1986 Mercedes-Benz 560SL

Description

Mercedes-Benz has always built sophisticated luxury and performance automobiles with a reputation for strength and safety. They look great and drive great. If you have ever driven one, you know how solid they feel. If you haven't, then here is your chance to come down and see what a German Sports/Luxury car is really like.

Mercedes SL series cars are personal luxury cars. They are designed with clean lines and understated elegance. Showing up in this white car is like showing up in a white tux or a white dress. It gets attention and makes a quiet statement. Up front is that unmistakable Mercedes-Benz star that everyone knows stands for quality. It is flanked by quad headlights to light the way at night, and also has factory fog lights under the bumper, because being able to see in fog and rain is a safety consideration too. Black bumper end caps front and rear blend perfectly with the side moldings, creating a pleasing visual line, but also offering superior protection from parking lot mishaps. Scalloped lower door panels make it look low and sleek. Blue pinstriping that matches the interior is a nice touch. The blue convertible top looks great when it is up, but if you prefer the look of a hardtop, then just drop on the white one that comes with this car.

Open the door and settle into the leather seats. Notice that there is an airbag equipped steering wheel which was standard issue safety equipment on this Mercedes several years before it was required by U.S. law. The rest of the interior is neat and clean with minimal wear. Obviously, this car was well cared for. As you would expect, power windows and air conditioning provide comfort and convenience for you. Gauges are easily visible under a dash that helps shroud them from the glare of the sun when the top is down. The large thermometer between the vents looks rather unique, but is another safety item indicating when there are freezing temperatures outside. Burled wood dash treatments add warmth and a touch of old world feel. The removable hard top is a first-class affair. When you opt to install that, it is like driving a coupe, not a convertible with a removable top.

Powering this personal luxury car is the largest engine offered by Mercedes that year. But wheel spinning power isn't what this engine is about. It is about quiet, confident, power that takes you down the road with reserved dignity. The four-speed automatic is smooth and efficient in the way it enables the car to run at leisurely low RPMs in top gear while traveling down the highway, but remember, this is a car built to run the autobahns too, so don't underestimate what it is quietly capable of. The fully independent suspensions and 4-wheel disc brakes have always been designed to instill confidence and provide a great ride. But it's also designed to handle great on the back roads, and especially so in the 560 SLs.

Come down and see how it feels to drive a personal luxury car from Germany. You may decide its what you want to drive every day.