Description
An automotive icon
The Mercedes 500SL R107 is a legendary car that has left its mark on the history of luxury motoring. Produced from 1980 to 1989, this elegant convertible not only embodied style and sophistication, but also set new standards in performance and technical innovation.
The Mercedes-Benz R107 series made its debut in 1971 with the 350SL model. This series was designed to succeed the much-loved W113 series, commonly known as the 'Pagoda', which had set high standards for luxury sports cars. The 500SL, introduced in 1980, quickly became the flagship model in the range. It represented the pinnacle of the R107 series with its 5. 0-litre V8 engine, combining power and refinement.
The 500SL was developed at a time when Mercedes-Benz was striving to establish its reputation for safety and reliability, in addition to the brand's luxury credentials. It incorporated many of the technological innovations that were at the forefront of the automotive industry at the time. These innovations were often the result of decades of research and development, with a particular focus on continuously improving safety, comfort and performance.
The Mercedes 500SL R107 boasts an impressive technical specification:
- Engine: 5. 0-litre V8 with Bosch K-Jetronic electronic fuel injection
- Power: Approximately 240 hp at 4, 750 rpm
- Torque: 402 Nm at 3200 rpm
- Transmission: 4-speed automatic.
- Top speed: Approximately 225 km/ h- Acceleration: 0 to 100 km/ h in around 7. 5 seconds
In terms of safety, the 500SL was equipped with advanced systems for its time, such as ABS (anti-lock braking system), a revolutionary feature. The chassis was also designed to offer maximum rigidity and safety in the event of an accident, with deformation zones programmed to absorb impact energy.
The design of the 500SL R107 is timeless. The exterior features elegant, classic lines, a long bonnet that houses the powerful V8 engine, and an iconic grille with the Mercedes star standing proudly in the centre. Square headlights and chrome bumpers add to the car's sophisticated look.
The interior of the 500SL was equally impressive, showcasing high quality materials and meticulous attention to detail. The leather seats offered exceptional comfort, especially with the RECARO option, while the ergonomic dashboard allowed the driver to easily control all aspects of the vehicle. The easy-to-operate fabric soft top provided an unrivalled open-top driving experience, and Mercedes also offered a removable hardtop as an option, transforming the 500SL into a stylish coupé for the winter months.
Mercedes-Benz engineers also ensured that the 500SL offered exceptional driving comfort. The independent suspension and adjustable dampers contributed to precise handling and a comfortable ride, whether on motorways or winding roads. The air conditioning and heating systems were designed to maintain optimum comfort in all weather conditions.
The Mercedes 500SL R107 was not only a symbol of luxury and performance, it was also a pioneering vehicle in terms of automotive technology. In addition to ABS, the 500SL introduced a number of other technical innovations that influenced the automotive industry.
- Airbags: The 500SL was among the first models to offer airbags, a significant addition to occupant safety. Front airbags were available for the driver and front passenger, representing a major advance in crash protection.
- Traction Control: Another notable addition was the Traction Control system, designed to improve the vehicle's stability on slippery surfaces. This system reduced wheel spin by automatically adjusting engine power and applying the brakes if necessary.
- Chassis and Suspension: The 500SL's chassis was a true engineering feat, designed to offer maximum rigidity while maintaining a relatively low weight. The four-wheel independent suspension provided exceptional handling and superior ride comfort.
The success of the Mercedes 500SL R107 was immediate, and its aura inspired the greatest from Hollywood to the British crown. The 500SL, often favored by Hollywood stars, appeared regularly in numerous films and television series, becoming a veritable icon of glamour and luxury on the screen. Films such as "American Gigolo" and TV series such as "Dallas" helped to reinforce its image as a dream car. The 500SL was also appreciated by royalty. Princess Diana, for example, owned an R107, adding to the aura of prestige surrounding the car. Her choice of the 500SL was widely publicised in the media, further raising the profile and desire for the car among the general public.
As a result, the R107 is one of Mercedes-Benz's longest-running production series, running for 18 years from 1971 to 1989. This is testament to its popularity and pioneering design, which kept it competitive and desirable for almost two decades. During this period, over 237, 000 units of the R107 were produced, making it one of the best-selling series in Mercedes-Benz history.
500SL racing: although primarily designed as a luxury car, the 500SL also took on the rigours of racing. As well as appearances on the racetrack, a project for a 500SL Rally was born from the dynamic mind of Max Waxenberger. He had the car fitted with an aluminium roll bar and replaced some of the metal chassis panels with thinner ones. The roof was not welded but fixed with seven screws. Much of the interior has also been modified, with the Recaro plastic driver's seat weighing just 4kg. In the end, the new Mercedes R107 rally car weighed in at 1, 350kg. That's around 236kg less than the 500SLC. Following a last-minute disagreement between Waxenberger and the factory, the project was abandoned, although 4 cars were produced to be entrusted to the expert hands of Röhrl and Vatanen...
In conclusion: the Mercedes 500SL R107 remains an iconic car in automotive history. With its timeless design, impressive performance and association with glamour and luxury, it continues to be appreciated by collectors and car enthusiasts around the world. Its heritage endures, making it not only a treasured collector's item, but also an icon of automotive engineering and design. As a symbol of a bygone era when precision engineering and refined design went hand in hand, the Mercedes 500SL R107 remains a living automotive legend.
Our Mercedes 500SL (107. 046) was built to European specification for the Bremen dealership in Germany in October 1988 before being delivered to its first owner in Japan. The factory sheet indicates a Dark Blue exterior colour (Code 9040) with a Royal Blue interior (Code 272) and Recaro seats.
A number of options appear on the factory sheet:
- Exterior temperature gauge
- Trip computer
- Rear axle with self-locking differential
- Tempomat (cruise control) and Airbag
- Heated left-hand mirrors
- Automatic antenna
- Anti-theft system
- Rear seats
- Automatic climate control
- Heated rear window
- Headlamp wiper system
- Soft Top lining Code 5010 dark blue
The car will remain in Japan for the rest of its life, as evidenced by all the notebooks and documents in Japanese, before returning to FRANCE in 2018. When he current owner purchased the car with 94, 795km on the clock. Regularly maintained, it now has 98, 628 km and has just been serviced (oil change, filters, new callipers, brake pads and hoses, etc.).
Our 500SL is sure to delight long-distance travellers, who will be able to enjoy this car's elegant navy blue livery all year round thanks to the Hardtop supplied with the car.
