1971

por Daniel AMG Dom 18 maio 2008 - 20:53

1971:
The First Eight-Cylinder – The 350 SL

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In April 1971, a new Mercedes-Benz 350 SL hit the road – and conquered the customers' hearts straightaway. It was the first SL with an eight-cylinder engine under its elongated hood. Strong, self-assured, representative and masculine compared to its predecessor with its allegedly feminine touch, it presented itself as a well-proportioned roadster from all sides, with an equally well-designed, removable coupe roof.

The bodywork expressed not only elegance and quality but also safety – the open two-seater's crash behavior was far ahead of its time. Both axles rested on comfort-enhancing subframes, the rear assembly being a modern diagonal swing axle.

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A memorable decision

After fierce debates, the Board of Management finally decided to produce the R 107 ( R for roadster ), as the 1971 SL was internally called, on June 18, 1968 . One of the crucial questions was whether the roadster should rather become a coupe with sunroof because alarming news concerning the safety – and type approval – of open-top cars had arrived from the USA : it was touch and go for them, and history has shown that they did, in the end, go.

The Board's decision in favor of a roadster with removable hardtop was therefore a fundamental, future-oriented decision, entirely owing to the then Chief Engineer, Dr. Hans Scherenberg, who had vehemently fought for this concept. "The SL gave me a lot of pleasure, but also a lot of trouble. It was not an easy job," he summarized that memorable meeting at a later stage.

The coupe remained an issue, of course. It was not decided upon on that day but talks were continued on the subject of whether an additional four-seater sports coupe should be designed on the basis of the R 107, or whether an "image coupe" should be launched at a much later point in time, towards the mid-seventies, on the basis of the future S-Class.

Karl Wilfert, head of bodywork design in Sindelfingen at the time, had developed a coupe on the basis of the R 107 somewhat high-handedly, and he did present the rough design to the Board of Management at some stage. It was rejected in the first instance but Wilfert, a man with perseverance, eventually succeeded in gaining acceptance for his idea of a sports coupe.

And so, just six months later, the new SL was followed by a comfortable four-seater sports coupe, the 350 SLC. Its independent design made a large number of friends anywhere in the world in the course of time. In terms of its exterior appearance, the SLC was virtually identical with the roadster up to the windshield – from there on, it displayed an elongated wedge shape. The four-seater passenger compartment was topped by a gently curving roof which flowed into a huge rear screen set at a steep angle and curved in two directions. Contrary to the roadster, the trunk lid had a slightly convex curvature.

Seen from the side, the car's length was demonstrated by a longer wheelbase – 2820 rather than 2460 millimeters – and by the lines of the side windows; as customary on Mercedes coupes, they were fully recessible and unmarred by B-pillars. The coupe's Cd value was clearly better than the roadster's so that it had the same performance in spite of being some 50 kilograms heavier.

62,888 buyers opted for the SLC in the course of its ten-year lifecycle. It is particularly remarkable that it fully lived up to its name, sports coupe, because it scored victory in numerous rallies and long-distance races throughout the world.

Roadster safety

Béla Barényi's safety concept with crumple zones front and rear and the rigid passenger cell – the three-box principle – was also incorporated in further developed quality in the 1971 SL. Unlike its predecessor, the R 107's backbone was not just a shortened and reinforced sedan floor but an independently designed frame/floor unit with an enclosed propeller shaft tunnel and box-shaped cross and side members, their special feature being different sheet metal gauges for deformation to a predefined pattern.

The SL was to be designed by all means as an open-top car without a Targa bar for appearances' sake, so the only safety features for the roadster in the event of a rollover were the A-pillars with the windshield between them. So these pillars were newly developed from the ground up to acquire a strength that was 50 percent higher than in the predecessor. The windshield was bonded to the frame to increase strength. This provided for a remarkable level of resistance in the roof drop test – which meant that the open-top car acquired the safety experts' approval in the USA even without a Targa bar. It goes without saying that the rear screen in the hardtop was also bonded in.

Ground-breaking innovations were also incorporated in the interior. The conventional – hard – dashboard was replaced by an ingeniously designed sheet metal construction: both the upper and knee-impact sections were foam-padded and yielded on impact. Another new feature was the four-spoke steering wheel, designed on the basis of the accident researchers' latest findings. It still incorporated the proven impact absorber but now had rim, spokes and boss padded with polyurethane foam. ABS became optionally available in March 1980, airbag and belt tensioner in January 1982.

A bestseller right from the start

Nevertheless, customers all over the world did not rush to the showrooms to order the new SL with safety in mind. They were attracted by the offer of a perfectly balanced open-top car – the only one of its kind built for years to come and attractive for that reason alone. Its distinctive front end with a dominant SL face, broad-band headlamps and ribbed turn signal lenses gave the car a powerful appearance; the low silhouette featured harmonious lines no matter whether the car was open, closed or fitted with its hardtop, and the slightly concave trunk lid was reminiscent of the Pagoda era. Ribbed, dirt-deflecting broad-band rear lights gave the rear end a strong, masculine touch.

