Manufactured for over 17 years and constantly refined by the engineering department, the R107's final evolution, the US-delivery-only 560SL, was truly an impressive motorcar, as evidenced by its suggested retail price, which had increased over 500% from its original 1971 sticker.
Final Year Made:
1989 Mercedes-Benz 560SL
2-Top Roadster!
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While competing with the likes of a Rolls Royce Corniche, a Porsche 911 Cabriolet, a Jaguar XJS Convertible and a Ferrari Mondial, the 560SL would set another milestone: it would become the last classic Mercedes Roadster built!
Its successor, the R129, was the first in a line of plasticized SLs, overweight and filled with computers and electronic gadgets that would make long-term upkeep prohibitively expensive and an eventual restoration outright impossible.
The 1989 Mercedes 560SL presented here, VIN *WDBBA48D4AKA092391*, is from the final year of production. It was factory-ordered in Signal Red over Parchment and presents itself still 100% as delivered, featuring all original paint and interior. It's a genuine California car that has never left the Golden State in 35 years.
This 560SL comes with all factory books in their original black pouch. A ring binder filled with service documents gives insight in the pampered life this car has lived.
Factory Mercedes-Benz data card and chassis plate confirm all original equipment.
In 2017 the car was parked in the lady owner's garage. We bought it directly from her shortly after.
This 560SL's engine bay is original, and clean. It houses the original, aluminum 5.6-liter SOHC V8 motor fed by a BOSCH KE Motronic fuel injection. Giving the contemporary Porsche 911 Carrera a run for the money, it takes a mere 7.5 seconds to propel this veritable street rocket from a standing start to 60 mph. Top speed of the 560SL is 137mph, again, clearly Porsche 911 territory!
The engine runs quiet and smooth, yet it pulls strongly from idle all the way to its 6,000 rpm redline. No untoward noises, smoke, or fluid leaks spoil the favorable first impression. Over-engineered in the true meaning of the term, it should provide many years of service, needing nothing more than regular maintenance.
Since the car had been sitting for several years, we had our favorite shop go through the entire car and service it as needed. This also included a full service of the air contitioning system which blows ice old air on demand.
560SL's body is all original, has never been apart.
There are no dings, no dents, no scratches to be found anywhere.
Flanks are straight as an arrow, and there are also no rock chips.
We measured the entire car, top to bottom, and we can say with absolute certainty that all of it is factory original paint.
Although the finish is still incredibly shiny, it is almost 36 years old and shows some imperfections, most notably a polished-through spot on the deck lid.
We thought about getting the deck lid repainted ($400), but in the end decided against it to preserve the all-original paint.
Mercedes-Benz 560SL with the steel hardtop mounted, in Coupe disguise.
Factory hardtop is 100% rust free, with flawless headliner and glass.
The hardtop stand is included in the sale.
Mercedes-Benz 560SL with the softtop errected, in Convertible disguise.
Black German canvas soft top looks like new. It's a genuine Mercedes-Benz item, with the tan herringbone fabric headliner and tri-pointed star embossed in all 3 clear plastic windows.
Mercedes-Benz 560SL without a hint of top in Roadster disguise.
The car is fitting with the original, chromed 7x15 factory allows on all 4 corners.
Michelin Primacy MXV4 tires have plenty of rubber left, but they date to the 5th week of 2011 and should be replaced rather sooner than later.
Next section: the interior!
Door panels are flawless and doors are unmarked without any sign of corrosion. Rubber weatherstripping is flawless as well.
Original dashboard is crack free.
Both sunvisors have working vanity lights.
The 560SL exudes a luxurious Old World ambiente.
Burled Walnut veneer and Italian leather set dominant interior accents, worthy of a Rolls Royce or Bentley! Velour carpeting and floor mats are extra clean. Options include power windows, power-operated passenger-side rearview mirror, vacuum-operated power locking system, automatic climate control, and cruise control. Everything works as it should.
Both parchment-colored front seat covers are original, but show some age-induced cracks after 36 years.
Seat backs and head rests are flawless.
Area behind the seats provides plenty of space for a set of duffle bags and golf clubs, or a furry companion or two.
Factory first aid it is complete and unused.
The difference between a convertible and a Roadster is that the convertible top can be stowed out of sight, instead of leaving an unsighly bulge that has to be covered with a tonneau cover.
Often showing signs of corrosion, on this car the convertible top bin is 100% rust free and as beautifully preserved as the rest of the car.
Next section: the trunk.
SL's trunk is fully lined with German velour carpeting.
Date-coded factory spare -- still with red dot and instruction label attached -- rests in a separate compartment below the trunk floor. Everything is rust free and super clean here as well.
The good news continues down under. This SL is perfectly rust free and features all of its original finishes. It has never had rust nor needed any rust repair, nor is there any sign that the car has been involved in any fender bender.
Above photos show the undercarriage in more detail.
So how does it drive?
Driving this 560SL, especially with the top down, is a wonderful experience. The car possesses an aura of unmatched quality and elegance, not found in any of its competitors.
Park it in a circular driveway of the most expensive neighborhood and it still looks perfectly right, proving that no car ages as beautifully as a Mercedes R107 SL.
Equipped with new BILSTEIN gas shocks on all 4 corners, the ride is smooth and totally rattle-free, just as you would expect from a car of this caliber. Acceleration is powerful, accompanied by the growl of an old-fashioned big block engine. If you never had the opportunity to drive a 560SL, you can't possibly be prepared for the kick-in-the-pants experience!
The SL surprises with a level of comfort and performance unsurpassed by the majority of cars built today. The is the last Mercedes-Benz Roadster worth owning, and it's already on the way to become a blue chip collectible within the next decade, following in the footsteps of its predecessors.
Offered for sale at only $9,900, this 2-Top 560SL presents an incredible bargain and should find a new home very soon.
Thank you for your interest!
RETURN TO THE SHOWROOM
You are most welcome to inspect this fine automobile at our location in Ventura, by appointment, or have someone
inspect it for you.
Please, direct all inquiries to info@californiaclassix.com
or call us at (805)792-9797.