The R107 was developed as a successor to the W113 SL-Class, utilizing chassis components from the midsize 1968 W114 model. While the R107 was designed as a two-seat convertible with a detachable roof, the C107 (SLC) was a four-seat hardtop coupe built on a wheelbase 36 cm longer than the roadster. This marked the only instance where Mercedes-Benz derived an S-class coupe from a stretched SL platform rather than a saloon.
Volume production began in April 1971 with the 350SL, followed by the 350SLC in October. Early 1971 models were equipped with Bosch electronic fuel injection and an optional four-speed fluid coupling automatic gearbox, capable of 0-60 mph in 8 seconds. In the United States, early cars were badged as 350SL but featured a 4.5-liter V8 engine; these were officially renamed the 450SL for the 1973 model year.
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, the series underwent several mechanical evolutions. In 1974, the 280SL and 280SLC were introduced with a 2.8L straight-6 engine. Fuel management transitioned from the electronic Bosch D Jetronic to the mechanical K Jetronic in 1975, and eventually to the computer-controlled KE Jetronic in 1985.
The North American market remained the primary focus, though cars there were subject to stringent emission regulations and safety mandates. From 1974, US models featured bumpers lengthened by 8 inches to comply with 5 mph impact regulations. While the European 500SL produced 215 hp, the American 380SL—the least powerful US roadster—produced significantly less, reaching 0-60 mph in 9.3 seconds. Because the 5.0-liter engine was not available in the US, a "gray market" emerged where customers imported European specification cars until Congress eliminated the option in 1988.
The 450SLC 5.0 was introduced in 1977 as a homologation version for the World Rally Championship. It featured an all-aluminium five-liter V8 and aluminium alloy body panels, reducing weight by over 100kg compared to the standard 450SLC. Only 2,769 units of the "5.0" were produced between 1977 and 1981.
Mechanical reliability varied across the production run. The 1975 and 1976 450SL models suffered from vapor lock due to the under-bonnet placement of the catalytic converter. Additionally, 380SL models from 1981 to 1983 were prone to single-row timing chain failures, a defect Mercedes-Benz corrected with a double-row chain in 1984.
The SLC coupe was discontinued first in 1981, replaced by the W126-based 380SEC and 500SEC. The R107 roadster continued until August 4, 1989. The final car produced was a Signal Red 500SL, which is now housed in the Mercedes-Benz museum in Stuttgart.
The 450SLC 5.0 achieved significant success in international rallying. In 1978, Andrew Cowan and Colin Malkin won the 7,000-kilometer Vuelta a la América del Sur. In 1979, Hannu Mikkola won the Bandama Rally in Côte d'Ivoire and secured second place in the Safari Rally despite suspension issues. The factory team disbanded after the 1980 season, selling its equipment to Albert Pfuhl, who later entered the cars in the 1984 Paris–Dakar Rally under a blue and white "BOSS" livery.
AMG offered various performance enhancements for the R107 and C107, including two tiers of engine upgrades for the M117 V8. Tier 2 upgrades included larger valves and longer valve timing, increasing output by 46 hp. Specialized individual vehicles were also produced, such as a 350 SLC 6.3 and a 450 SLC 6.9, both utilizing the M100 engine. AMG also manufactured at least one convertible based on the SLC coupe platform.
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