The Mercedes R107 family covers roadsters (SL) and the longer coupe (SLC) from the early 1970s through 1989. Badges differ by market. This pillar is the model map; detailed buyer guides for the big US three are linked below.
Model guides: 450SL, 380SL, 560SL. History context: R107 history.
What R107 and C107 mean
R107 = SL roadster (removable hardtop, soft top). C107 = SLC coupe (fixed roof, longer wheelbase, rear seats). People say “R107” casually for both; your parts catalog cares which one you actually have.
US models you will see most
| Badge | Approx years (US) | Engine family | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 350SL (US 4.5) | Early 1970s | M117 4.5 | Marketing name vs displacement confusion |
| 450SL / 450SLC | ~1973–1980 | M117 4.5 | Big-bumper US look; K-Jetronic V8 |
| 380SL / 380SLC | ~1981–1985 | M116 3.8 | Early single-row chain risk |
| 560SL | 1986–1989 | M117 5.6 | Late features; final years |
Exact changeover months vary; trust the VIN and data card over a classifieds title.
European and other-market highlights
- 280SL: M110 six in many markets
- 300SL: later six (M103) in some years — not the 1950s Gullwing
- 350SL / 450SL / 500SL / 420SL: V8 ladder with Euro power and bumper/light differences
- 500SL: desirable Euro performance variant; grey-market examples exist in the US with paperwork stories attached
Key change years (buying relevance)
- ~1974: US 5-mph bumper era reshapes front/rear appearance
- ~1981: 380SL replaces 450SL in the US
- ~1984–85: later 380 updates including chain design changes — verify on the car
- 1986: 560SL; improved corrosion protection; ABS era begins for many
- 1988–89: late safety equipment including driver airbag on US cars; 1989 last year premium
SL vs SLC in one paragraph
The SLC stretches the wheelbase and adds a fixed roof and rear seat. It feels more grand tourer than roadster. Values, weight, and parts differ — do not price an SLC as if it were an SL hardtop coupe.
How to identify a car quickly
- VIN / chassis number and data card
- Engine number vs claimed badge
- Bumper and headlight style (US sealed beam vs Euro)
- Presence of ABS pump / airbag wheel on late cars
Production notes
Total R107/C107 production is large by classic standards — these were not tiny hand-built runs. That is good for parts. Rarity premiums attach to certain Euro engines, milestones (first/last), and exceptional originality more than to “any 450SL.”
Performance figures: 0–60 and top speed table.
