Vehicle Description
1987 Mercedes-Benz 560SL Roadster
"Mercedes-Benz has offered a sporting SL model in its line entry
every year since 1954. This 1987 version ranks as one of the most
refined, and perhaps the most thoroughly satisfying of them all.
Generating a massive 227 horsepower from its 5.6 liter light-alloy
V8 engine, this 560SL ranks as the mightiest in the series' 33-year
history." From the 1987 Mercedes sales brochure.
For consignment, a 1987 Mercedes-Benz 560SL roadster, long regarded
as a symbol of opulence and class and one of the most recognizable
Benz's in the history of the brand.
Exterior
Clean and fresh, the Arctic White exterior adds to the classy
profile of the car, in this case sporting an accessory hardtop in
Arctic White. Low, sleek and wide define the SL, and its perfect
proportions remained unchanged for nearly 20 years. The prominent
Mercedes star on the grille is flanked by distinctive twin
headlights with flaring sided markers over a straight bumper that
houses the turn signals and fog lights. A raked windshield veers
from the right angles of the car and sweeps back with the top off
as if to defy the wind and send it over the car. The flat deck lid
leads to characteristic Mercedes tail lights for the period which
take up a good amount of real estate and are augmented by a third
brake light mounted on the deck. Chrome engulfs the rear bumper in
fine condition which is how we find the brightwork on the car.
15-inch Mercedes wheels fit the car well but could use some
refinishing. The paint is great, and the body is straight and the
only imperfection is a bit of rust in the bottom corner of a
door.
Interior
We first notice some wear on the vinyl covered door sill, done in
matching Burgundy, but we quickly turn our attention to Mercedes'
well constructed and simple door panels of pleated leather. This
leather covers the bucket seats which are robust and supportive and
there is some wear through on the entry point of the driver's seat,
along with typical patina creases. Rear 2+2 seats are in excellent
condition. The metal hardware that houses levers and knobs on the
side is where the Benz stands out from average cars and this
quality transfers to the dashboard and center console where the
tactile feel of things is above and beyond your fleet vehicle.
Gauges are clean and well organized, easy to read and thorough in
their coverage of engine functions. A Becker AM/FM/Cassette radio
sits inside a burlwood panel above the A/C toggles and the panel
waterfalls to the center console housing the shifter with some
minor cracking in the laminate. Plush burgundy carpet coats the
floor and along with the leather and wood in the cabin, makes for a
luxurious environment. The trunk is completely lined with the same
plush carpet.
Drivetrain
Under the hood is a clean example of the 5.6 liter SOHC V8, fuel
injected and rated at 227 horsepower. A 4-speed automatic sends
power to the rear wheels backs the engine up and power disc brakes
bring the car to a stop.
Undercarriage
Always impressed with the substantiality of the components
underneath a Mercedes, the underside presents in driver quality
with minimal surface rust. There is a decent amount of oil on the
transmission pan shield and some at the oil pan as well. Belly pans
and floorboard take up a good part of the underside real estate and
look to be in good shape. Twin exhaust pipes find a stock style
muffler then exit as twin tips out the left side rear.
Drive-Ability
Good power greets us as we roll the roadster from our garage and as
always, the ergonomics and comfort of the SL exceeds our
expectations and it's just a decent place to spend some time behind
the wheel. Tracking is straight, turn-in and handling are balanced
and firm, and braking is on point. The radio does not work nor the
power antenna, but all other functions work as intended. While
Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at
the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions
will be working at the time of your purchase.
What a great way to get into the specialty car world and at the
same time, have a practical and usable car that will forever have
visual cred. Forty years later, they still exude class and wealth
and great design and in white they're especially stunning. Call the
mall with your expressed interest!
WDBBA48D3HA064350
W-Germany
D-Mercedes Benz
B-Passenger Car
B-SL Class
A-Roadster
48-560SL
D-Manual Belts, Driver's Airbag
3-Check Digit
H-1987
A-Sindelfingen Assy Plant
064350-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.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
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