1986 Mercedes-Benz 560SL SL Series 500 Series R107 Convertible Roadster Classic

Make: Mercedes-Benz
Model: SL-Class
SubModel: 560SL
Type: Convertible
Year: 1986
Mileage: 80440
VIN: WDBBA48D5GA053493
Color: Blue
Engine: 5.6L
Cylinders: 8
Fuel: Gasoline
Transmission: Automatic
Drive type: RWD
Interior color: Cream
Drive side: Left-hand drive
Safety: Anti-Lock Brakes, Driver Airbag
Vehicle Title: Clean
Item location: New Bedford, Massachusetts, United States
Extras
Air Conditioning, Cruise Control, Power Locks, Power Windows
Cassette Player, Convertible, Leather Seats

Listed by
Private seller
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Description of 1986 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

In 1986, Mercedes-Benz shipped its most powerful SL of the decade to the U.S. in the 560SL. The car was also the heaviest of the 1971-89 R107 SLs that Mercedes produced, but the new 5.5-liter V-8 engine's 227 hp did a fine job of mitigating that fact. Top speed was much improved (from 110 mph in the 380SL to 130 mph), and the car was quicker from a standstill to 60 mph by about 4 full seconds.

The engine was much torquier, too, which greatly improved the cars' dynamics. Likewise, the car received a new rear suspension and a limited-slip differential to better handle the added torque and power. Mercedes-Benz also added anti-lock brakes, leather upholstery, an alarm system, and an air bag, all of which better suited the car's $48,000 price tag.

Today, many enthusiasts gravitate towards the 560SL as it retains some of the original lines of the pagoda SLs while carrying with it all of the R107's advances. It remains a popular choice for those enthusiasts who value verve and build quality for a low price of entry.

THIS IS A BEAUTIFUL CLASSIC 1986 MERCEDES-BENZ 560SL IN GREAT OVERALL CONDITION. WITH THE ENGINE REPAIRED, IT'S WORTH $15,000. WITH SOME EXTRA TLC, IT CAN BE WORTH MUCH MORE. THIS CAR WILL KEEP ON APPRECIATING DUE TO ITS REPUTATION AS ONE OF THE BEST 3RD GENERATION (71-89) SL MODELS AND THE BEST PERFORMING OF THE R107 PLATFORM (86-89).
THIS HAS BEEN A SOUTHERN CAR FOR 31 YEARS: FROM 1986 TO 2007 SC. GA FROM 2007-2017. WE ACQUIRED IT IN 2017 FROM MY WIFE'S DECEASED FATHER AND HAD IT TRANSPORTED TO MA. WHILE IN MA, IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN GARAGED & COVERED AND NEVER EXPOSED TO HARSH WINTER CONDITIONS.
OWNERS MANUAL BOOKS INCLUDED AS WELL AS FIRST AID KIT.PLENTY MORE PHOTOS ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST.

AND BECAUSE WE ALL DESERVE TRANSPARENCY, HERE'S A BREAKDOWN OF THE PROS & CONS FOUND ON THE VEHICLE:

THE GOOD:

A CLASSIC THAT WILL APPRECIATE IN VALUE.
RARE BLUE PAINT AND CREAM INTERIOR.
VERY CLEAN INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR.
NO RUST! SOUTHERN CAR FOR 31 YEARS. GARAGED & ALWAYS COVERED.
FAMILY OWNED SINCE 2007. HAVE SERVICE RECORDS BACK TO 2009.
AIR CONDITIONING CONVERSION FROM r12 to r134a - BLOWS COLD. HEAT ALSO WORKS WELL!
ALL POWER & LIGHTS WORK.
NEW BREAKS, CALIPERS, HOSES, TIE RODS.
CAR APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN PAINTED BY FIRST OWNER.
CLEAN & SHINNY PAINT, BUMPERS, CHROME, WHEELS.
NO ACCIDENTS REPORTED ON VEHICLE HISTORY.
ENGINE STARTS UP NICELY (ALTHOUGH NOT RUN TO AVOID DAMAGE).

THE BAD:
RADIO - CASSETTE DECK & ANTENNA DON'T WORK. COULD USE NEW WEATHER STRIPPING AROUND THE DOORS.
DRIVER WINDOW COULD USE REPAIR (GOES SLIGHTLY BEYOND CLOSE POINT).
SOME PAINT CHIPPING AROUND FUEL DOOR.
DRIVER SEAT DOES HAVE SOME WEAR TO THE LEATHER.
SOFT-TOP HAS A 1 IN. TEAR THAT NEEDS PATCHING/REPAIR.MINOR MILEAGE REPORTING ISSUE (<700 MILES). CURRENTLY BEING AMENDED WITH RMV.
THE UGLY:
THE BLOWN HEAD GASKET! ESTIMATED TOTAL REPAIR COSTS $4,000-6,000. 25 HRS FOR LABOR. PARTS & SERVICES. I WOULD GET THE TIMING CHAIN CHECKED AND ANY COMPONENTS REPAIRED WHILE IN THERE! IT DOESN'T COST THAT MUCH MORE SINCE THE MAJORITY OF REPAIR COSTS ARE LABOR FOR DISMANTLING AND REASSEMBLING THE ENGINE.
PLEASE DON'T HESITATE TO ASK ANY QUESTIONS.
THANK YOU!