Mercedes-Benz 350SL W107 1974 — 125,820 KM

Mercedes-Benz 300 SL (R107) – the last, great classic SL of the analog era

When the R107 SL debuted in 1971 as the successor to the W113 “Pagoda,” Mercedes steered its open-top icon decisively toward grand-touring. Longer, safer and more refined, it wore the crisp Bruno Sacco lines that came to define Stuttgart’s 1970s and 1980s design language. Over an extraordinary 18-year run, the R107 became one of Mercedes’ longest-lived passenger cars, outlasted only by the G-Class. It evolved gently rather than dramatically—steadfast, impeccably engineered, and always ready for an autobahn sprint with the hardtop on and the heater glowing.

The final act arrived in 1985 with the 300 SL, powered by the smooth M103 3.0-litre inline-six. With up to 188 hp (market and catalyst depending) and a choice of five-speed manual or four-speed automatic, it served as the European sweet spot: lighter over the nose than the V8s, brisk enough to touch ~220 km/h, and markedly more economical. In countries with displacement taxes (Italy, parts of Benelux, etc.), it made compelling sense and quickly became the sales leader in several markets—especially the UK, where many enthusiasts sought the manual gearbox for its added verve.

Across the R107’s lifespan, Mercedes layered in upgrades that underscored its reputation for safety and solidity: ABS became available in 1980, airbags and belt tensioners followed in the early 1980s, rust protection improved, and by 1985 the range adopted 15-inch “Gullideckel” alloys and detail refinements inside and out. The 300 SL used Bosch KE-Jetronic injection and, in most markets, a catalytic converter by the late 1980s.

Rivals were numerous yet different in flavour. Jaguar’s XJ-S charmed with V12 charisma, Porsche’s 911 Cabriolet was the purist’s choice, and BMW’s 635CSi offered four-seat GT practicality. The SL countered with imperious build quality, all-season usability (thanks to that beautifully finished steel hardtop), and long-distance composure that critics of the day described as “effortless” and “hewn-from-solid.” If detractors found the steering a touch aloof, they conceded its stability and refinement were unmatched.

Culturally, the R107 became shorthand for aspirational success. It co-starred in 1980s television—think the red 450 SL in Dallas and the 450 SL frequently seen in Hart to Hart—and featured prominently in period advertising that played up its dual-top versatility: a boulevardier with the roof stowed, a mini-coupé with the hardtop locked in. AMG and specialist tuners even created wide-body curios that now command cult followings. By the time the R129 replaced it in 1989, the R107 had cemented the SL as a byword for tasteful luxury. The 300 SL, especially, stands today as the driver’s pick: the most balanced, the most efficient, and arguably the purest way to enjoy the last truly classic SL.