The "fastest" soft-top of all cabriolets and roadsters – a further refined design of the Pagoda version – was highly conducive to comfort and ease of operation: the process of opening or closing took a mere 30 seconds. As customary in SL roadsters by then, the soft-top vanished under a cover when folded down.

From the start of production, the 1971 SL boasted the 3.5 liter eight-cylinder engine which had celebrated its premiere in the 280 SE 3.5 coupe and cabriolet in 1969 and had since been praised to the skies. Its 200 hp at 5800 rpm helped the SL – which weighed as much as 1600 kilograms – to accelerate from standstill to 100 km/h in nine seconds. Its top speed: 212 km/h.

A number of detail features turned life in and with this car into a pleasurable experience. Right from the start, the seats were fitted with head restraints and seat belts. A highly responsive heating and novel air channeling in the area of the doors enhanced well-being and physiological safety. Dirt-deflecting moldings on the A-pillars and exterior mirrors enhanced visibility in poor weather. The windshield wipers, centrally arranged close to each other, swept a remarkable 70 percent of the windshield, were aerodynamically efficient and did not lift off at high speeds.

Engines with catalytic converters

Nobody had foreseen that this SL would remain in production for 18 – highly successful – years. During its lifecycle, a large number of six- and eight-cylinder engines were used, with correspondingly diversified designations for the relevant model versions.

The 280 SL with 185 hp from 1974 until 1985 and the 300 SL from 1985, with 188 hp without and 180 hp with catalytic converter, belonged to the successful six-cylinder lineup. They had virtually the same high performance as the smaller eight-cylinder models but were less expensive and less thirsty.

The first of the eight-cylinder engines was the 200 hp unit in the 350 SL produced from 1971 until 1980. Its larger brother available at the same time, the 450 SL, was blessed with 225 hp. The 500 SL with 240 hp followed in 1980; its engine was completely revised, made of aluminum and combined with a catalytic converter in 1985; it developed 245 hp thereafter and remained on offer – with clearly more moderate drinking habits – until the discontinuation of production in 1989. In 1985, the 450 was replaced by a new 420 SL which developed 218 hp without and 204 hp with catalytic converter. A somewhat exotic model was the 560 SL which was only offered in the US market – with an American catalytic converter and an output of 230 hp.

237,287 roadsters were produced in the course of 18 years. The hardtop was included in the standard specifications in March 1980.

The roadsters and coupes of the R/C 107 series continued the legend as both comfortable tourers and indestructible sports cars. The attraction of the magical letters, SL, remained undiminished, as underscored by 300,175 automotive building blocks of a legend, produced in the course of 18 years.

por Daniel AMG Dom 18 maio 2008 - 20:55

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por Daniel AMG Dom 18 maio 2008 - 20:58

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por Convidad 1 Dom 18 maio 2008 - 23:25

Legal!! Sem dúvidas, 1971 foi a melhor safra hehehe...

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Abraço!

por Convidad Seg 19 maio 2008 - 0:59

As primeiras eram as mais lindas. Paladini, eu comprei há uns anos, uma pasta que foi distrbuida pela MB para a imprensa quando do lançamento da 107. Muitas das fotos que a gente ve em site foram distribuidas nessa pasta e reproduzidas até hoje. Na próxima oportunidade eu te levo.

por Daniel AMG Seg 19 maio 2008 - 8:26

que bom que gostaram da reportagem uly e joao
joao vc tem a foto original acima da vista superior das 3 pretas com as capotas lona aço e aberta

uly cade a placa preta
e esse escapamento ae e original hehehehehehe nsi

por ATS Seg 19 maio 2008 - 9:32

Gostei da foto "aérea" do motor...tudo no seu lugar, sem exageros...

por Convidad 1 Seg 19 maio 2008 - 11:29

Pala, a PP será colocada na semana que vem, essas fotos são antigas (2006, acho).

Já as ponteiras quase me fizeram perder um pontinho, mas eu me comprometi a trocá-las assim que possível. O que me falta é tempo para ficar aí em Sampa cuidando dessas coisas... Wink

Abraço!

por Anchieta Seg 9 Jun 2008 - 22:25

Caros Amigos.

Gostaria de saber se as fotos dos veiculos na cor preta contidas neste tópico (1971), particularmente o de placa HV 9530. É um modelo 1971 mesmo? :?:
Motivo da pergunta:
Minha 350 SL 1971 possui estas mesmas rodas (liga leve), todavia ha quem questione que são incompativeis com o ano do carro.

Grato pela atenção

Anchieta.

por Glutão Seg 9 Jun 2008 - 22:29

Essas rodas são dos modelos mais novos, fase II...

