The 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560SL we featured last week did not sell, but the seller has since discounted the price by $4,000. If the SL roadsters that preceded it are any guide, we might be looking at a point where you can get in an R107 at close to the ground floor.
-Paul
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560SL on eBay
The below post originally appeared on our site March 12, 2014:
Like a vintage timepiece or a melody by Frank Sinatra, there’s just certain cars that never really go out of style. The Mercedes-Benz R107 SL is one of them. Ever since I was a kid I’ve been enamored with these roadsters. It almost seems like it is a car of contradictions, as two-seater convertibles are meant to be fun and tossable. The R107, while not a bad driving car, isn’t what you would exactly consider sporty. This is a heavy machine for its size, with impeccable build quality and a ride quality more akin to a grand touring machine. In US trim, the last version would be this car, the 560SL, with a V8 that offered more than adequate grunt and decent legs on the highway. This 1986 example for sale in Florida wears an uncommon shade of Petrol Blue-Green and marks the introductory year for this model.
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560SL on eBay
Year: 1986
Model: 560SL
Engine: 5.6 liter V8
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
Mileage: 98,300 mi
Price: $9,500 Buy It Now
1986 Mercedes Benz 560SL, #877 Petrol Blue Green Metallic, #275 Cream Beige leather interior, two (2) owner car with 98,300 original miles. CarFax indicates front bumper damage in 1988, which was addressed 26 years ago. Complete scheduled maintenance history through 90,000 miles stamped by dealer, is included with the owner’s manual. The car has a strong engine and drivetrain and runs/drives great. The tires are in very good shape. The A/C blows cold and the electrical system appears to be sound. An excellent example of a classic roadster. A Florida car which is very difficult to find in this condition with extremely low mileage. Please let me know if you would like any additional information, pictures, etc. The 560SL is available for sale locally so I reserve the right to end the auction early.
I remember the first time I drove a 560SL. It’s said that you should never meet your heroes, and in this case, I would halfway agree with that statement. Having had many vintage Mercedes in the family, I had an idea of what I was in for, but the car was a little more soft than I expected, feeling like a shrunken down W126 S class. Granted, the minute I took it out on the highway, it all made sense. This is a cruising machine in the shape of a small roadster with those classic long hood/short decklid proportions.
This car has its flaws, most notably the front bumper damage listed, but given the strength of these huge bumpers, I would be less concerned than in most cars. The antenna is also at half mast and the leather looks a bit tired, but these are easy enough issues to address. One thing I wish dealers would stop doing would be to put so much shine treatment on tires and rubber trim. It really isn’t flattering to an otherwise classy vehicle.
-Paul
^^^ What he said.
1. Great cars.
2. Love the color as well, very period. In 1985 my father got a new 190E in this color.
3. Coolant is low.
4. They need to lose the rubber dressing on the black trim.
Almost forgot, at this mileage, this car will be due for a timing chain, tensioner and upper rails, so factor in another $1,500 toward the real ‘cost’ of acquiring this.
[…] yesterday, Paul revisited a lovely green 1986 560 SL and reminded us that these cars are at the bottom of the market in terms of classic Mercedes-Benz […]