Vehicle Description
1987 Mercedes-Benz 560SL Roadster
Original example finished in Arctic White (147) with Palomino (274)
upholstery. One of the best 560SL Roadster we have had with only
69,000 original miles! Excellent condition throughout with an
extremely straight body, excellent gaps, and panel fit. 5.5L V-8
engine producing 227 horsepower, automatic transmission, and
four-wheel disc brakes. Very well cared for by the previous owners
and over $4,000 in service work over the past few years.
Original Options:
274- installation parts kit and cable harness for TeKaDe BSA 33 car
phone, installation below the ashtray
442- Airbag in steering wheel
494- California Model
519- Becker radio Mexico Grand Prix, electronic (replaced with
later model stereo unit)
551- Anti-theft warning system
581- Thermoking Air Conditioner
262- elimination of rear end spoiler
807- Change of year of model, last figure shows new year model
History
In 1986, Mercedes-Benz produced its most powerful SL of the decade,
the 560SL Roadster. The SL was also the heaviest of the 1971-89
R107 SLs that Mercedes produced, with the new 5.5-liter V-8 engine
producing 227 horsepower. Top speed was much improved from 110 mph
in the 380SL to 130 mph, and the 560SL was quicker from a
standstill to 60 mph by about 4 full seconds.
The engine has more torque, which improved the SLs dynamics. The
560SL received a new rear suspension and a limited-slip
differential to better handle the added torque and power.
Mercedes-Benz also added anti-lock brakes, leather upholstery, an
alarm system, and an airbag, all of which better suited the SLs
$48,000 price tag.
The 560SL sold well with average annual sales exceeding 12,000
units, which outpaced the 450SL and 380SL. Nonetheless, Mercedes
retired the R107 chassis in 1990, introducing the first all-new SL
in 18 years. Today, many enthusiasts gravitate towards the 560SL as
it retains some of the original lines of the pagoda SLs while
carrying with it all of the R107's advances. It remains a popular
choice for those enthusiasts who value verve and build quality for
a low price of entry.
