1987 Mercedes-Benz 560SL

Vehicle Location: GRAND RAPIDS, MI
Auction Type: Reserve
Mileage: 97606
Engine:  5.6L/238HP V8
Transmission: Automatic
Exterior: Ivory
Interior: Tan
VIN: WDBBA48D9HA067303
Party: Dealer

1987 Mercedes-Benz 560SL Roadster

– Oregon Car, Rust Free
– 5.6L/238HP V8
– Hard and Soft Top
– Wind Screen
– Recent Mechanicals: Rear Pads, Steering Stabilizer, Shifter Bushings, Front Shocks, Battery, Black Convertible Top
– Extremely Clean and Well Cared For.

“”The 560SL has maintained its reputation as a powerful, reliable, well-appointed, classically-styled luxury automobile….”” –Hagerty, February 2019

Hagerty continued their respectful 560SL review: “”The 560SL was the last in the venerable R107 series (also known as the W107)…. In 1986, Mercedes shipped its most powerful SL of the decade, and of the chassis type, to the United States. At 3781 pounds, the 560SL was also the heaviest of the SLs, but its new 5.6-liter V-8 engine-with 227 horsepower and 287 lb-ft of torque-had little trouble with the extra weight. In fact, it had a top speed of about 140 mph.””

With all the characteristic Mercedes model-improvement- a new rear suspension, a limited-slip differential to better handle the extra power, anti-lock brakes, leather upholstery, an alarm system, and an airbag-the 560SL maintained its lofty, most-desired position in the Stuttgart automaker’s lineup. The model also maintained its status-symbol reputation. As Jim Mateja, the automotive writer for the Chicago Tribune, put it: “”If recognition and having the common folk gawk enviably as you pass are high on your list of priorities, then get thee into a Mercedes-Benz 560SL.””

Offered here in ivory-exterior paint-over-light-tan-leather is a perfectly understated luxury Mercedes two-seater. An Oregon car for most of its life, the condition of the cosmetics and the mechanicals of the car show how consistent and quality maintenance of these classic automobiles can extend their life almost indefinitely. With 97,000 accident-free miles (a mere 2,700 miles per-year on average), it’s clear this 560SL was always a special-night-out, trip to the college football game, or fall-color-tour conveyance, rather than an everyday driver. And that’s good news for its next owner.

The car’s exterior retains a new appearance. Body-panel fit shows perfect factory tolerances. Paint is uniformly shiny and un-faded, including on the removable hardtop (its roll-around carrier appears as-new). Brightwork, including the chromed wheels, Mercedes emblem centered in the front grille, and side-mirror caps is virtually flawless. Rubber trim, proper emblems, lenses and windshield glass show no obvious wear or damage. The black-fabric convertible top is free of wear signs or rub marks, is properly fitted, and its clear-plastic “”windows”” are 100%… clear. This 560SL could never have been left for any extended period in direct sunlight. Not surprisingly, owner literature is included in the sale.

The car’s interior continues the evidence of exceptional owner care over the years. Every surface is free of signs of careless use, much less abuse. Leather seating surfaces are without rips, tears, or even much evidence of use. Similarly, the dash instruments (note the unfaded needles on the gauges), console-mounted shifter, door trim (even when viewed from below), steering wheel, factory Becker Grand Prix audio system, champagne-colored carpeting and Mercedes-embroidered carpet mats all show very little evidence of wear or fading. Wood trim-a highlight of any Mercedes vehicle from this era-on the console and dash is free of any cracks or noteworthy surface wear, and retains its properly glossy finish.

Under the hood, the engine bay is complete, clean, and properly fitted out. As with the remainder of the car, there is no sign of any significant modifications from stock. In the same way, the car’s undercarriage is free of damage or signs of abuse.

The “”Buy-the-best-one-you-can-find”” standard for classic-car purchasers is more than met by this beautiful 560SL. Mercedes cars of the eighties are known for their assembly quality and long life. Given its remarkable condition and obvious upkeep, this particular luxury tourer promises many more miles, and many more years of impressing its drivers, passengers, and onlookers. So Car and Drivers advice from 2014 rings true: “”Budget permitting, we’d seek out the last of the R107s, the better handling and fleeter 560SL.”””