An R107 Like No Other: The 300SL SportLine From the SL Shop
To many of us, the R107 wasn’t the most desirable of the SL’s storied history. The Pagoda roof that came before is now a classic, and the R129 saw all-new levels of refinement and speed, and is currently a bargain buy. But there is a niche market for the R107, and in England, the guys who sustain those enthusiasts are known as the SL Shop. They saw a market for a modernized version of the classic droptop, and the result is the SportLine you see here.
Literally everything has been gone over or improved, with the main focus on the 300SL’s straight-six engine. With a focus on the driving dynamics, the 6-cylinder engine was chosen over the heavier V8, but after modernizing the ignition, upgrading camshafts, and letting it breathe, the engine now produces more power than the standard 8-cylinder.
Suspension components were also changed to give a tighter feel, but not to the point where the SL loses its comfort. It balances sports-car feel and grand-touring comfort quite well.
The interior is no different, with re-upholstered seats, and black leather on the dashboard, steering wheel, and shift lever accented by red stitching. Nothing is a glaring standout, just simply improved — almost as if Mercedes were making it today.
The SL Shop has taken the same kind of thinking that Singer applies to classic 911s, and has adapted it to the 300SL. Pretty smart, don’t you think?
Chime in with your thoughts on the forum. >>
