1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Cabriolet – Exterior and Interior – Retro Classics Stuttgart 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 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Cabriolet is a late-stage example of the R107 SL, carrying a proven 3.0 L inline-six engine delivering around 188 hp. This Bosch fuel-injected powerplant (M103) is paired with a smooth 4-speed automatic, providing confident acceleration and refined cruising manners. By 1987, the SL’s engineering included standard ABS brakes and improved suspension tuning for reliable handling. The car’s chassis – a sturdy steel monocoque with independent suspension all around – had been honed over 16 years of production to blend comfort and stability. Four-wheel disc brakes and power steering complete the grand-touring package, making the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Cabriolet feel solid and composed even by late-’80s standards.

Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz
Model Name: Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Cabriolet (R107)
Year of Manufacturing: 1987

Design:

Even in 1987, the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Cabriolet retained the timeless design cues of the SL lineage. It sports the classic long-hood, short-tail proportions, an upright chrome grille with the three-pointed star, and twin round headlamps – an elegant look little changed since the 1970s. Subtle updates like 15-hole alloy wheels and a low-profile front spoiler keep it contemporary, but the aesthetic is vintage Mercedes class. The two-seat cabin is trimmed in high-quality leather and polished wood, and by the late ’80s it featured amenities like automatic climate control and optional heated seats. Notably, a driver’s airbag became available around this time, reflecting Mercedes’ push for safety. Whether the soft top is up or the removable hardtop is on, the 300 SL remains quiet and comfortable. In all, the design is a blend of old-school luxury and subtle modernization that still turned heads in 1987.

Historical Significance:

By 1987, the R107 SL was approaching the end of an extraordinary production run (1971–1989). The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Cabriolet of this year is one of the final iterations, representing Mercedes-Benz’s perfected formula for a luxury roadster. Over its lifespan, the R107 became the most successful SL generation with nearly 237,000 units produced. The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Cabriolet helped close out that legacy, offering a six-cylinder alternative to the V8 560 SL in an era of rising efficiency concerns. It demonstrated how Mercedes kept an aging model relevant through incremental improvements until the all-new R129 SL arrived in 1989. As such, the 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Cabriolet is historically significant as a “last hurrah” of the classic SL – embodying the craftsmanship and design of a bygone era just before the transition to a more modern 1990s style.

Quirks and Pop Culture:

In the late ’80s, owning a Mercedes SL was a sign of success and sophistication. The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Cabriolet, despite its 1970s roots, remained a coveted status symbol. One quirk of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Cabriolet Cabriolet is its enduring build quality – the solid thunk of its closing doors and bank-vault feel were uncommon in most ’80s convertibles. Marrying classic looks with modern conveniences meant that even as it neared the end of production, it didn’t feel outdated. The model had frequent cameos in 1980s pop culture (from TV dramas to fashion photo shoots) as shorthand for luxury and style. Enthusiasts note that the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Cabriolet’s inline-six gives it a slightly nimbler feel than its V8 siblings, a subtle trait that fans appreciate. Overall, the 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Cabriolet reflects the glamour of its time – a car that, even in its final years, symbolized affluence and fine taste.

Display and preservation:

The vehicle was exhibited at the Retro Classics Stuttgart in 2022. This car show is one of the major events on the classic car calendar in Germany. In 2022, it took place across five exhibition halls. Visitors can enjoy special showcases, hunt for rare parts and books, and buy cars—both private sellers and dealers offer a wide range of classic and youngtimer vehicles. In 2022, there was a noticeable increase in low-mileage youngtimers and classic cars.

Conclusion:

The 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Cabriolet represents the culmination of the R107 SL’s evolution. It encapsulates over a decade and a half of refinements, resulting in a classic roadster with reliable performance, timeless design, and an enviable reputation. As one of the last of the R107 line, this 300 SL bridged the classic and modern eras for Mercedes – delivering the tried-and-true charm of a 1970s SL with the amenities and engineering confidence of the 1980s.