1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 Series

The SL nameplate has been synonymous with sporting performance for the Three-Pointed Star's range, beginning with the Gullwing of the 1950s, combining performance with luxury in an attractive and stylish package. Stuttgart's engineers developed the R107 as a replacement for the popular second-generation 'Pagoda' SL, entering production in April of 1971 and remaining for a remarkable 18 years. It received the nickname, the Panzerwagen, due to its impressive strength and its numerous safety features, including a padded dashboard and the fuel tank relocated to the boot, resting with the massively reinforced body shell. V8 engines that were large and powerful were sourced from the S-Class sedan helping to cope with the weight gains, while the new suspension system used a rear trailing arms setup instead of the prior swing axle design. A new generation of alloy V8 engines was introduced to the R107 range in 1980 and was lighter, more fuel-efficient, and powerful than before. Another major improvement was the more efficient four-speed automatic transmission with torque converter rather than the older fluid coupling.

Among the range of vehicles using the R107 platform was the 560SL, produced between 1986 and 1989.

The 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 Series was available as a 4-door Sedan (560SEL), a 2-door coupe (560SEC), and the roadster (560SL). Power came from a 5.6-liter V8 overhead valve engine rated at 240 horsepower. A four-speed automatic was standard and disc brakes could be found at all four corners. Its appearance and dimensions were similar to the prior 380 series, but it had larger brakes, wheels, and tires, and a re-calibrated suspension system. Pricing began at $48,200 for the roadster and climbed to $58,300 for the 560SEL sedan. The 560SEC coupe sold for $58,700.

by Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2013