1986 Mercedes-Benz 560-Class

1986 Mercedes-Benz 560SL Roadster  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.  But we can go even further as the company has a deep legacy of legendary cars.  The 1927 Model SSk, the 1936 540K roadster, and the direct precursor to the modern SL, the 1963 230SL roadster.   For consignment, a 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560SL roadster with a title verified 112,530 actual miles.  A significant sum was spent last year on sorting out this car mechanically and fixing other things that needed attention.  The next owner will benefit from this level of attention and this beautiful car can provide the pleasures delivered by the sport luxury legend that is the SL series.  Exterior Light Ivory covers this wonderfully straight steel paneled sportster, with shiny paint and all excellent chrome trimmings to accent the ivory which covers the matching hard top that comes with the car.  Ribbed side mounted signal lights and wrap around ribbed tail lights were designed this way to be self cleaning.  A shiny surround with the large tri pointed star fronts the infamous grille, and a chromed bumper with black vinyl side coverings shows in front and rear.  Also, in the bodywork are some black trimmings edged in chrome located on the lower sides of the quarters and doors, and a chromed trimmed black rocker covering.  Forged alloy 15-inch are wrapped in 205/65R15 with a date code of late 2023, so you can scratch that purchase off your list!  The wheels, however, could use some restoration.  Other imperfections include some rust bubbles down by the rocker panel and under it, and some chips on the grooved lower panel.    Interior Saddle MB tex material provides the perfect contrast to the ivory exterior and begins on the door panels that are designed with simplicity and efficiency in mind.  Vertical ribbed inserts occupy the seats and the driver's side shows some wear and tear and a gaping hole.  Small back seats have the optional seat belts installed so small people can come along for the ride.  Clean instrumentation is ahead of the standard Mercedes steering wheel and lovely burl wood veneer strings across the dash and over the center stack where an AM/FM/CD radio with AUX if located as well as the climate control panel.  Between the seats is a central console which houses the shift lever and a few additional controls for the door glass and mirror adjustments and the burl wood base here shows a bit more patina with cracking glaze and faded wood.  Velvety rich tan carpeting floods this two seater's floors, rear storage compartment, and trunk and it all shows a bit of age and some wear, but is perfectly presentable.   Drivetrain The 5.6 Liter SOHC V8 engine incorporates fuel injection and sits in a clean, driver condition engine bay.   It's rated at a respectable 227 horsepower and backed by a 4-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the rear axle and 2.47 gears.  Power brakes are provided on this sporty roadster and discs are present at each wheel.   Undercarriage Driver quality here with some surface rust, some peeling on exhaust components, and some torn insulation around brake cables, along with some residual oil on the pan.  But overall, the robust components, seals, and boots are intact.  The exhaust comes together at the cat, then runs in tandem to a stock style muffler which begets two exhaust tips that leave out the back.  Independent coil spring suspension provides the handling and ride on all four corners.     Drive-Ability A very nice driver, great handling, and power to call on when needed.  Its three 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 consistently powerful and good handling cars, and our test