1986 Mercedes-Benz 560SLA 560SL of 1986 can trace its ancestry back to 1954 and the world championship 300 SLR sports-racing machines which swept all before it on a career that...
1986 Mercedes-Benz 560SL
A 560SL of 1986 can trace its ancestry back to 1954 and the world championship 300 SLR sports-racing machines 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 Arrow”.
This one owner, always garage kept 560SL is in effect 3 different 560SL'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 1980's SL Roadster.
Exterior
Cabernet Red Metallic covers this wonderfully straight steel paneled sportster, with only a few minor faults and hazing of the paint that a weekend worth of paint correction should take care of. 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 tan convertible top is showing as nearly new, because it was replaced approximately 3.5 years ago and the rear window shows with light hazing, but it remains in nice tight condition. A hardtop in body matching Cabernet Red Metallic comes with this car and is like new. Forged alloy wheels can be noted on all 4 corners wrapped in newer blackwall rubber. All is classy and in great condition, what else can be said?...as upon viewing this beautiful example I'm speechless!
Interior
Palomino covered leather upholstered bucket seats rest within an environment of exotic burl walnut veneers, and all important very clean instrumentation. This interior is the original and presents with light soiling and age appropriate wear. Included are a plethora of creature comforts like power windows, power mirrors, climate control, 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 carpeting floods this two seater's floors, rear storage compartment, and trunk. All of this carpeting is in lightly faded but overall good condition.
Drivetrain
The 5.6 Liter alloy, V8 engine incorporates Bosch D-Jetronic electronic fuel injection and sits in an original condition engine bay. A light coating of dust and patina is noted but overall, very nicely preserved. The hydraulically actuated torque converter automatic 4-speed transmission sits behind the V8 and can be used in automatic mode or be shifted manually. On the back is a 2.47 axle.
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. We note the beginnings of invasive rust at the rocker to body pinch weld and on a few other undercarriage seams as well.
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. Plus putting the soft top up is a breeze when faced with an errant rain shower. All functions functioning, save for the A/C and the radio but otherwise a great sporty driver
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 36 years old, and with the look of things the lifelong indoor storage has helped preserve this German cruiser. I definitely have MB envy, and after my test drive I wanted to take it home but decided to leave it for you to take. So, come and get it, as I hear the dinner bell ringing!
VIN DECODE
WDBBA48D1GA042586
W-Germany
D-Mercedes Benz
B-Passenger Car
B-SL Class
A-Roadster
48-560SL
D-Manual Belts, Driver's Airbag
1-Check Digit
G-1986
A-Sindelfingen Assy Plant
042586-Sequential Unit Number