1986 MERCEDES-BENZ 560 | WDBBA48D8GA045467
❯1986 MERCEDES-BENZ 560 | WDBBA48D8GA045467
United States
Lot details
Vehicle details
Vehicle specifications
6
~$50,000
Engine: 5.0L naturally aspirated V8
Torque: 406 Nm
0–100 km/h: ~7.4 s
The 500 SL, introduced in the early 1980s for European markets, represented the performance pinnacle of the R107 generation. Its 5.0L V8 produced robust torque and smooth power delivery, capable of a 0–100 km/h sprint in about 7.4 seconds — fast for a luxury roadster of its era. Unlike high-revving sports cars, the SL's strength came from effortless cruising and sustained high-speed comfort, with acceleration that was strong, linear, and accompanied by a signature V8 soundtrack.
Handling was composed rather than razor-sharp, but the SL featured a well-engineered chassis with independent suspension all around, coil springs, and front/rear anti-roll bars. Power steering was standard, and while body roll was noticeable, the car felt confident through sweeping bends thanks to its long wheelbase and well-damped ride. Compared to its contemporaries, the SL offered a refined and dignified form of sportiness, suited more to autobahn touring than aggressive track driving.
The SL-Class of this era was a grand tourer in the truest sense — powerful, refined, and built to cover long distances with style and speed. It offered a unique blend of performance and prestige that made it desirable for celebrities, professionals, and driving enthusiasts alike. The focus was not outright agility but on delivering a powerful, luxurious, and highly usable convertible experience.
Body Styles
The R107 SL-Class was a two-door luxury roadster with a long, wide, and low-slung body, designed for open-top motoring. Measuring around 4.4 meters in length, it featured classic sports car proportions — a long hood, short deck, and a near-vertical rear end. The body was defined by clean lines, a low beltline, and substantial chrome accents, including iconic chrome bumpers (pre-1980s) or energy-absorbing rubber-clad bumpers (in U.S. models post-1974).
The SL was equipped with a manually removable hardtop and a folding soft top, offering coupe-like comfort in winter and convertible freedom in summer. U.S. models were visually distinct with larger bumpers and sealed-beam headlights due to regulations. The overall silhouette conveyed elegance and strength — not aggressive, but assertively confident.
Model Name Meaning (Manufacturer)
“SL” stands for Super-Leicht or “Super Light” in German, although by the time of the R107, the vehicle had grown into a more substantial grand tourer rather than a lightweight sports car. Mercedes retained the designation as a nod to the model’s performance lineage dating back to the original 300 SL Gullwing.
Body & Interior Colors and Rims
The R107 was offered in a wide variety of refined, period-specific colors such as Astral Silver, Signal Red, Champagne Metallic, and Petrol Blue. More reserved tones like Ivory, Smoke Silver, and Black Pearl were also popular. Special-order colors through Mercedes’ paint catalog included shades like Thistle Green and China Blue, often paired with matching hardtops.
Interiors featured materials like MB-Tex vinyl or full leather upholstery in shades like Palomino, Brazil Brown, Navy, and Burgundy. Wood veneer in walnut or zebrano trimmed the center console and dash. Optional features included automatic climate control, Becker radios, and heated seats — quite advanced for the era.
Wheels began as classic 14-inch “Bundt” alloy rims, styled like a flower and iconic to the model. Later years saw 15-inch flat-face alloys on the 560 SL and Euro 500 SL variants. The wheels emphasized elegance and durability over sportiness but remain stylistically timeless.
Top Expensive Options
- Removable Factory Hardtop: $1,200
- Leather Upholstery Upgrade: $2,000
- Becker Mexico Cassette Stereo System: $1,000
- Automatic Climate Control: $1,400
- Heated Seats (Euro only): $800
- ABS Anti-lock Braking System: $1,100
- Power Antenna and Central Locking: $500
- Rear Jump Seat (2+2 configuration): $600
- Cruise Control: $650
- Zebrano Wood Interior Trim: $300
vs Competitors
The SL-Class competed with the Jaguar XJ-S, Porsche 911 Targa, and even early iterations of the Cadillac Eldorado convertible. Compared to the Jaguar, the SL offered superior build quality and long-term reliability. While the Porsche was more dynamically focused, the SL catered to drivers who prioritized comfort, luxury, and prestige — with performance being a refined attribute rather than an aggressive statement. American convertibles of the time were often bloated and soft; the SL, by contrast, offered a European driving experience that combined composure, power, and elegance. It effectively bridged the worlds of sports cars and luxury coupes, setting a standard that many imitators could not match.
Fun Fact
The R107 SL-Class became a Hollywood icon, featured prominently in TV shows like Dallas and Hart to Hart. It was Mercedes-Benz’s second-longest production run for any passenger car model (after the G-Class), remaining virtually unchanged for 17 years. Its longevity, coupled with its association with success and elegance, cemented its place as one of the most recognizable luxury convertibles of the 20th century.