Mercedes-Benz 350 SL R107
The 1971 350 SL began the long-lived R107 generation and brought V8 power to the SL roadster. This profile covers the European 3.5-litre launch car, not the U.S.-market model badged 350 SL but fitted with a 4.5-litre engine.
Mercedes-Benz 350SL Typ 107 1971 01.jpg · Huhu Uet · CC BY-SA 3.0
More than a set of wheels.
Mercedes-Benz presented the R107 in spring 1971 as a new open two-seater with a removable hardtop and a strong emphasis on crash behaviour. The launch 350 SL used the 3,499 cc V8 already proven in the 280 SE 3.5 family, making 147 kW (200 PS) in European form. Its combination of comfort, safety engineering and durable styling helped the R107 remain in production for 18 years, although this narrow profile stops at the original 350 SL variant.
Look a little closer.
The R107 became one of Mercedes-Benz's longest-running passenger-car shapes, staying in the range for 18 years.
Photos show an example of the model or generation. The pictured vehicle’s year, equipment, or modifications can differ from the specification described here.
A safety-led new SL
The R107 was not just a faster replacement for the W113 “Pagoda.” Mercedes describes an open two-seater designed for advanced crash behaviour, with the fuel tank protected above the rear axle and a body engineered around controlled deformation. That made occupant protection part of the car's architecture rather than an accessory added later.
Source: Mercedes-Benz Heritage — SL model series R107 ↗The badge can hide a different engine
In Europe, the 1971 350 SL meant a 3,499 cc V8 with 200 PS. Some early U.S. cars wore the same 350 SL badge but used a 4.5-litre emissions-market engine. Market is therefore part of the vehicle's identity, and U.S. 4.5-litre figures do not belong on this European launch profile.
Source: Mercedes-Benz Classic — R107 50th anniversary technical release ↗Where these facts come from
- Mercedes-Benz Heritage — SL model series R107
- Mercedes-Benz Classic — R107 50th anniversary technical release
- Mercedes-Benz Clubs — Type 107.043 technical data
- Mercedes-Benz Clubs service archive — R107 technical data
- Wikipedia (Spanish) — Mercedes-Benz R107, supporting dimensions
Selected facts checked for this edition. Some source pages link to broader model families. Last reviewed October 1, 2026.