The 190 SL Roadster was also introduced in the 50s and quickly established itself as one of the most popular Mercedes-Benz vehicles. The elegant and sporty two-seater could be ordered as a roadster with a hood (but without a hardtop) or as a coupé with a removable hardtop. It was incredibly successful in its time: between May 1955 and February 1963, as many as 25,881 cars were built.

Capitalising on the surge in popularity of the new convertible form, Mercedes-Benz combined the best qualities of the 300 SL and the 190 SL into one stunning model: the 230 SL ‘Pagoda’, which was unveiled at the International Motor Show in Geneva in 1963. The nickname ‘Pagoda’ came from the shape of the hardtop roof, designed by legendary body designer Paul Bracq, because it was reminiscent of the roofs of traditional Asian pagodas. Its safety-conscious body and performance engine revolutionised the convertible for a new generation of drivers.

Rise of the R107

The Pagoda’s successor was introduced in 1971 – the Mercedes-Benz R 107. This luxurious convertible quickly became an icon of 1970s automotive design and engineering.

Initially launched with a 3.5-litre V8 engine, the R 107 was later offered with larger V8s and straight-six options. Its removable hardtop made it versatile for all types of weather while safety – as with the predecessor, the W 113 series SL ‘Pagoda’ – remained a core focus. The R 107 incorporated reinforced A-pillars and windshield frame to provide rollover protection, a design that allowed Mercedes-Benz to continue selling convertibles in the US market despite stricter safety regulations.

The R 107's long production run extended until 1989, and with around 250,000 units, it remains our best-selling SL series. During the 70s, it became a symbol of success and refined taste. Advanced suspension systems, power steering, optional automatic transmission and high-quality materials throughout the interior made it an instant classic.