Mercedes-Benz R107/C107 (1971–1989)

The Mercedes-Benz R107 SL and C107 SLC were produced for an extraordinary 18 years from 1971 to 1989 — a production run that speaks to the fundamental rightness of the design. The SL roadster with its removable hardtop and optional soft top is one of the most elegant and practical classic sports cars available. The SLC coupe, with its longer wheelbase and fixed roof, was raced successfully in long-distance rallies. The range encompasses the 280SL six-cylinder through to the 560SL V8. The 450SL and 280SL are the most common in Europe. The R107 is supported by an exceptional network of specialists and the Mercedes-Benz Club. The hood mechanism, brake hard line condition and general corrosion are the primary concerns when buying.

Available body styles: Roadster, Coupe. Produced from 1971 to 1989.

Which variant to buy?

The R107/C107 was produced in 3 main variants. The most powerful option is the 560SL (M117) with 272 hp (M117.967 engine). When buying, always verify the engine code matches the claimed variant — swapped engines are common on classic cars of this era.

What to check before buying

Based on 2 reported fault cases, the most important pre-purchase checks for the R107/C107 are:

• W107 SL hood (soft top) mechanism failure ✅ Known fix available
• W107 R107 chain-driven timing rust — idle fluctuation M110 ✅ Known fix available

Is the R107/C107 reliable?

Of the 2 fault cases recorded for the Mercedes-Benz R107/C107 on MyCarFault, 100% have a verified fix. Regular maintenance, correct service intervals and addressing known weak points early significantly extends the life of these vehicles.