Made to measure
You’ve found the car, now it’s time to check its dimensions and make sure it fits into your life – get the lowdown on Mercedes’ magnificent R107 SL
When it was launched in 1971, the R107 SL featured increased dimensions in almost every area compared with the preceding W113 SL Pagoda. Here was a new kind of Mercedes-Benz SL with grand touring luxury at its heart, and at least one eye on the needs of the vast North American market.
It was the first SL to boast eight-cylinder power, and advance the safety features of the Pagoda to the next level. The R107 SL came equipped with a sturdy hardtop and fabric soft top as standard, making it prepared for all weather situations.
Below are the R107 SL’s vital statistics, applicable to every model: 280SL, 300SL, 350SL, 380SL, 420SL, 450SL, 500SL and 560SL.
| LETTER | ASPECT | MEASUREMENT (MM) | MEASUREMENT (IN) |
| A | Overall height at kerb weight | 1,295mm | 51.0in |
| B | Overall width including mirrors | 1,790mm | 70.5in |
| C | Overall length | 4,390mm | 172.8in |
| D | Wheelbase | 2,460mm | 96.9in |
| E1 | Track width, front | 1,465mm | 57.7in |
| E2 | Track width, rear | 1,465mm | 57.7in |
| F | Steering wheel to driver’s seat backrest | 488mm | 19.2in |
| G | Seat height, front | 928mm | 36.5in |
| H | Driver’s backrest to rear panel | 480mm | 18.9in |
| J | Overall seat width | 1,310mm | 51.6in |
| K | Width at shoulder height, front | 1,348mm | 53.1in |
| L | Interior width, rear | 970mm | 38.2in |
| Boot space (VDA) | Approx 260 litres | 9.2cu ft |