As do nosso ano são as com calotas, acho que as mexericas são mais pra frente, um pouco

por Maluhy Seg 9 Jun 2008 - 22:34

Resolveremos isso o mais rápido possível.....Tio Ully, é só as ponterias que vc quer ou a botija tb?

Ulysses V8 Benz escreveu:Pala, a PP será colocada na semana que vem, essas fotos são antigas (2006, acho).

Já as ponteiras quase me fizeram perder um pontinho, mas eu me comprometi a trocá-las assim que possível. O que me falta é tempo para ficar aí em Sampa cuidando dessas coisas...

Abraço!

por LRValente Ter 10 Jun 2008 - 0:32

Anchieta,

Não sou lá um grande conhecedor, mais sei distinguir algumas diferenças. Se eu falar alguma besteira, alguém me corrija.

Se o seu carro for o vermelho do seu avatar, ele também não tem o spoiler dianteiro.

A série 107 tem 3 fases:
A primeira série começa em fev/71 (350 SL) e vai até fev/80 (350 e 450 SL). Nos primeiros anos vinham só com calotas, depois vieram as rodas mexerica de liga leve, que podiam vir equipadas com o carro ou vendidas como opcionais.
A segunda série começa em maio/80 (500 SL) e vai até 1986. É lançada uma segunda versão de suspenção, surge o spoiler de borracha traseiro e a saída do cinto de segurança tem um novo design (mais elevado), o que altera o desenho da tampa que esconde a capota de lona, há uma elevação. Na última série das 450 SL's (1980), surge o novo desenho para o encosto de cabeça, que perde as duas pontas (orelhas) características das MB's e passam a ter um desenho mais limpo, o qual vai até o fim da produção.
A terceira fase das SL's começa em 1986 e vai até o seu final em setembro/89, quando então é lançada a carroceria 129. Em 1986 surge o spoiler dianteiro, as rodas de aro 15" (apelidadas de Brands Hatch), os bancos passam a ter o encosto com um desenho em concha e uma terceira fase também para a suspenção.

Existem muitas outras alterações, porém estou falando mais da parte estética.

Sou proprietário de uma 500 SL 1982, que também está com o spoiler dianteiro e as rodas de aro 15". O carro fica muito mais bonito. Não fica original, mas é uma alteração aceitável. Poste fotos da sua 350 SL.

por Convidad 1 Ter 10 Jun 2008 - 9:43

Maluhy escreveu:Resolveremos isso o mais rápido possível.....Tio Ully, é só as ponterias que vc quer ou a botija tb?

Ponteiras e botija tb... se vc conseguisse trazer no dia 21, então, seria jóia!! :pos:

Abraço!

por Convidad 1 Ter 10 Jun 2008 - 9:46

Anchieta escreveu:Caros Amigos.

Gostaria de saber se as fotos dos veiculos na cor preta contidas neste tópico (1971), particularmente o de placa HV 9530. É um modelo 1971 mesmo? :?:

Anchieta,

na verdade, tirando a dourada nenhuma das outras fotos é de carros 1971 originais.

Abraço!

por Borba Ter 10 Jun 2008 - 9:48

Anchieta,

so complementando a info do Valente apos maio de 80 sairam os modelos 380 SL e 500 SL .........a minha do avatar e' 380SL... bounce

abracao,

por GR Ter 10 Jun 2008 - 19:11

Meninos eu comprei uma revista portuguesa, muito interessante, falando muito sobre toda a história da R107. É a revista " Motor Clássico" número 9, achei-a bastante interessante e informativa... Shocked

por Convidad 1 Ter 10 Jun 2008 - 19:35

GR,

essa matéria é muito legal mesmo. Essa revista existe em vários idiomas, eu por exemplo tenho em espanhol. Se não me engano já foi comentada em um post...

Seria legal scanear e postar aqui, né?

Abraço!

por GR Ter 10 Jun 2008 - 19:42

É mesmo!!! :roll:

por Andre Buss Ter 10 Jun 2008 - 19:50

Quem mandou digitar GR agora digitaliza. AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH tongue

por Daniel AMG Dom 28 Dez 2008 - 19:51

wallpaper de alta resolução
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o modelo e os creditos esta na propria foto

por **Hiro** Dom 28 Dez 2008 - 20:19

A SL da foto é uma série II, portanto não pode ser uma 350SL...

por Fabiok Seg 29 Dez 2008 - 16:27

Sem contar que o "modelo" que a pilota é feio pra diabo....heheh

por GR Seg 29 Dez 2008 - 18:17

Ele é parente do Belchior?

por Convidad Seg 29 Dez 2008 - 19:10

Hiro,

Voce estah quase que um bastiao das critiquezes hein! De fato, o modelo eh uma ludica fase II, mas parabenizemos o taqui pela iniciativa de colocar este bigodudo pilotando a 107.

O modelo correto, mas noutra cor , esta ilustrado abaixo.

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por GR Seg 29 Dez 2008 - 19:29

John, bela combinação de cores...

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