Restoring a Mercedes-Benz R107 SL

When it was introduced in 1971, few could have known that production of the R107 would last an impressive 18 years. The famously over-engineered roadster boasts a timeless, clean design with a cabin that feels uncluttered and free compared with modern machinery. The R107 SL quickly became a status symbol, adored by the upper echelons of society and aspired to by many. On the road, an R107 SL doesn’t feel it’s age. With ample power from all engines, responsive steering and easy handling, it’s a classic car that can be used, enjoyed, relied on. An R107 offers space for touring with the roof up or down, and makes an enjoyable long distance companion. As a classic car the R107 has much to offer, able to take on the concours lawn, the autoroute, the hustle and bustle and the Riviera all in the same day. With a choice of six and eight cylinder engines, a spectrum of colours and a wide array of tasteful interior finishes from across the 18 years of production, there is really is a 107 SL for every customer. Which one will you choose? The Mercedes-Benz R107 SL is one of the most iconic cars of the last century. Famously over-engineered and prohibitively expensive, the R107 was adored by the upper echelons of society and remained without equal commercially successful for almost two decades.

Following in the footsteps of the W113, the R107 had much to prove. The Pagoda had been a huge success for Mercedes-Benz, so the R107 had to redefine what was possible in automotive luxury, refinement and safety. This car introduced a new era in automotive design, heralding the straight edges of the future whilst retaining the chrome and luxury of the past. The R107 was always a symbol of class and taste, and it remains so to this day. This ever popular open car has never been out of the spotlight.

Where a modern car offers more horsepower, technology and connectivity, an R107 can connect your soul, your heritage and the history of automotive advancement. An R107 represents the very best in build quality, with that legendary sturdy construction and some of the finest engines ever produced by Mercedes-Benz.

Being one of the finest cars of the last 100 years, the appeal of a ‘brand new’ R107 SL is clear.

At SLSHOP, we have been producing brand new classic cars for over a decade. An SLSHOP restoration is a collaborative endeavour between our creative, talented team of craftsmen and your vision. Together we will work to create your dream SL, in every way a true recreation of what Mercedes-Benz would have delivered to those lucky customers more than three decades ago.

When this car first arrived at SLSHOP, it possessed a full house of undesirables – rust, rot and corrosion were present in all of the usual R107 spots, as well as some of the more unusual places. Right from the outset the goal was clear – to show the world what SLSHOP are capable of – so why make it easy to start with?

Every bit of bad metal had to be painstakingly removed before new parts of the structure could be fabricated, welded, sealed and painted. The body was carefully returned to factory original condition, thirty years of nicks and bumps removed in the process. No part of the car was left untouched before the final layer of Nautic Blue was laid down. Our team worked tirelessly to restore, replace or refresh every piece of this car, inside and out.