1971-1989 Mercedes-Benz 560 SL Cabriolet – Exterior and Interior – Classic Expo Salzburg 2021

Inhalte Verbergen

1 Technical Details:

2 Design:

3 Historical Significance:

4 Quirks and Pop Culture:

5 Display and preservation:

6 Conclusion:

7 Sources

Technical Details:

As the range-topping model of the R107 SL series, the Mercedes-Benz 560 SL Cabriolet boasted a 5.6 L V8 with roughly 230 hp. It came only with a 4-speed automatic and benefited from technological upgrades accrued over the R107’s long run. By the mid-1980s, features like anti-lock brakes and a driver airbag were available, boosting safety. The big V8 delivered strong torque for effortless cruising, while independent suspension and four-wheel disc brakes ensured stable handling. Notably, the 560 SL was built primarily for export; it was never officially sold in Germany, targeting the U.S. (its main market) as well as Japan and Australia.

Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz
Model Name: Mercedes-Benz 560 SL Cabriolet (R107)
Year of Manufacturing: 1986–1989

Design:

The Mercedes-Benz 560 SL Cabriolet carried the R107’s timeless styling with subtle 1980s updates. U.S.-spec models wore prominent bumpers and quad sealed-beam headlights, giving a bulkier look. The roadster retained its classic long-hood, short-deck profile with a standard removable hardtop. Interior trim was refined in late-production models, but the overall ambience remained old-school Mercedes luxury. Even in 1989, the 560 SL’s design – rooted in the early ’70s – exuded a nostalgic charm that appealed to buyers who valued tradition.

Historical Significance:

The Mercedes-Benz 560 SL Cabriolet represents the final chapter of the R107 generation. Introduced for 1986, it capped off an 18-year production run; the last R107 rolled off the line in August 1989. North America was the Mercedes-Benz 560 SL Cabriolet’s primary market, reflecting the importance of U.S. demand for Mercedes roadsters. This model came to symbolize 1980s automotive luxury, often associated with California boulevards and upscale lifestyles. As the most developed version of the R107, the Mercedes-Benz 560 SL Cabriolet benefited from nearly two decades of incremental improvements. Its end in 1989 marked the close of an era – the last Mercedes SL rooted in 1960s engineering.

Quirks and Pop Culture:

An icon of 1980s extravagance, the Mercedes-Benz 560 SL Cabriolet made numerous pop culture appearances. For example, a silver Mercedes-Benz 560 SL Cabriolet is spotted in Beverly Hills Cop II (1987) as a flashy Los Angeles ride. Since it wasn’t sold new in Europe, some enthusiasts later imported U.S.-spec cars, adding to its mystique. Today, the Mercedes-Benz 560 SL Cabriolet is prized by collectors, valued for its classic style, bulletproof build, and status as the ultimate evolution of the R107 series.

Display and preservation:

The vehicle was exhibited at the Classic Expo Salzburg in 2021. As one of Austria’s premier classic car events, the show has established itself as a central meeting point for collectors, restorers, and enthusiasts from across Central Europe. The 2021 edition took place at Messezentrum Salzburg and featured more than 250 exhibitors, along with a strong turnout of over 20,000 visitors. Attendees could explore a broad range of offerings—from historical vehicles and motorcycles to automobilia, spare parts, and literature.

Conclusion:

The Mercedes-Benz 560 SL Cabriolet remains a definitive 1980s classic – a V8 roadster that married solid Mercedes engineering with a dash of Hollywood glamour. It serves as a nostalgic bookend to the R107 era. For European enthusiasts and collectors, the 560 SL offers a satisfying blend of vintage charm and usable performance, making it a coveted centerpiece in any classic car collection.