1987 Mercedes-Benz 560 Series 560SL SL

It's hard to believe but true. This classic 1987 Mercedes 560SL offers V8 power, unique features, and is in the perfect color combination... and yet you can get it all for less than an economy car price.

The 560SL is highly desirable because it's the full wish list in one car. These are elegant, powerful, comfortable, timeless and nimble classics. The now legendary R107 model designation are iconic because they represent an era when very few companies could build a convertible without worrying about safety regulations. Mercedes built their cars so robustly that the R107 exceeded these standards, and they did it elegantly without an unsightly roll bar. The white paint shows signs of being the original application. It has the perfect tone to look contemporary and coordinate with the black convertible top and white hard top. The gloss and shine this paint retains is a testament to both Mercedes build quality and good care. The same goes for the fit and finish all around this classic convertible.

A great element of subtle elegance is how the dark red pinstripe on the outside is also a preview of the interior color. So this one looks nicely coordinated with the top down – exactly how the SL is meant to be. Plus, the seats, carpeting, and door panels all retain a nice dark red presentation. The 560SL was one of the most expensive cars Mercedes offered during its reign, and so the features list is quite long. This includes conveniences such as power windows, power steering, cruise control, an upgraded AM/FM/CD stereo, and provisions for R134a air conditioning. Because this was built 1987, there are also more modern safety features than most R107s, such as anti-lock brakes, a third brake light, and a driver's air bag.

The 560SL came with a fuel-injected 5.6-liter V8 motor making 238 hp and 287 lb-ft of torque – more than the contemporary Rolls-Royces. On the road, an R107 has a fully-independent chassis that is the perfect balance of elastic comfort in a tight-handling package. The four-speed automatic transmission knows how to snap to attention under acceleration as well as provide terrific overdrive cruising comfort. This was topped off with four-wheel disc brakes for the best all-around control. In total, the Mercedes SL is in a class all of its own. It has always been hard to define its competitors because no other car combines grand touring comfort with sporty flair so perfectly.