1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 SL Cabriolet – Oldtimer-Meeting Baden-Baden 2022

Inhalte Verbergen

1 Technical Details:

2 Design:

3 Historical Significance:

4 Quirks and Pop Culture:

5 Display and preservation:

6 Conclusion:

7 Sources:

Technical Details:

The Mercedes-Benz 350 SL Cabriolet was the first SL with a V8 engine. Its 3.5 L M116 V8 produced about 200 hp, paired with a 4-speed automatic gearbox. This model featured Bosch D-Jetronic electronic fuel injection and four-wheel disc brakes for confident performance. Notable safety features included a fuel tank mounted above the rear axle and a reinforced windshield frame – innovations to better protect occupants in a collision.

Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz
Model Name: Mercedes-Benz 350 SL Cabriolet (R107)
Year of Manufacturing: 1971

Design:

Styled by Joseph Gallitzendörfer under chief designer Friedrich Geiger, the Mercedes-Benz 350 SL Cabriolet’s look is both elegant and robust. It sports a long hood, upright chrome grille, and a short rear deck – classic roadster proportions with a 1970s update. A removable hardtop was offered, effectively turning the open-top into a coupe for winter. The interior, trimmed in durable MB-Tex vinyl and wood accents, emphasized practical luxury. Overall, the R107’s clean lines were a departure from the curvy “Pagoda” SL, giving the 350 SL a modern, confident stance.

Historical Significance:

As successor to the famed “Pagoda” W113 SL, the Mercedes-Benz 350 SL Cabriolet launched Mercedes’s longest-running SL generation. The R107 series stayed in production until 1989 – an 18-year run with over 237,000 units built in total. The Mercedes-Benz 350 SL Cabriolet set the template for 1970s luxury sports convertibles by combining V8 performance, safety, and build quality. It was especially popular in North America, cementing Mercedes’s reputation for opulent roadsters.

Quirks and Pop Culture:

The R107 SL became a pop culture icon and a status symbol of its era. A bright yellow 450 SL (sibling of the 350 SL) co-starred in the TV series Hart to Hart, and a red R107 was driven by Bobby Ewing in Dallas. Early 350 SLs are now prized by collectors, and the R107 line earned the nickname “Panzerwagen” for its tank-like build. Today, this classic convertible is a staple at European car shows, celebrated for its blend of style and solid engineering.

Display and preservation:

The vehicle was exhibited at the Oldtimer-Meeting Baden-Baden in 2022. Set in the elegant spa gardens of Baden-Baden, this open-air event is one of Germany’s most atmospheric classic car gatherings. The 2022 edition marked the 46th year of the meeting and featured over 350 carefully selected vintage vehicles from across Europe. With its picturesque backdrop and festive ambiance, the event draws thousands of visitors who stroll among historic automobiles, enjoy live music, and take in themed displays. In 2022, American classics and convertibles were especially well represented, reflecting the event’s continued celebration of both international and domestic automotive heritage.

Conclusion:

The 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 SL Cabriolet introduced V8 power and new safety standards to the SL-Class, making it a landmark model for Mercedes-Benz. Its timeless design and robust engineering have aged gracefully. For European collectors and history buffs, the 350 SL represents the epitome of 1970s open-top luxury – a classic that combined elegance, performance and longevity.