Low-Mileage 1987 Mercedes-Benz 560SL Showcases 1980s Grand Touring Excellence at DFW Car & Toy Museum

The DFW Car & Toy Museum has added a significant piece of automotive history to The Ron Sturgeon Collection with the acquisition of a 1987 Mercedes-Benz 560SL showing just 12,000 original miles. This radiant red roadster represents the pinnacle of Mercedes-Benz grand touring elegance during the 1980s, offering collectors and enthusiasts a remarkably preserved example of German automotive engineering at its finest.

What makes this vehicle particularly noteworthy is its mechanical specification and exceptional condition. Powered by a 5.5-liter V8 engine factory-rated at 227 horsepower and 279 lb-ft of torque, the 560SL delivers the kind of refined performance that made Mercedes-Benz synonymous with automotive excellence. The powerplant is mated to a four-speed automatic transmission and limited-slip differential, creating a driving experience characterized by what the museum describes as "power, poise, and German precision."

The technological sophistication of this era is evident throughout the vehicle. The chassis features power steering, fully independent suspension, and power-assisted four-wheel disc brakes—advanced systems that provided both comfort and capability. Inside, the cabin serves as a time capsule of 1980s luxury, equipped with automatic climate control, cruise control, electric windows, central locking, and even a period Carphone. The instrumentation includes classic VDO gauges monitored through a leather-wrapped four-spoke steering wheel.

Ron Sturgeon, owner of the DFW Car & Toy Museum, emphasizes the vehicle's enduring appeal. "This 560SL is the definition of a classic you can still drive and enjoy," Sturgeon noted. "It has the comfort, presence, and understated power that makes the SL timeless—and with just 12,000 miles, it feels practically new."

The historical significance of this model extends beyond its low mileage. The 560SL was offered exclusively in the North American market from 1986 through 1989 and represents the most powerful and refined iteration of the R107 chassis. Celebrated for its build quality, balanced performance, and enduring design, the R107 series has become increasingly collectible among automotive enthusiasts and investors alike.

For those interested in viewing this automotive artifact, the museum provides information through its website at https://dfwcarandtoymuseum.com. The vehicle's preservation at such low mileage makes it particularly significant for understanding automotive design and engineering from this period, offering insights into the standards of luxury and performance that defined premium German automobiles during the late 1980s.

This acquisition matters because it preserves an important chapter in automotive history while demonstrating the enduring value of well-maintained classic cars. As collector car markets continue to recognize the significance of preserved, low-mileage examples, vehicles like this 560SL serve as benchmarks for condition and authenticity. The presence of such meticulously maintained classics in public collections ensures that future generations can experience and appreciate automotive craftsmanship from eras that increasingly define collector markets and automotive heritage.