Mercedes-Benz History: The Rally Car You Should Build

By Yoav Gilad - October 24, 2013

Mercedes-Benz was active on the global rally circuit in the late 1970’s and developed a new car for the 1981 World Rally Championship. They hired Walter Rorhl, who had just won the WRC for Fiat in 1980, to test the new R107 SL500 and give input. The car was based on a street-driven SL except that floor panels were swapped for thinner ones normally used in sedans, an aluminum rollcage, polycarbonate windows (except the windshield which was bonded to the frame), gutted interior featuring sub-nine pound seats.

Mechanically it was fitted with a standard 5.0L MB V-8, but it featured an innovative four-speed automatic gearbox that the driver could shift manually. The car was also fitted with a shorter final drive ratio as acceleration is more important than top speed in rallying. Sadly, the car never raced as MB killed the program because they thought it pointless to invest in something where results couldn’t be guaranteed, especially considering how well the SL was doing in the marketplace.

So why should YOU build this? Just look at it! This thing is mean! And if you do, we promise to feature your re-creation…