Vehicle Description
1986 Mercedes-Benz 560SL Roadster
"The legendary SL roadster has earned its unique niche in the
motoring world by blending two rich automotive themes: the lure of
a lithe and eager top down sporting machine and the reassurance of
a strong, secure, supremely livable Mercedes-Benz.". This bit of
lofty prose is from the sales brochure for the 1986 560SL and is
about as good a well crafted elevator speech on a car we've ever
seen. They were proud of the car they were marketing, and for good
reason.
For consignment, a 1986 Mercedez-Benz 560SL roadster that was
carefully repainted in 2019. During that time, seals were replaced
and at the same time, new Mercedes Benz wheels were installed. It's
not a color we see every day and if you're in the market for a
well-sorted, two-topped 560SL that has always been serviced by
either the dealer or a Mercedes master technician, this might just
be the one!
Exterior
Diamond Blue Metallic is aptly named as it shines with the luster
of a highly rated gemstone. This is a body style that remained
virtually unchanged from 1972 to 1989 and we know why. It's well
balanced, sleek, and practical without losing sportiness. Our
example's chrome bumpers and trim are in immaculate condition
including the chrome side mirrors, door handle plates, and ribbons
that run along the hardtop. The 15-inch wheels do indeed look new
and flank a distinctive ribbed rocker panel. The removable hardtop
is in fantastic condition and the car will come with a dolly for
storing the top when you opt for the soft top, or no top at
all!
Interior
Simple, gray door panels welcome occupants and are composed of
MB-Tex, a vinyl-based material that was manufactured to closely
resemble leather but without the high price. Gray buckets seats
with good side bolstering and headrests are amazingly comfortable.
Robust hardware accompanies the seats in polished metal. We note
some wear on the entry contact point of the driver's seat. The rear
shelf is carpeted in gray and provides plenty of cargo space. The
airbag equipped steering wheelis appropriately sporty, and the
gauges are black faced and easy to read. In true European fashion,
idiot lights have graphics on their face before they light up. Burl
wood applique backs the center stack where a rebuilt AM/FM/Cassette
radio resides. Wood continues on the center console where the stout
shifter lives in front of the window switches. Plush low pile gray
carpet covers the floor, protected by Mercedes branded carpeted
mats which have absorbed the wear. A high quality car means high
quality features and the headliner of the removable top is soft and
clean, not bare metal. The trunk is lined in plush gray carpet and
is very nice.
Drivetrain
A 5.6 liter SOHC V8 is under the long low hood and is rated at 227
horsepower. It has the Bosch KE-Jetronic fuel injection and moves
via a 4-speed automatic transmission sending power to the rear axle
and 2.47 gears. Mercedes doesn't mess around, so power disc brakes
are found on all four corners! Gazing into the engine bay, we find
a clean engine and accessories in the typical crowded layout.
Undercarriage
Fine and dandy underneath in drive quality condition. Efficient use
of space and lots of flat belly surfaces. The single exhaust runs
through a uniquely flat, wide, and shielded portion, then splits
into two pipes before entering the original muffler and finally
exiting discreetly under the rear bumper. There's a little bit of
residual oil under the engine but nothing of major concern.
Meanwhile, coil springs occupy the independent suspension on the
front and back of the car.
Drive-Ability
The solid thud of the door closing is a primer for the anticipation
of a great driving experience. This blue diamond fired up and
rolled onto the test loop surefooted and stable. We forget how
powerful they are but are reminded each time we get behind the
wheel. There's plenty of horses on tap and the low center of
gravity provides for a sportscar like drive, however we note
perhaps a bit more slop in the steering than normal. All functions
work as intended save for the air conditioning, but as our
consignor notes, the AC has a slow leak that will need to be
addressed.
The SL's combine comfort, good power, and luxury in a maneuverable
car that's not too big and not too small. Goldilocks might say,
"this one is just right!". Well don't get caught sleeping because
this one likely won't last long. It's a beautiful example of a long
lasting and somewhat legendary German design.
WDBBA48D8GA054105
W-Germany
D-Mercedes Benz
B-Passenger Car
B-SL Class
A-Roadster
48-560SL
D-Manual Belts, Driver's Airbag
8-Check Digit
G-1986
A-Sindelfingen Assy Plant
054105-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in
person.
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