1988 Mercedes-Benz 560 SL

The American car importer, Max Hoffman, made recommendations that the American car market, in the 1950s, was primed for a toned-down Grand-Prix car. This void was first filled by Mercedes-Benz in the post-war market with its 300 SL. Though separated by three generations, the 560 SL was an American-marketed-only roadster powered by the largest of the V8 engines offered in the era.

The all-new Mercedes-Benz SL, code name R107, was introduced to the public in the spring of 1971. This personal luxury sports car, nicknamed der Panzerwagen or 'Armored Car' for weighing in at more than 3,400 pounds, had a completely new body, with safety refinements and new luxury features. The completely redesigned SOHC engine displaced 4.5-liters and mated to a 3-speed automatic transmission.

In 1981, Mercedes-Benz launched the 380SL was introduced a 3.8-liter V8 aluminum engine that was lighter and more efficient. In the summer of 1985, the Mercedes-Benz 560SL was launched for the 1986 model year and was the final and most refined of the R107 models. Introduced at the 1985 Frankfurt Motor Show, power was derived from an all-new 5.6-liter aluminum engine giving it more horsepower and higher compression. The interior was updated and it received a driver's airbag.

For 1988, the Mercedes-Benz 560SL 2-door roadster had a base price of $61,100. The overhead-cam V8 engine displaced 338.5 cubic inches and offered nearly 240 horsepower. A four-speed automatic transmission was standard and disc brakes could be found all round.

by Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2016