1987 Mercedes Benz 560SL Roadster

1987 Mercedes Benz 560SL Roadster – with your choice of hardtops (read on).
First, a bit of background. I restore 560SLs and have had many. I’ve enjoyed every aspect of the driving experience in these iconic cars. In 1988 I could hardly afford a Yugo, let alone a Mercedes flagship 560SL. Therefore, it was always my goal to acquire one when I could afford to do so. I’ve owned a few great examples and invariably friends or family ask to purchase them. So, I find another.
They tend to rust – so finding a southern car is important. They rust in the door jams, the fenders, the undercarriage and the floors (trunk included). Repairs, not done well, will result in the rust returning. The bottom line is – spend your time finding a RUST FREE example (be that mine or another) not one that has been repaired. Remember, this is not only a great roadster but also a stellar investment piece.
The 560SL is a blue chip investment. Yet, they are plentiful in average condition. They are rare (very rare) in excellent original condition.
Here are some important features:
The car has only 47,855 miles - mileage may change slightly as it's Summer in Chicago !
She is all original, of course.
She has dealer installed chrome plated rims (very sharp) – but I have a set that is non chromed and beautiful should you prefer them
She is a very desirable color – Mercedes calls is DB199, Black Pearl. She isn’t black, but she isn’t anthracite either – she is dazzling.
Black leather interior in excellent condition
Wood is not cracked, but is slightly faded (remember, a southern car)
New fog light bulbs
Great tires
All gauges work
Original tool kit present
Original top removing tools present
Original owner’s manual and paperwork, present
Original jack, present
Battery is in fine condition (relatively new) with an installed trickle charger
Carpet overlays on original carpeting
Aftermarket radio (CD, Bluetooth, Aux, MP3, etc) - if you prefer the original Becker radio, I think we have one laying around, let me know
I added dual silver pin striping. It’s paint, not tape, done by a 70 year old craftsman
Therefore, you can either elect to have a silver hardtop (to match the pin striping) or the original black hardtop - you get both in the sale.
Runs 100%
Brakes 100%
Shifts 100%
Everything works as designed
The leather seats are supple and don’t have the usual bolster wear nor sagging
Convertible top looks like it was never up – plastic is in excellent condition
Climate Control works perfectly, A/C blows cold
Cruise control works perfectly
Windows operate 100%
The windshield is free of chips or cracks, testifying to her low mileage, again
I have not detailed the engine compartment. I’ll let the next owner do that.
Rust free!!!
A car is only original once. I long for great cars with great originality and patina. Therefore, although this is probably the finest 560SL I’ve ever owned, she is used and nearly 30 years old. Expect small imperfections, nicks and random chips. Again, all verifying her authenticity and low mileage. Nothing egregious, just normal wear. But also wear that proves she only has 47,000 miles. She has never been hit, that I can detect – and I think I could tell. There is no “new paint” or “touchup” paint on the car. Neither are there any parking lot dings – which means she was driven by an enthusiast, like me. You know the type; I park my car a mile away from the entrance to any store.
This 560SL is undoubtedly one of the nicest I’ve had the pleasure to own or have ever seen.