In 1971 the Mercedes-Benz SL “Pagoda” was still in production when the new, R107, SL was introduced to the public in the spring of 1971.
It wasn’t a big success in the beginning, but it ended up as the car with the longest lifespan in the Mercedes-Benz stable, behind the G-Class. Its predecessor was a big success and even in 1971 it was in high demand from the market. In fact, both cars were produced on the same time for a few months in 1971. But then, the R107 picked-up more orders.

The car featured a different front end, with horizontal headlights that ran around the corners, on the fenders, with the turn-signal lamps. Like its predecessor, the SL was a two-seat with a retractable canvas top and removable hardtop. However, the 1971 model, represented a departure from the uncompromisingly hard sports car, in favor of a more comfortable yet powerful luxury roadster.

Inside, there was a luxurious cockpit, that featured air-conditioning, leather seats, and a car stereo. The new deflector profiles on the A-pillars kept the side windows clean and the wind outside the cabin too.

The front and rear suspension were basically the same as the “Stroke Eight” models. The car was produced until 1989 and, along its long timeline, it received numerous upgrades including underparts from the W124 model.