1972 Mercedes-Benz 350SL

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

The 1972 Mercedes-Benz 350SL marked the debut of the R107 chassis, a new generation of SL-Class roadsters that would become one of the longest-running and most iconic series in Mercedes-Benz history. Introduced as a replacement for the W113 “Pagoda” SL, the 350SL brought a bold new design language, improved safety features, and a powerful V8 engine to the luxury convertible segment.

Despite its “350” badge, the U.S. version of the 350SL was equipped with a 4.5-liter V8 engine (M116), producing around 230 horsepower. This was due to emissions regulations and market demands, though the name remained consistent with European models. The car featured a three-speed automatic transmission, Bosch D-Jetronic fuel injection, and a rear-wheel-drive layout, offering smooth performance and refined handling.

The 350SL came standard with a soft top and an optional removable hardtop, giving it the versatility of both a convertible and a coupe. Its styling was modern and muscular, with a wide stance, large bumpers, and a distinctive front grille. Inside, it offered leather or MB-Tex synthetic leather upholstery, wood trim, and advanced safety features like a padded dashboard and reinforced passenger cell.

This 1972 350SL has been in the same family since 1985 and has received regular maintenance throughout their ownership.

Highlights

• Finished in Aqua Blue paint over cream leather upholstery

• Optional Aqua Blue removable hardtop and dark blue manual soft top

• Powered by a 4.5-liter V8 engine (M116) rated at approximately 200 hp and 240 lb-ft of torque (despite the car’s “350SL” badge, U.S. models came with this larger engine; the car was renamed 450SL in 1973)

• Three-speed automatic transmission

• The chassis number (10704412003180) decodes as:

  • 107 – R107 chassis series

  • 044 – 350SL with 4.5-liter V8

  • 1 – Left-hand drive for North American market

  • 2 – Automatic transmission

  • 003180 – Production number

Features

• New OEM fuel pump

• Recent radiator flush and new hoses

• 160 mph speedometer and 7,000 rpm tachometer

• 14-inch wheels with color-matching Mercedes-Benz covers

• Michelin 205/70VR14 tires

Known Imperfections

• Evidence of body work and corrosion on rocker panels and rear wheel arches

• Dark blue paint on right rear wheel cover

• Finish on rear bumper is peeling on the left side

• Paint imperfection on right fender near hood

• Optional hardtop has a scuff on the right side

• Flaking paint on engine compartment

• Headrests and center console are worn

• Scuffs and other imperfections on door sills

• Corrosion is visible on trunk compartment

• Corrosion on underbody components

• Hood insulation pad is deteriorated

• Odometer functions intermittently, while the trip counter reportedly functions

Included

• Optional hard top

• Tools to remove/connect soft top or hardtop

• Spare tire and jack

• Owner’s manual and emissions system manual

• Mercedes-Benz 107 chassis manuals, Vol. 1 and 2

• M116 V8 engine service manual

Ownership History

The Indiana consignor of this 1972 Mercedes-Benz 350SL has owned it since April 2016. The seller reports, “This roadster has been my fun runabout for decades. I drove it from my hometown in Ohio to our Indiana property nine years ago, and we enjoy driving it on local errands and through the countryside in the summer and fall. The car has received regular maintenance, and the original interior and carpet are decent, but bodywork will be needed to make this roadster picture perfect.”