1986 Mercedes-Benz 560SL convertible

“How is a classic transformed into a legend?”

The 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560SL marked the last significant revision to the R107 generation that had begun way back in 1972 with the 450SL. In addition to a larger and more powerful V8, Mercedes added a new rear suspension, anti-lock brakes (ABS), a limited-slip differential, a driver’s side airbag, and standard leather upholstery. The 560SL also got the federally-required high-mounted third brake light, mounted awkwardly on the trunk.

Motive power was provided by a Bosch fuel-injected 227 bhp 5.5 liter/338 ci V8 connected to a four-speed automatic transmission. Motor Trend recorded a 0-60 time of 6.8 seconds, while Road & Track recorded 7.5 seconds—no matter what, the 560SL was over three seconds faster than the 380SL. Mileage wasn’t exactly a priority in a car with 3,781-pound curb weight—the ratings of the day were 14 city mpg/17 highway (adding a $1,300 gas guzzler tax to every vehicle), by today’s standards that would be 12 city/16 highway. With the 22.5-gallon gas tank, 560SL owners could expect a range of between 280 and 315 miles with a 10% fuel reserve.

The 560SL’s base price at the beginning of the 1986 model year was $48,200—about $143,700 in today’s dollars, which is slightly under what a 2026 AMG SL 55 convertible goes for. By the end of the 1986 model year, the 560SL’s base price had risen to $53,730.

For their money, SL buyers got a plethora of standard equipment. Standard exterior and mechanical features included halogen head and fog lamps, tinted glass, power assisted steering, power assisted four wheel disc brakes, and 205/65R15 steel belted radial-ply tires (a size still readily available) on 15-inch light alloy wheels. Inside, adjustable front bucket seats and head restraints, a leather covered steering wheel and gear selector, cruise control, a central locking system, electric window lifts, fully automatic climate control, an electronic AM and FM stereo radio with a cassette player, and a first aid kit were included.

Options & Production Numbers

The 560SL offered only three factory options: heated seats, electronically adjustable headrests, and California emissions ($30).

About 13,788 well-healed buyers took home the first-year 560SL, up about 69% from the final year 380SL.

The View From 2025

There is solid club and forum support for the 560SL, as there is for almost all Mercedes-Benzes. According to Hagerty’s valuation tools, all the money for a 1986 560SL in #1/Concours condition is an astounding $150,000, while a more normal #3/Good condition car goes for $22,300. 560SLs maintain a substantial presence in the Hemming’s Motor News classifieds, on eBay Motors, and on Bring a Trailer. As I wrote this blog post in September 2025, there were 74 available on Hemmings, including 15 of the 1986 models.

Make mine Nautical Blue Metallic, please.

Other Mercedes-Benz models I have written about included the 1980 450SL convertible, the 1981 380 SEL sedan, the 1985 380SL convertible, the 1985 300SD coupe, the 1986 560SEC coupe, and the 1989 560SL convertible.