Fifty years ago, in April 1971, Mercedes launched the R107 350 SL, the first SL model fitted with a V8 engine and the second longest-running production Mercedes model to date.

The automaker kept the R107 SL in production from 1971 to 1989; during these 18 years, the two-seater luxury convertible received regular facelifts and new engines to keep up with the competition.

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The R107 SL was a brand new car, having little to do with its predecessor, the also-famous ‘Pagoda’ SL. The German luxury convertible featured many technical and safety innovations at the time, with the body offering defined crumple behavior, a fuel tank positioned above the rear axle, A-pillars made out of high-strength steel, and more. In 1980, Mercedes started fitting the SL with ABS, and from 1982 with a driver’s airbag and seat-belt tensioners.

The 3.5-liter V8 with its 200 HP was a carryover from the W111 280SE 3.5, but those wanting even more power could opt for the 450 SL and its 225 HP, a model which was available only in the U.S. until 1973. A year later, Mercedes added the 185 HP six-cylinder 280 SL to the range.

The 1980 facelift introduced an interior overhaul for the SL, bringing it in line with the W126 S-Class. The 380 SL replaced the 350 SL, and the 450 SL made way for the new and more powerful 500 SL with its 240 HP. Mercedes also upgraded a wide range of other oily bits as well, including the automatic transmission.

The 1985 update brought 15-inch wheels, a uniform front spoiler for all variants, and an upgraded front suspension. The range now included the entry-level 300 SL with 188 HP, the then-new 420 SL with 218 HP, and the 500 SL which received a redesigned engine with an electronic ignition system. The range-topping 560 SL was offered outside Europe as well, including North America, Japan, and Australia.

Mercedes sold a total of 237,287 examples of the R107 SL-Class over a period of 18 years, making it one of the most popular members of the SL family thanks to its perfect combination of luxury and sportiness.

The Mercedes-Benz R107 SL Is Now Half A Century Old
The Mercedes-Benz R107 SL Is Now Half A Century Old
The Mercedes-Benz R107 SL Is Now Half A Century Old
The Mercedes-Benz R107 SL Is Now Half A Century Old
The Mercedes-Benz R107 SL Is Now Half A Century Old
The Mercedes-Benz R107 SL Is Now Half A Century Old
The Mercedes-Benz R107 SL Is Now Half A Century Old
The Mercedes-Benz R107 SL Is Now Half A Century Old
The Mercedes-Benz R107 SL Is Now Half A Century Old
The Mercedes-Benz R107 SL Is Now Half A Century Old
The Mercedes-Benz R107 SL Is Now Half A Century Old
The Mercedes-Benz R107 SL Is Now Half A Century Old
The Mercedes-Benz R107 SL Is Now Half A Century Old
The Mercedes-Benz R107 SL Is Now Half A Century Old
The Mercedes-Benz R107 SL Is Now Half A Century Old
The Mercedes-Benz R107 SL Is Now Half A Century Old
The Mercedes-Benz R107 SL Is Now Half A Century Old
The Mercedes-Benz R107 SL Is Now Half A Century Old
The Mercedes-Benz R107 SL Is Now Half A Century Old
The Mercedes-Benz R107 SL Is Now Half A Century Old
The Mercedes-Benz R107 SL Is Now Half A Century Old
The Mercedes-Benz R107 SL Is Now Half A Century Old
The Mercedes-Benz R107 SL Is Now Half A Century Old
The Mercedes-Benz R107 SL Is Now Half A Century Old