1987 Mercedes-Benz 560-Class

1987 Mercedes-Benz 560SL Roadster Mercedes-Benz has offered a sporting SL model in its line entry every year since 1954.  This 1987 version ranks as one of the most refined, and perhaps the most thoroughly satisfying of them all.  Generating a massive 227 horsepower from its 5.6 liter light-alloy V8 engine, this 560SL ranks as the mightiest in the series' 33-year history.  From the 1987 Mercedes sales brochure.  For consignment, a 1987 Mercedes-Benz 560SL roadster, long regarded as a symbol of opulence and class and one of the most recognizable Benz's in the history of the brand.  Exterior Clean and fresh, the Arctic White exterior adds to the classy profile of the car, in this case sporting an accessory hardtop in Arctic White.  Low, sleek and wide define the SL, and its perfect proportions remained unchanged for nearly 20 years.  The prominent Mercedes star on the grille is flanked by distinctive twin headlights with flaring sided markers over a straight bumper that houses the turn signals and fog lights.  A raked windshield veers from the right angles of the car and sweeps back with the top off as if to defy the wind and send it over the car.  The flat deck lid leads to characteristic Mercedes tail lights for the period which take up a good amount of real estate and are augmented by a third brake light mounted on the deck.  Chrome engulfs the rear bumper in fine condition which is how we find the brightwork on the car.  15-inch Mercedes wheels fit the car well but could use some refinishing.  The paint is great, and the body is straight and the only imperfection is a bit of rust in the bottom corner of a door.  Interior We first notice some wear on the vinyl covered door sill, done in matching Burgundy, but we quickly turn our attention to Mercedes' well constructed and simple door panels of pleated leather.  This leather covers the bucket seats which are robust and supportive and there is some wear through on the entry point of the driver's seat, along with typical patina creases.  Rear 2+2 seats are in excellent condition.  The metal hardware that houses levers and knobs on the side is where the Benz stands out from average cars and this quality transfers to the dashboard and center console where the tactile feel of things is above and beyond your fleet vehicle.  Gauges are clean and well organized, easy to read and thorough in their coverage of engine functions.  A Becker AM/FM/Cassette radio sits inside a burlwood panel above the A/C toggles and the panel waterfalls to the center console housing the shifter with some minor cracking in the laminate.  Plush burgundy carpet coats the floor and along with the leather and wood in the cabin, makes for a luxurious environment.  The trunk is completely lined with the same plush carpet.  Drivetrain Under the hood is a clean example of the 5.6 liter SOHC V8, fuel injected and rated at 227 horsepower.  A 4-speed automatic sends power to the rear wheels backs the engine up and power disc brakes bring the car to a stop.  Undercarriage Always impressed with the substantiality of the components underneath a Mercedes, the underside presents in driver quality with minimal surface rust.  There is a decent amount of oil on the transmission pan shield and some at the oil pan as well.  Belly pans and floorboard take up a good part of the underside real estate and look to be in good shape.  Twin exhaust pipes find a stock style muffler then exit as twin tips out the left side rear.   Drive-Ability Good power greets us as we roll the roadster from our garage and as always, the ergonomics and comfort of the SL exceeds our expectations and it's just a decent place to spend some time behind the wheel.  Tracking is straight, turn-in and handling are balanced and firm, and braking is on point.  The radio does not work nor the power antenna, but all other functions work as intended.  While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions wer