Vehicle Description
1987 Mercedes-Benz 560SL Roadster
A 560 SL of 1986 can trace its ancestry back to 1954 and world
championship 300 SLR sports-racing machine which swept all before
it on a career that saw it retire undefeated in 1955. The 300 SL
and all SL's to follow had their genesis in this immortal "Silver
Arrows".
This 560SL is in effect 3 different 560 SL's...an open-air
roadster, a convertible coupe, and with fitting the steel hardtop,
a closed grand touring coupe. This beautiful car can provide the
pleasures of a sporting machine, and the benefits of a Mercedes
Benz. Built like a Panzer tank and the looks of a centerfold,
Mercedes Benz was hitting their stride with this late 1980s SL
Roadster.
Exterior
Bright Red covers this wonderfully straight steel paneled
sportster, and only a few little faults can be seen even when
looking closely at the exterior of this car. Ribbed side mounted
signal lights and wrap around ribbed taillights are designed this
way to be self-cleaning. A shiny grill surround with the large
tri-pointed star leads the way, and a chromed bumper with black
vinyl side coverings shows in front and rear. The black convertible
top is showing just some minor aging and a slightly fogged rear
window but it remains in nice tight condition. A hardtop in body
matching Signal Red comes with this car and is like new. Forged
chrome finish alloy wheels can be noted on all 4 corners. All
original and all great, what else can be said?...as upon viewing
this beautiful example I'm speechless!
Interior
Deep tan covered leather upholstered bucket seats rest within an
environment of exotic burl walnut veneers, and important
instrumentation. We note a tear on the driver's outer bolster and
just the normal wrinkling that fine leather shows with age and use.
Like every Mercedes of this era we see a plethora of creature
comforts like power windows, power mirrors, climate control, power
top, hard top rear window defroster and cruise control. A full-size
steering wheel fronts a pristine dash with nary a bit of dust on
the bezels or glass fronted gauges. Plush velvety tan velour
carpeting floods these two seater's floors, rear storage
compartment, and trunk.
Drivetrain
The 5.6 Liter alloy V8 engine incorporates electronic fuel
injection and is very clean with only minor dust seen! The
hydraulically actuated torque converter automatic 4-speed
transmission sits behind the V8 and can be used in automatic mode
or be shifted manually. A 2.47 geared rear axle keeps rpm's low on
the long highway cruises.
Undercarriage
Seen is a slight patina on the chassis that draws its design from
that racing heritage, the 4-wheel anti-lock power disc brakes,
beautifully maintained suspension and limited slip differential,
one would expect nothing else from this vintage automobile.
Independent coil spring suspension provides the handling and ride
on all 4 corners.
Drive-Ability
A very nice driver, great handling, and power to call on when
needed. The 3 versions are a real plus, allowing you to use this
car year-round, although it's a classic so it is perfectly fine to
spend some extra time in your garage. These older 560SL's are very
hot right now, and my test drive proved that, although with the top
down it kept me nice and cool. All functions functioning, all
systems GO!
It's not very often you drive a car and instantly fall in love with
the quality of the ride, the envy of the sheer power, and the
luxury you are surrounded with. This car is 35 years old, and with
the look of it they were a well pampered stretch of years. With all
my excitement and envy, I might as well have just taken it home....
but I did not, so it is yours for the taking, until I change my
mind.
VIN DECODE
WDBBA48D6HA056355
W-Germany
D-Mercedes Benz
B-Passenger Car
B-SL Class
A-Roadster
48-560SL
D-Manual Belts, Driver's Airbag
6-Check Digit
H-1987
A-Sindelfingen Assy Plant
056355-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.
