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English

When it come to rally and the w107, everybody will rush into conclusions and think the only option was the SLC, but they did in fact do a few rally SL.

SLC

Everything started with the 450SLC 5.0 built as a test platform to collect data for the next generation of aluminum engines.

1978

In late 1977 a new all-alloy 240 horsepower (177kW) V8 engine of 5,025cc was developed for the rally version of the SLC which debouted at the 1978 Vuelta America del Sud (30,000 Kms & 1 month long). That was a though rally where the four SLC finished it, and with good positions, although only 1/3 of the participants made it to the end:

1. First place: Andrew Cowan and Colin Malkin with a 450SLC (5.0) (Plate: S-DL 1211 Num: 421)
2. Second place: Zasada and Zembruski with a 450SLC (5.0)
3. Third place: Fowkes and Kaiser with a 280E
4. Fourth place: Makinen with a 450SLC (5.0)

1979

For 1979 the 450SLC-5.0 was homologated as a Group 4 rally car with power being increased to around 300hp (220kW) and further weight reductions resulted from stripped-out interiors. Three-speed automatic transmission was retained as it was considered the only Daimler-Benz unit capable of withstanding the torque of the V8. Under leadership from Eric Waxenberger several entries where made into the rally championship:

1. African Safari Rally: Second place to Mikkola and Hertz (S-DP 1909/14)
2. Ivory Coast Rally: Mikkola (S-DV 9033/6), Waldegard, Cowan and Preston taking positions 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively.

1980

Classification was:

1. Portugal Rally: Fourth place for Waldegard and Thorszelius (S-DP 1907/4)
2. Safari Rally: Third place to Vic Preston Junior (S-DV 9032/15 with newly introduced four speed automatic transmission)
3. Acropolis Rally: 14th. place to Vic Preston Junior

The characteristics of the SLC made it not the most suitable car for rallying in Europe, so besides technical problems the teams suffered, it was still quite a decieving performance. Later on the engine output was increased to 340hp (250kW) and displacement reduced to 4,975cc. After a 3-speed to 4-speed auto tranny change, which is the real demarcation point, they were known as the  500SLC and were now homologated as Group 2.

1. Rally of Argetina: Second place to Mikkola and Hertz (S-DP 1906/3) & the other 2 SLC broke down.
2. Rally of New Zealand: Third place to Mikkola (JU-900/3) and fifth place to Waldegard. Cowan broke down.
3. Ivory Coast Rally: First place to Bjorn Waldegard (S-EH 1420/8), second to Jorge Recalde and fifth to Vic Preston

1981

With the realisation that the SLC was just too big for the European rallies, plans were to use the similar but shorter 500SL for 1981. This was never to eventuate and the 1980 champion was left without a drive for 1981.

1983

Some SLC took part in the Paris-Dakar apparently but I have no more information on it.

Technical Data

A total of 62,888 SLCs had been manufactured over a ten year period of which just 1,636 were the 450SLC-5.0 and 1,133 were the 500SLC. Cars with VIN ending in 626, 627, 628, 629, 630, 836, 837, 1471, 1472, 1612, 1993, y 2128 are the ones used officially in rallies. 6 of these where dismantled by the factory, VIN 10702612000836 is owned privately and the remaining are property of MB.

Pictures

SL

The new color for 1981 was white with black engine hood, 4 cars were built. 2 x 500SL Rally Cars where registered for the 1981 World Rally series with the hardtop welded to the shell after the roll cage was installed and the car was a fair bit lighter than the SLC. Engine work had the power go up from 310/340BHP to a potent 380BHP! And also at long last the 500SL replaced the automatic transmission for a manual one. (500SL with "KS-" Kassel reg plates were a de-tuned version prepared in a private attempt by a Mercedes dealer). Walter Röhrl tested the new car before Rallye Monte Carlo 1981. When Röhrl pointed they couldn't win with that car Mercedes called the project off. Walter Röhrl wrote in his book that Mercedes even had plans for a mid-engined version W107.

Even though they didn't make it to the rally championship they have done some appearances. According to the "Mercedes Enthusiast" magazine Issue 37 (Nov. 2004) page 40 one of the 500SL rally cars was driven in the Colorado Grand event. Apparently they were equipped with four headlights US style but with what appear to be halogen inserts, a pair of spread beam and a pair of spot beam Cibie Super Oscars (as were usually fitted to the 500SLC rally cars), and a pair of equally large Bosch fog lights.

4 SL weere built, which of these 1 crashed, 2 are privately owned and 1 is owned by Mercedes still.

1. wdb10704612000291: Crashed and destroyed during testing
2. wdb10704612000536: Owned by Mercedes
3. wdb10704612000431and wdb10704612000438: Privately owned by http://www.slcracing.eu/

Technical data