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  4. III (R107)

Mercedes-Benz SL III (R107) gallery (1971–1989)

The third-generation R107 remained in production for 18 years from 1971 to 1989, becoming the longest-running SL series in history.

All photos 678 I (W198/W121) 69 1954–1963 II (W113) 12 1963–1971 III (R107) 4 1971–1989 IV (R129) 2 1989–2001 V (R230) 172 2001–2011 VI (R231) 275 2012–2020 VII (R232) 92 2021
Mercedes-Benz SL III (R107), roadster, green, front three-quarter view — photo 106277 600 x 450 1 SL-Class W107
roadster A classic dark green two-door roadster with a removable hardtop, chrome trim, and twin round headlights, parked in an asphalt lot.
Mercedes-Benz SL III (R107), roadster, white, front three-quarter view — photo 106276 1623 x 931 2 SL-Class W107
roadster A classic white two-door open-top roadster parked outdoors on pavement near a fence and event banners. The car features a prominent chrome and rubber front bumper, dual round headlights, a black leather interior, and multi-hole alloy wheels.
Mercedes-Benz SL III (R107), coupe, silver, rear three-quarter view — photo 36979 1600 x 1200 112 1978
coupe A vintage silver sports coupe in full racing livery with the number 78 and sponsor logos on the side, featuring bolt-on widebody fenders, an interior roll cage, and gold deep-dish mesh wheels, photographed from a rear three-quarter angle.
Mercedes-Benz SL III (R107), coupe, silver, front three-quarter view — photo 36978 1600 x 1200 101 1978
coupe Silver racing coupe featuring wide fender flares, a front spoiler, gold mesh wheels, and racing livery with number 78.

The third-generation Mercedes-Benz SL (R107 chassis) was manufactured continuously from 1971 to 1989, representing the second longest single production run in Mercedes history after the G-Class. The R107 adopted clean exterior styling with safety-focused ribbed rear light clusters designed to shed dirt. A fixed-roof four-seater coupe derivative with an extended wheelbase, the SLC (C107), was built alongside the roadster until 1981.

Over its 18-year lifespan, the R107 was powered by a wide range of gasoline powerplants, including 2.8L and 3.0L inline-sixes (280 SL, 300 SL) alongside V8 engines ranging from 3.5L to 5.6L (560 SL for North American and Asian markets). Mechanical systems evolved significantly with fuel injection advancements (D-Jetronic to K-Jetronic and KE-Jetronic), introduction of ABS brakes, and addition of driver airbags. Total roadster production exceeded 237,000 units.