1987 Mercedes-Benz 560SL at a driver-quality price, with both tops
About 26% under the comp midpoint for a running 560SL with fresh tires and service; inspect before buying.
Why we picked it
The 560SL is the R107 to own: the 5.6-liter V8 makes 227 hp in US form, and it is the last and best-sorted version of a car built for 18 years. GR Auto Gallery has this 1987 in Desert Taupe Metallic over tan at $14,900, with 85,116 miles. The seller says it is well maintained, with new tires, a full tune-up and all fluids changed. They also say it has a clean Carfax, working heat and A/C, and both the hardtop and the soft top.
Comparable 560SLs with 77k-94k miles sold between about $21,000 and $29,500 on Bring a Trailer this fall, though a few tired examples went for $10,000-$11,000 at Mecum and Hagerty. Even against that wide range, the asking price sits roughly 26% below the midpoint. The only change from stock the listing mentions is a Kenwood stereo.
The value check
The seller is asking $14,900. Comparable cars in the same condition have sold for $11,000–$29,500, so the middle of the market is about $20,250. That put this car 26% under.
Recent sold 560SLs with 77k-94k miles ranged from $10,250-$11,000 (Mecum, Hagerty) to $21,000-$29,500 (BaT and a dealer sale). Comp range $11,000-$29,500, midpoint $20,250.
- BaT 1988 560SL 94k mi, $29,500 (Oct 2026)
- BaT 1987 560SL 77k mi, $21,000 (Oct 2026)
- BaT 1988 560SL 84k mi, $22,500 (Sep 2026)
- Mecum 1989 560SL 92k mi, $11,000 (Oct 2026)
- classic.com 560SL sold results
What to check
- Rust: check the front frame rails and jack points, the rocker panels, the floor under the battery tray (behind the passenger seat), the trunk floor and the bottoms of the doors and fenders.
- Timing chain: on the M117 V8 the single-row chain and its plastic guides wear out. Ask when they were last replaced, because a failed guide can wreck the engine.
- Climate control and hydraulic soft-top: both are expensive to fix. Test the A/C, the heater and every soft-top function, and check that the hardtop comes with its stand.
- Fuel and ignition: KE-Jetronic injection and the EZL ignition module can cause hard starting or hesitation. A cold start tells you a lot.
- Paperwork: the mileage is listed as both 85,116 and 85,106, the title status is not stated and no service records are mentioned. Get all of these confirmed in writing.
- Bushings and mounts: worn subframe and differential mounts make the car clunk. Have a pre-purchase inspection done on a lift.
Making it drive like new
A clean 560SL makes a great base for a light restomod. Fit Bilstein shocks and new bushings, upgrade the cooling with a new radiator and fan clutch, and put in a modern Bluetooth head unit that looks period. Converting the A/C to R134a, fitting LED lights inside and out, and adding a three-point belt reinforcement or modern harness mounts make it more usable every day. The original V8 and 4-speed auto stay, so the car keeps its value.
What Mercedes-Benz 560SL cars sell for
| Condition | Sales | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Driver | 25 | $5,000 | $17,369 | $37,000 |
| Collector | 1 | $50,000 | $50,000 | $50,000 |
Recent sales
| Car | Condition | Result | Date | Where |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 560SL, 92k mi | Driver | $11,000 | Oct 22, 2026 | Mecum |
| 1988 560SL, 94k mi | Driver | $29,500 | Oct 21, 2026 | Bring a Trailer |
| 1987 560SL, 52k mi | Driver | $37,000 | Oct 20, 2026 | Bring a Trailer |
| 1987 560SL, 65k mi | Driver | $26,750 | Oct 15, 2026 | Bring a Trailer |
| 1988 560SL, 79k mi | Driver | $27,500 | Oct 12, 2026 | Bring a Trailer |
| 1988 560SL, 80k mi | Driver | $25,500 | Oct 5, 2026 | Bring a Trailer |
| 1987 560SL, 77k mi | Driver | $21,000 | Oct 3, 2026 | Bring a Trailer |
| 1988 560SL, 85k mi (dealer sale) | Driver | $21,000 | Oct 1, 2026 | Dealer |
