By Brian Long

Faux-leather bound hardback • Silver foil debossed design • 30.5x25cm (9.84x12in) • 304 pages • over 450 photos and illustrations

Cover image | Sample PDF | Contents list

STRICTLY LIMITED EDITION OF 107 COPIES

Beautifully presented, extremely limited, and featuring stunning contemporary photography sourced from the factory, this catalogue raisonné reveals the complete history, from world markets and sales figures, to competition history, colour and trim options and more.

It may be hard to believe but the 107 series Mercedes-Benz SL was launched over half a century ago, yet its timeless styling has meant that it has remained attractive and desirable to new generations of enthusiasts throughout this time – as well as drivers going back to the models they purchased when these cars were originally available in dealerships.

In addition, the availability and practicality of the SLC – an extended, four-seat fixed-head coupé version – only adds to the desirability of these classic German machines. The combination of superb original design, peerless engineering, and excellent build quality has ensured that many of these superb cars are still to be seen in regular use on today's roads.

This unique, limited edition volume details the Mercedes-Benz 107 series models of 1971 to 1989: a huge challenge, given their ever-changing specifications. Highly regarded motoring historian and marque expert Brian Long's extensive research, as well as his personal ownership experience of the cars, combine to make this a volume of unrivalled detail. Based on the now out-of-print original edition of 2010, this work has been revised and expanded to make a unique catalogue raisonné.

The history of Mercedes-Benz is really the history of the automobile itself: long, complicated, and fascinating. It's a tale of how two engineers and rival inventors came together to create a manufacturing dynasty: Carl Benz, who's engineering business created the first purpose-built petrol engine-powered vehicle, the Benz Patent Motorwagen in 1883, and Gottlieb Daimler who developed the world's first motorcycle engine in 1885.

The progenitor of the 107 series was the legendary Mercedes-Benz racing team. Re-entering the racing world after World War II, 1952 marked the return of the Stuttgart marque with the debut of its purpose-built, factory-backed W194. The story of racing success is central to the SL and SLC story, and Long reveals the development and evolution of the SL models, both road and racing models: from 300SL and 190SL, to the W113 'Pagoda' roof models that directly preceded the 107 series.

The development and design of the 107 series was a balancing act between the needs of the now highly lucrative US market, and the marque's traditional customer base in Europe. Styling considerations, technical requirements, and individual aspects such powertrains, chassis components, and interiors are all covered in detail.

Befitting the SL and SLC models, this attractive volume is illustrated throughout with superb contemporary photography sourced from the factory, supporting Long's detailed narrative to provide a full picture: from model shots and reproductions of advertisements, to corporate literature and brochures. You'll also find detailed colour and trim charts, showing the chassis, hood and trim colours and options for various model years.

Year-by-year range details shows model name, designations, engine models and sales regions Summary of specifications of all 107-series models, in chronological/engine size order, with notes …
Engine specifications are given for all of the mainstream engines used in the 107 series Details all mainstream production engines used in the 107-series, with leading specifications and points of interest …
A colour and trim summary shows the options available for paint colours (solid and metallic), hood options, cloth, vinyl, leather and velour trim colour options Lists solid paint colours, metallics, hood options, and cloth, vinyl, leather and velour trim colours, …
Chassis numbers and production figures shows the model, model year, body code and chassis number ranges, along with build numbers and production figures. Full list of chassis numbers for each model year, with model designation, model year, body code, along with build numbers and production figures …

Bound in faux-leather, with silver foil and debossed cover, this superb book is both a beautiful coffee-table volume, and a superb reference volume. Strictly limited to 107 copies, this is a truly stunning record of the SL and SLC 107 series models of '71 to '89: a worthy library addition for every Mercedes-Benz aficionado or collector .

• Silver-foiled 200gsm belly-band
• Faux-leather bound hardback with debossed silver foil design
• Large format – 305 x 250mm / 9.84 x 12in
• Printed on 130gsm matt art paper
• 304 pages featuring over 450 illustrations, including factory photography, sales literature, brochures, advertisements and more
• Year-by-year model range appendix
• Engine specifications appendix
• Colour and trim summary appendix
• Chassis numbers and production figures appendix