Vehicle Description
The Mercedes-Benz SL name has always signified a certain level of
automotive style and sophistication, and each new generation seems
both to define and be defined by its era. Such was the case when
the R107 model SL came on the scene in 1971 as a replacement for
the popular 230/250/280SL W113 series. The family of models existed
with minimal changes until 1989, a remarkable production run for a
luxury convertible. The first-year 1972 cars were dubbed 350SL in
keeping with the model designation for Europe, despite actually
carrying a 4.5-liter V-8 under the hood. The fuel-injected V-8
featured an overhead cam and delivered 230 horsepower. It was
paired with a three-speed automatic, with no manual transmission on
offer. Suspension was fully independent and four-wheel disc braking
was standard. Also in 1972, the car's name was revised and 450SL
would be the model designation moving forward. Another revision was
the way in which horsepower was rated, and the new SAE net meant
the 450SL's power was listed at 190 hp. The following year, the
450SL grew large safety bumpers front and rear in keeping with
federal regulations. In 1975, emissions requirements reduced output
to 180 hp with the addition of a catalytic converter. .
