1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Cabriolet – Exterior and Interior – Motorworld Classics Bodensee 2022

The 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Cabriolet represents a graceful evolution of a classic. It combined the enduring style and build quality of the R107 SL with a revitalized six-cylinder powertrain and modern amenities. As one of the final R107 models, the 300 SL served as a fitting crescendo for that era – a luxurious open-top cruiser that symbolized the best of Mercedes-Benz in the 1980s.

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 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Cabriolet reintroduced a six-cylinder engine to the SL class. Its 3.0 L inline-six (M103) makes about 188 hp, mated to a 4-speed automatic (5-speed manual optional). This smooth fuel-injected engine provided strong performance and efficiency, reviving the storied “300 SL” nameplate with modern engineering. The R107 chassis was updated in 1985 with standard anti-lock brakes (ABS) and retuned suspension (including 15-inch alloy wheels and a chin spoiler). It retains the SL’s steel unibody construction and 4-wheel disc brakes. In practice, the 300 SL delivers brisk acceleration for its era and famed Mercedes long-distance comfort – blending 1970s-era robustness with 1980s refinements.

Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz
Model Name: Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Cabriolet (R107)
Year of Manufacturing: 1985

Design:

The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Cabriolet carries the classic R107 design – long hood, short rear deck, and restrained chrome detailing – into the mid-1980s. Minor tweaks for 1985, such as new flat-face wheels and a subtle front lip spoiler, freshened its appearance, but the SL’s timeless silhouette remained. As a true convertible, it features a folding soft top (and a removable hardtop) for versatility. The interior offers traditional Mercedes luxury with incremental updates: rich leather upholstery and wood trim alongside improved climate controls. Build quality is evident in every detail, from the solid “thunk” of the doors to the clear, simple gauges. The overall aesthetic is an appealing mix of classic elegance and period-correct tech touches, ensuring the 300 SL still looked prestigious in 1985.

Historical Significance:

Replacing the 280 SL, the 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Cabriolet L brought back a legendary model name and became one of the final developments of the R107 (1971–1989). By this time the SL was an automotive icon – roughly 237,000 R107s were sold worldwide – and the 300 SL helped cap off that success. This variant was offered mainly in Europe (the U.S. only got V8 SLs), giving a more efficient alternative to the V8 without sacrificing luxury. It honored the SL’s heritage with its name and classic styling, while introducing updated engineering and safety features. In that sense, the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Cabriolet serves as a “last hurrah” of the R107 era, bridging the gap between the original 1970s design and the new generation of SLs to come.

Quirks and Pop Culture:

By 1985, the Mercedes SL was firmly established as a symbol of success and taste. The 300 SL, with its blend of vintage style and modern tech, was coveted by buyers who wanted the prestige of an SL with a more economical six-cylinder. Enthusiasts appreciate that it still feels solid and substantial (complete with that vault-like door “thunk”), yet benefits from smoother fuel injection and ABS. While the V8 SLs got more attention, the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Cabriolet has always had a bit of a connoisseur’s appeal among those who favor its balance and relative rarity. Even today, the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Cabriolet evokes the glamour of the 1980s and remains a cherished example of Mercedes’ ability to update a classic without losing its soul.

Display and preservation:

The vehicle was exhibited at Motorworld Classics Bodensee in 2022. This event, held in Friedrichshafen, is a popular gathering for classic car enthusiasts in southern Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. The 2022 edition featured over 800 exhibitors spread across multiple halls and open-air spaces, offering a vibrant mix of vintage automobiles, motorcycles, boats, and aircraft. Visitors could explore restoration workshops, parts markets, and club presentations. A key highlight was the live vehicle auctions and dynamic driving demonstrations on the event grounds. The show reaffirmed its reputation as a hands-on celebration of classic mobility culture.