Original vintage 1974 Mercedes-Benz advertisement for the German company's Model R107 (450SL) class automobile in Playboy Magazine.
 
Dimensions: 8.25 inches wide by 11 inches high
 
The Mercedes-Benz R107 and C107 – aka the 450SL - were sports cars produced by Mercedes from 1971 until 1989, being the second longest single series ever produced by the automaker after its G-Class.  They were sold under the SL (R107) and SLC (C107) model names in a variety of names – like the 450 badge – indicating the displacement of the engines.  During its production run, the SL was the only roadster offered by Mercedes-Benz.
 
A two-seat convertible with a detachable roof, it replaced the W113 SL-Class in 1971 and was in turn replaced by the R129 SL-Class in 1989.  The W113 predecessor was notably successful in North America, with 19,440 units (40% of the total) of 48,912 total units sold in the United States. The successor R107 and C107 models were hyper focused on the American market, with specialized engines, bumper designs, headlights, and emissions management designs; they sold 204,373 units in the U.S. (68%) of 300,175 total units sold.
 
As noted, North America was the key market for the 450SL, and two thirds of R107 and C107 production was sold there; these sported four round low-output sealed beam headlights, due to unique U.S. regulations.
 
Sales in North America began in 1972, and cars wore the badge 350SL, but actually had a larger 4.5L V8 with 3 speed auto (and were renamed 450SL for model year 1973); these were exported to the U.S. with low compression 4.5-liter V8 engines to meet stringent US emissions requirements, yet still provide adequate power.
 
The 450SL was produced until 1980.