1987 MERCEDES-BENZ 560 SL CONVERTIBLE

1987 Mercedes-Benz 500-Series SL Description

The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is a grand touringroadster manufactured by Mercedes since 1954. The designation SL derives from the German Sportlich-Leicht, (English: Sport Lightweight). The original idea was suggested by American importer Max Hoffman, who perceived a market for a toned-down Gran Prix car tailored to affluent performance enthusiasts in the booming post-war American market, which remains the primary market for the vehicles.

The SL designation was first applied to the 300 SL, often referred to as the "Gullwing" due to its gullwing or upward-opening doors.

The SL family spans six design generations.

The 1987 560 SL presented here is referred to as the R107 model. This production series was offered from 1972-1989, with the 560 SL only offered from 1986-1989. The 560 SL was only offered in the USA, Canada, Japan and Australia. The rest of the world had to settle for the smaller 5.0 liter version. In 1986, Mercedes made significant upgrades to the SL series including more modern, 4 channel brakes, larger rotors and a much improved suspension. The painting processes were improved to protect against rust.

Still retaining the “Pagoda” style, removable hard-top, R107 series retains the same clean, family lines of the successful, and very valuable W113 SL series without the high cost for today’s collectors. Prices for the W113 series (especially the 280SL) are approaching $200,000 at many auctions, making this 560 SL an exceptional, affordable alternative.

This particular car was purchased new in Boise, Idaho on August 2, 1987 from Lyle Pearson Co., a certified Mercedes dealer still operating in Boise. A gentleman from Boise purchased the vehicle, moved to Gig Harbor, WA, where he retained loving possession of the vehicle until it was sold to its second owner on January 24, 2014. The new owner, a Tennessee resident and businessman (and personal friend of mine) kept, but rarely drove the car and decided to trade it, and a second vehicle on a brand new Lincoln Navigator at my Ford dealership in Greeneville, TN.

This vehicle has had all required maintenance performed at either a Mercedes dealer or a certified Mercedes independent specialist. All work done the last several years has been completed at Rick Hill Imports, a Mercedes dealer in Kingsport, TN. The vehicle has been repainted at some point in its history, but it was obviously done to a very high level, with no overspray or tape lines anywhere and with a smooth and lustrous finish on every exterior panel. All books and records are included with original warranty plate and all original tools. In addition, this SL has barely less than 50,000 actual, verifiable miles. The engine is quiet and powerful as expected, the transmission shifts crisply and correctly, the new Michelin tires are quiet and smooth, the air conditioning is cold and every single switch, button and accessory works flawlessly.

This incredible example of Mercedes’ past can be driven daily and enjoyed, presented at concours events or placed in a museum….it is that nice. Questions and inquiries are welcome.

Contacts:

Ben Nelson

423-721-1754

Lennie Lawson

423-552-2020