Vehicle Description
Following the commercial success of the R113-series 230, 250 and
280SL, Mercedes-Benz realized they had a tough act to follow with
its replacement. The R113 SL models were responsible for perfecting
Mercedes' formula for their ideal sports roadster. The 300SL was a
technological marvel, but costly to build, buy and maintain. The
190SL utilized humble passenger car architecture in a pretty body,
but was perhaps a bit too pedestrian in terms of performance. The
230SL fixed that with its fuel-injected six cylinder engine and
well-honed chassis that borrowed much from other cars in the
Mercedes lineup, though with better resolved handling and far
better performance. The R113 was continuously improved through the
1971 280SL, the car's focus being less overtly sporty than its
rivals, yet still enormously capable as a comfortable and
imminently stylish grand tourer. Mercedes-Benz understood the
importance of this new SL roadster, and they threw all they had
been studying in the previous decade into the project, with the
first examples hitting the road in late 1971. Stuttgart engineers
had become obsessed with safety and with the idea of overbuilding
their cars. Every surface of the new car, internally known as R107,
was carefully honed for maximum safety. Even the signature ribbed
tail lights are a result of safety studies, engineers found they
stayed cleaner and therefore more visible in poor weather
conditions. In spite of the obsession for safety, the R107 wore
sophisticated and elegantly styled bodywork with traditional
long-bonnet, short-deck proportions. Like other SLs before it, the
new car was available with a removable hard top for all-weather
enjoyment. Architecture followed the established SL ethos,
borrowing from other mid-sized Mercedes cars for suspension and
drivetrain, but fine tuning the handling for a more sporting feel.
The 107 was produced from 1971-1989; the Mercedes second-longest
running model in the marque's history, and in the process earning
its place as an iconic status symbol of the 1980s. Our featured car
is the ultimate model of the R107 range, a 560SL from 1987. For
this, the final iteration of the series, engineers shoehorned the
big 5.6 liter V8 engine and automatic transmission from the 560SEL
sedan, creating the fastest and arguably most desirable model of
the line. Nearly two decades of development meant the 560SL still
felt fresh and benefitted from an impressive equipment list that
included ABS brakes, limited slip differential, and a driver's side
airbag. This fine example has covered a genuine 28,395 miles from
new and presents in excellent condition throughout. The Signal Red
paint (code 5680) is excellent and looks great against the original
bright-finish wheels. The body is exceptionally straight, showing
no signs of accidents or corrosion, which is backed by a clean
Carfax report. It wears its original hardtop and black German
canvas soft-top, both in excellent condition. A hard top stand for
easy, safe storage will be included in the sale. The chrome bumpers
are straight and clean, with the front bumper wearing original
Bosch fog lamps. The Anthracite leather interior (code 271) is
consistent with the rest of the car, being exceptionally clean and
original with excellent seats, door panels and carpets. The dash is
crack-free and the wood trim intact and free from cracked lacquer
or delamination. Even the delicate wood strips on the fascia are in
excellent condition. The interior is completely stock down to the
original airbag steering wheel, Becker Grand Prix radio and
optional central arm rest. Likewise, the trunk is tidy and clean
with factory correct carpeting and panels. Original books, tools
and jack are included. The 5.6 liter V8 engine is very nicely
detailed, appearing clean and tidy with signs of regular
maintenance. The factory finishes on the hardware and ancillaries
remain in great condition, indicative of this car's very low
mileage. A stack of records and receipts, as well as the
comprehensive Carfax report, show this car received plenty of
routine maintenance in the hands of its last owners. This is an
excellent example of what is considered to be the most desirable of
the R107 series. These rapidly appreciating classics are excellent
all-rounders, combining iconic good looks with exceptional
reliability, vault-like build quality and surprising performance.
