The SL class of Mercedes-Benz automobiles was introduced in 1954 and proved so successful that it remained in production through 1998. The SL, for 'Sport Lightweight,' were grand touring sports cars that offered a high degree of luxury and performance. The all-new Mercedes 350SL convertible and 350SLC coupe were introduced in 1971 as a replacement for the long-running 230/250/280SL (W113) series. The convertibles were internally designated Type R107 and the Coupes were designated C107. The designs were courtesy of Bruno Sacco who also worked on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class sedans of the 1970s. In comparison to its predecessors, the 350SL was slightly larger and more rounded in overall proportions and used a unibody structure incorporating steel, rather than the aluminum body panels of the outgoing 280SL. The interior was more luxurious and modern. The European-specification 350SL examples received a 3.5-liter V8 engine, while most of the North American market cars were powered by a 4.5-liter V8 engine. The larger V8 engine had more torque and allowed the use of taller rear-axle ratios resulting in better fuel economy and freeway cruising abilities. Complying with American regulations and safety requirements, the American-delivered cars had larger, rubberized DOT-compliant bumpers and quad headlamps. Most used an automatic gearbox. They had a thick, padded steering wheel and accident crumple zones, and reinforced A-pillars. The R107-generation SL series received continuous refinement and modifications and ultimately remained in production for nearly two decades in five variants. The 450SL was powered by a 4.5-liter V8 engine and was built from the model year 1973 through 1980. It would star in several movies and television shows, including 'Dynasty,' 'Hart to Hart,' 'Kojak,' 'The Six Million Dollar Man' and 'The Streets of San Francisco.'
The final 450SL was produced in October of 1980.
By Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2020
Production
66,298 examples of the 450 SL were built including 5,583 for the final 1980 model year. The R107 was one of the convertibles on the market throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s, as most United States manufacturers were fearful of potentially new and stricter rollover standards.
66,298 examples of the 450 SL were built including 5,583 for the final 1980 model year. The R107 was one of the convertibles on the market throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s, as most United States manufacturers were fearful of potentially new and stricter rollover standards.
By Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2020
Related Reading : Mercedes-Benz 450 SL History
The Mercedes-Benz 450 SL was produced from 1973 through 1980. During its production lifespan, 66298 examples were created. The 350 and 450 SL were built as replacements for the 230, 250, and 280 SL model range. Under the hood was an eight-cylinder, OHC engine capable of carrying the car to a top speed of over 120 mph and sprint from zero-to-sixty in just over ten seconds. The 450 SL had the larger....
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