The DFW Car & Toy Museum has added a remarkably preserved 1987 Mercedes-Benz 560SL to The Ron Sturgeon Collection, showcasing what many consider the ultimate expression of the R107 chassis that defined luxury roadsters during the 1980s. This radiant red convertible represents the final and most powerful iteration of Mercedes-Benz's iconic SL series sold exclusively in North America from 1986 through 1989, making it a significant piece of automotive history for collectors and enthusiasts.
What makes this particular vehicle noteworthy is its exceptionally low mileage of just 12,000 original miles, essentially preserving the car in near-new condition while representing the technological and design achievements of its era. The 560SL stands as the most refined version of the R107 platform, celebrated for its exceptional build quality, balanced performance characteristics, and timeless design that continues to influence modern luxury vehicles.
Powering this classic roadster is a 5.5-liter V8 engine factory-rated at 227 horsepower and 279 lb-ft of torque, delivering the smooth, effortless acceleration that characterized premium grand touring vehicles of the period. The powertrain combines with a four-speed automatic transmission and limited-slip differential to provide what owners describe as the perfect balance of German precision and comfortable cruising capability. The driving experience is further enhanced by power steering, fully independent suspension, and power-assisted four-wheel disc brakes, technologies that were cutting-edge for luxury vehicles in the late 1980s.
The interior serves as a time capsule of 1980s automotive luxury and innovation, featuring automatic climate control, cruise control, electric windows, central locking, and even a period Carphone that represents the early integration of mobile communication technology in premium vehicles. The cabin is dominated by a factory Becker stereo system and classic VDO instrumentation, with a leather-wrapped four-spoke steering wheel framing a 170-mph speedometer, 7,000-rpm tachometer, and comprehensive gauges monitoring coolant temperature, oil pressure, fuel economy, and fuel level.
Ron Sturgeon, owner of the DFW Car & Toy Museum, emphasizes the vehicle's dual appeal as both a collectible and a usable classic. "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 museum, located at 2550 McMillan Parkway in Fort Worth, provides public access to this and other significant automotive artifacts, with visitors able to view the collection during operating hours detailed on their website at https://dfwcarandtoymuseum.com.
For automotive historians and collectors, the 560SL represents an important transitional period in luxury vehicle development, bridging traditional craftsmanship with emerging electronic convenience features. Its inclusion in The Ron Sturgeon Collection provides museum visitors with an authentic representation of 1980s automotive excellence and demonstrates how Mercedes-Benz established standards for build quality and longevity that continue to influence the premium automotive market today. The vehicle's preservation at such low mileage offers a rare opportunity to experience a nearly factory-fresh example of what many consider the golden era of Mercedes-Benz engineering and design.
