The Mercedes SL R107 is a car highly cherished by collectors. With Project 107, tuner Pogea Racing combines the charming design of the model produced from 1971 to 1989 with modern AMG technology.
Photo: Pogea Racing
The Mercedes SL (R107) and SLC (C107) are two models greatly appreciated by collectors. The R107 is a two-seat roadster with a soft top (optional hardtop), while the C107 is a coupe with a 36 cm longer wheelbase and a 2+2 seating configuration.
The roadster was produced from 1971 to 1989, and the coupe from 1971 to 1981. Both models have been the foundation for spectacular restorations. In this regard, we previously wrote about Mechatronik’s Project 107, which installed modern Mercedes engines into an SLC (C107).
Now, Pogea Racing has restored a 1979 Mercedes 450 SL (R107), into which it installed an AMG V8 engine from the AMG C 55 (W203). Along with the engine, they also adopted the transmission, axles, and CAN bus system.
Eduard Pogea founded Pogea Racing on July 21, 1997. Initially, the company focused on repairing Audi five-cylinder engines, especially the Audi R2S Avant developed in cooperation with Porsche. Later, Pogea Racing turned to tuning the first and second-generation Audi TT, and eventually entered the Mercedes-Benz world, producing its own carbon fiber body kits for the E-Class.
Following the European Union’s tightening of emissions regulations, Pogea Racing chose to focus on modernizing and restoring models built before 2000. This year, they plan to present projects based on the Ferrari Testarossa, Porsche 964, Mercedes 190 SL, and the Mercedes 450 SL featured in this article.
This particular Mercedes 450 SL (R107) once belonged to Warner Brothers Studios and was reimported to Europe. The mechanics completely disassembled the car, chemically stripped the paint, and applied a cathodic dip coating. The car was then repainted in Pogea Grey, a custom color provided by paint manufacturer Glasurit, giving it a modern look. For the bodywork, the team used 3D digital reconstruction and CNC forming processes to produce new sheet metal parts.
The original model featured a naturally aspirated 4.5-liter V8 engine producing 225 PS at 5000 rpm and 377 Nm at 3000 rpm, paired with a 3-speed automatic transmission sending power to the rear axle. This was replaced by a 5.5-liter AMG V8 engine developing 367 PS and 510 Nm, modified from 400 PS, sourced from the C 55 AMG (W203), along with its 5-speed automatic transmission, axles, and CAN Bus. Interestingly, the engine cover bears the Pogea Racing logo rather than AMG’s.
To handle the increased power, Pogea Racing equipped the car with KW Variant 3 suspension and Brembo brakes from the C 55 AMG. In its standard configuration, the car rides on 19-inch forged Pogea wheels fitted with Michelin PS4S tires. For those preferring a more classic look, other wheel options are available.
The interior is completely modernized, bearing little resemblance to the original, but boasts a highly appealing design. Highlights include the AMG steering wheel, AMG-style white-faced gauges, a new gear shifter, and Recaro Ergomed seats upholstered in genuine perforated Mercedes leather. The modern vibe is contrasted by a classic radio with 1970s-style buttons. Traditional air conditioning was replaced with Restomod Air technology, controllable via a mobile app.
The car is road-legal and can be serviced at any Mercedes dealership, as all components are genuine Mercedes parts. The price has not been disclosed, but it certainly won’t come cheap.