suggests the challenges of attempting to harmonize too many shared components across distinct vehicle types. The SLC essentially started as an SL, then received a fixed roof and an approximate 14-inch extension to its wheelbase, implemented behind the B-pillar (Spencer, 2011).
1975 450 SL (top image) and 1977 450 SLC (Mr. Choppers via Wikipedia CC 3.0)
Exterior Expansion, Interior Contraction
To my eye, the 1975 Mercedes-Benz 450 SL’s proportions seem unbalanced, a perception partly driven by the doors that appear excessively long relative to the 97-inch wheelbase. Conversely, the SLC’s rear-quarter section presents an awkward appearance, characterized by an unusually flat deck, substantial C-pillars, and doors that seem too short for the car’s 111-inch wheelbase.
Also see ‘1969 Jaguar XJ illustrates how foreign auto design outshown Detroit’s’
While the SL’s design integration was arguably smoother than the SLC’s, the sleek and refined lines of the W113 gave way to a more cumbersome collection of early-1970s Mercedes design elements. These included prominent, wrap-around ribbed taillights, a styling cue indicative of the era.
The R107 generation of the Mercedes-Benz SL, exemplified by the 1975 450 SL, projects a visually larger presence. It was therefore surprising to discover that the actual exterior dimensions were quite similar to those of the W113. The new design extended the length by three inches and width by one inch, with a wheelbase increase of 2.5 inches. The height, however, was reduced by half an inch.
Despite the increased bulk, the 1975 Mercedes-Benz 450 SL offered an inch less shoulder room and a reduction of three cubic feet in trunk capacity compared to its predecessor. The track width was also narrowed by at least an inch, which contributes to the wheels appearing less dynamically positioned than on the W113. Even the drag coefficient worsened, increasing from 0.42 to 0.45.
The weight of the 1975 Mercedes-Benz 450 SL increased by approximately 500 pounds. This weight gain was partly attributed to the shift in U.S. models from an inline-six engine to a V8. Price points also saw a significant jump, escalating from the mid-to-high $7,000 range in 1971 to over $10,000 in 1972, the inaugural full sales year for the R107 in the United States.
The featured 1975 Mercedes-Benz 450 SL model carried a list price close to $18,000. Intriguingly, this price was only marginally below that of the entry-level large Mercedes sedan, the 450 SE, positioning the roadster as a premium offering.
Design Nuances and Missed Opportunities
The 1975 Mercedes-Benz 450 SL did incorporate some noteworthy design details, such as the ribbed rocker panels. It’s also notable how Mercedes adopted significantly less lower-body curvature compared to American sporty coupes of the same era. This design choice likely served a functional purpose, reducing road spray and keeping the car cleaner.
The removable hardtop on the 1975 Mercedes-Benz 450 SL subtly echoed the W113’s gently downward-curving roofline. However, the quarter windows featured an upward kick at their base, which arguably gave the R107 a somewhat unresolved aesthetic. Elevating the beltline at the C-pillar might have resulted in a more refined appearance – and potentially benefited the SLC design even more significantly.
It’s important to maintain perspective when evaluating the R107. The 1975 Mercedes-Benz 450 SL represented a considerably more sophisticated design than much of what Detroit was producing in the early 1970s. Furthermore, inheriting the legacy of the iconic W113 was undoubtedly a formidable challenge. Nevertheless, my primary impression upon photographing this 1975 model was, undeniably, a sense of missed potential.
The visual impression of the car leans towards ponderousness rather than agility – a characteristic not solely attributable to the federally mandated bumpers of the era. Mercedes design, during this period, appeared to be shifting towards a heavier, more tank-like design philosophy.
NOTES:
Specifications referenced from Automobile Catalog (2024), Flamming (1992) and Wikipedia (2024).
