Vehicle Description
The perennial Mercedes-Benz R107 series is one of the most iconic
luxury cars of the 70s and 80s. In movies and television, the SL
roadster was often the car seen cruising Rodeo Drive or through
Miami Beach. It was a car that defined the marque and the era. Such
was its enduring charm; it is surprising to recall the car was
first introduced back in 1971. Known internally and by loyal fans
as the R107 (the four seat SLC was dubbed C107), the car was
designed in house at Sindelfingen by Karl Wilfert and his team. The
styling was understated but elegant yet highly sophisticated.
Mercedes-Benz's obsession with occupant and pedestrian safety
through the 1960s led to a great number of subtle yet important
design features that would trickle down to the rest of the line
during the coming two decades. The SL roadster spoke to a new breed
of luxury roadster buyers and went on to become the longest-running
production passenger car in Mercedes' history. Mechanically, the
R107 took a page from its predecessors, riding on a unique platform
but sharing engines and suspension components with its sedan
counterparts. It was also incredibly well-built, with a solidity
and over-engineered feeling that few manufacturers past or present
could match. Through the years of production, Mercedes continually
refined the formula, adding ever increasing displacement V8
engines, improved materials and refined design. The ultimate model
in the R107 SL range is the 560SL. The big 5.6 liter V8 from the
S-Class was shoehorned into the SL's engine bay to create a
sporting car that was capable of 150mph performance while remaining
quiet, composed and sophisticated. It was the sports car for those
who preferred not be ruffled when arriving at the club in style.
This 1987 560SL is a desirable later production example, finished
in rarely seen and elegant colors of Diamond Blue (3550) over cream
beige leather and a dark blue top. It is a highly original and very
well maintained example that has covered a scant 31,261 miles over
the past 30 years. The body is very straight and crisp, with no
corrosion and factory precise panel gaps. A clean Carfax report
shows no known history of accident damage, and continuous ownership
for the past 17 years. The paint quality is excellent, showing only
a few very minor touch ups. Bumpers are excellent, with original
chrome plating and very good original extensions and rubber trim.
Original Bosch fog lamps are fitted to the front bumper, and all
other lights and lenses are excellent with no cracks or chips.
Original Sekurit glass is in fine order, including on the removable
hard top. A subtle cream double coach stripe ties the color scheme
together. Wheels are factory original disc-style wrapped in very
good Pirelli rubber. The wheels are in excellent condition, the
correct bright silver finish showing virtually no pitting and no
signs of curb rash. Doors open with that signature Mercedes-Benz
solidity to reveal an outstanding and lovely interior. Beige
leather (code 275) is clean and very tidy with no rips, tears or
undue wear, beautifully complementing the Diamond Blue paint. Only
the slightest bit of wear can be found on the driver's outer
bolster upon close inspection. Carpets and overmats are excellent
as is the headlining on the hard top. The original Becker Grand
Prix cassette player remains in place. Original wood trim presents
very well on the excellent dash, with only a slight crack forming
in the lacquer on the center console wood, which does little to
detract from the otherwise excellent interior. Blue German canvas
soft top is in very good order as well and functions as it should.
The chassis and engine bay exhibit factory original surfaces,
accessories and hardware which are in appropriate condition for
such an exceedingly well-maintained and low-mileage example.
Original books and some service records are included, as are the
original hard-top removal tools and a hard top storage stand. The
big 5.6 liter V8 runs strong, with plenty of low end torque, and
smooth effortless running around town. With the hard top in place,
the 560SL becomes a silent, unflustered Grand Touring car, while
folding the soft top transforms it into a thrilling open sports
car. The 560SL is among the best performing of the R107 breed, with
excellent, stable handling and mile-crushing highway ability all
wrapped in a timeless and refined body style. As such, values and
demand for exceptional examples such as this one have been steadily
increasing. This is a beautifully presented, well maintained and
low-mileage 560SL in gorgeous colors that will surely satisfy the
most meticulous enthusiast.
