The Paul Bracq-penned second generation 1963-71 Mercedes-Benz SL W113 series (often nicknamed the Pagoda due to its dished removable hardtop roof) was a tough act to follow after an eight-year production run of this eye-catchingly iconic sportster of the ‘swinging sixties.’ Mercedes pulled off something of a coup though with its W113 successor, the R107 series SL. First launched in 1971, and not replaced until 1989 by the subsequent more raking R129-Series 1989-2001 SL, this stylish, solidly built and engineered – but ultimately bland – ‘sporting’ Mercedes-Benz lead an exceptionally long and successful 18-year career, with more than 237,000 examples being built (plus an additional 63,000 SLC C107 long-wheelbase 2+2 coupe derivatives, based on a stretched R107 platform).
The new two-seater SL roadster, plus its extended wheelbase 2+2 SLC sidekick (1972-81), hit the ground running, immediately attracting a healthy order intact. During its 18-year run, the appearance of the SL changed very little, from its horizontal headlights and proud thrusting chromed grille, through to its fluted tail lamps (shaped to keep the rear lenses clean in all weathers, a Mercedes first that were later shared with the 1972-81 S-Class W116-series and featured on most subsequent models of the Stuttgart marque), it’s conservative styling causing little offence yet failing to set pulses racing.
Although visually little changed over its lengthy 18-year production career, this SL model’s engine programme altered considerably through this time. Initially launched in 350SL, 200PS (141kW) straight-six guise only, the R107 range was soon expanded to include an entry 280SL with 190PS (140kW), right up to a 560SL, 230PS (169kW) V8 for the North American markets only, where the majority of SLs were sold.
Beloved by upwardly-mobile members of golf clubs and the jet set worldwide, (plus Hollywood movies and with TV appearances in abundance in period, with Bobby Ewing of the global early-‘80s hit soap opera Dallas driving one, adorned with huge and ugly American federal bumpers and quad round headlamps for the North American markets), the R107 SL’s sober but safe styling hit the sweet spot from day one, even if it wasn’t quite as pretty and satisfying as its 1960s predecessor, not helped by its uber-short wheelbase nor unfeasibly long front and rear overhangs.