The R107 Mercedes-Benz roadsters had a production run in the U.S. from 1973-1989. This is unheard of for any car, let alone something as specialized as a roadster. The reason is that these SL cars were simply the finest crafted open-top cars in the history of the automobile, with build quality that defines excellence.
The Pick of the Day is the final version of this SL series, a 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560SL with modest mileage and both tops, advertised by an O’Fallon, Illinois, dealer on ClassicCars.com.
This 560SL finished in the stunning combination of factory Diamond Blue Metallic paint and a blue leather interior, has only 69,000 original miles, according to the dealer. This basically means it is broken in.
Along with such standard features as ABS brakes, AC, cruise control, power windows, hardtop and soft top, full leather interior and a factory alarm, the Mercedes recently has had its wheels powder-coated, new tires, a new soft top, a fresh service and a new muffler, the seller says, adding that it is a “true turnkey example that is ready for the next owner to drive proudly.”
The 560SL was the final model of this Mercedes SL series and is in many people’s opinions the one to buy. The reason is performance. All the earlier SL cars of this era, the 350/450/380SL, while were well built, were not particularly fast.
The 560SL changed that by using a bigger V8 engine that allowed the car to perform as well as it looked. Think 0-60 times of 7.5 seconds instead of the usual 10 seconds needed for the earlier U.S. models.
These Mercedes were signs of success for people around the world, owned by movie stars, millionaires, rock stars and the like. To have a 1970s-80s SL was a 4-wheeled signal to the world that you had made it. In 1986, this 560SL would have cost north of $55,000, which would be comparable to nearly $130,000 today.
The 506SL is starting again to climb in value. Beyond the extraordinary build quality, they are possibly the nicest classic roadsters to use day in and day out, and in fact you still see them being used as daily drivers on the West Coast.
This Mercedes, with an asking price of $25,500 offers a tremendous amount of car for the money and is still likely to get you a choice valet spot at your favorite L.A. restaurant, just like it did when it was new.
To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
Apart from the railway locomotive bumpers – this has to be the one to have.
These big-bumpered 107’s are routinely going for closer to half this amount at the all the major auctions.
How to get in contact with the dealer
Need additional info. On 1986 blue
560 SL Coupe.