1987 Mercedes-Benz 560SL

Description

The R107 series of Mercedes-Benz roadsters were some of the most successful cars ever produced by the German automaker. Today they remain fantastic cruisers with great performance and an iron-clad reputation for quality and durability. This beautifully maintained 1987 560SL is the one to own, with the biggest engine fitted to an R107, an upgraded interior, and the longest list of standard features.

Of course, this SL still carries the instantly-recognizable bodywork that defined almost two decades' worth of SLs, with the only noteworthy change being a tacked-on third brake light mandated by the Feds in 1986. Wearing 100% of its original sheetmetal and bright white paint, this astoundingly clean SL is exactly the kind of no-stories car you want to own. There's still a great shine to the bodywork, because you truly did get something exceptional for your money back in 1987, and there's no denying that Mercedes-Benz did put these together with extreme care; just look at the way the panels fit. And until you've slammed the door on one of these over-built tanks, you don't know how solid a topless car can be. Sure, there are a few signs of use, but like most SLs, this one has led an exceptionally easy life as someone's fair-weather cruiser and it shows.

The beautiful contrasting tan interior is also mostly original, including the seat covers in original MB-Tex, carpets, and the real wood inserts on the dash itself. As a car that has spent most of its life with the top down, it's surprising that the sun hasn't really taken a toll, but the seats are supple, the carpets are not faded (mostly thanks to carpeted floor mats), and the steering wheel feels substantial in your hands. The seats have that firm feeling that only Mercedes seats seem to deliver, and all the gauges are fully functional. In fact, everything works, rare on other machines this sophisticated but common on well-maintained R107s. By '87, just about everything was standard on the SL, including automatic climate control, a power passenger side mirror, power windows, cruise control, and additions like airbags and ABS brakes. More recently it has received an upgraded AM/FM/CD stereo that's a big upgrade over the original Becker or Blaupunkt head unit, but otherwise it's quite stock. The fully lined trunk is fitted with plush tan carpets, and this car includes both a brand new black canvas soft top and removable hard top.

Recently serviced, this car is a heck of a runner. The 5.6-liter V8 engine under the hood was a big upgrade in the power department and lights off with a rumbling V8 idle and pulls hard thanks to 227 horsepower and a quick-shifting 4-speed automatic transmission. The engine bay is a bit grungy, but there's no denying that these cars have earned their legendary reliability status the old fashioned way: by being supremely reliable. SLs routinely run hundreds of thousands of miles with proper maintenance, and thanks to the recent service that includes new brakes, a major transmission service, and a rebuilt steering box, it runs and drives superbly. Even the tires are relatively recent 205/65/15 Uniroyals on bright chrome M-B alloy wheels.

Even though it's more than 25 years old, this SL commands respect on the road with great performance and sumptuous comfort. Showing up in this car still means you've truly arrived; only you will know how affordable it really is. Call us today!