White/blue leather and top. Clean SL with excellent maintenance records, books, manuals, original window sticker, tool roll, and more. Great colors, everything works, two tops.
Finished in classic white with a navy blue leather interior, it is traditional and elegant, yet sporting. And like many of its siblings, it has led a pampered life away from the ravages of daily commuting and harsh weather. Instead, it appears to have been a fair-weather toy for someone very wealthy, which is just what you want. It has always been properly serviced and the fantastic shine on the nearly 30-year-old paint speaks to the care it has received. You also get the ingot-like structure with doors that slam shut with precision that you can’t find today, and assembly quality was first-rate, as you’d expect. Look at the rubber bumpers, which are still black, supple, and smooth, all indications that this car has not been baked in the sun. The chrome portion of the front bumper has been replaced at some point due to a small ding that couldn’t quite be erased by a body shop (not even the grille was harmed so no worries about serious damage), but the rest of the brightwork is 100% original.
Another perk of owning a late 560SL is that leather upholstery was standard. Yes, of course there are a few signs of use, some creases on the lower cushion, and maybe a scuff or two on the driver’s outer bolster, but for decades-old leather to be this nice is rather unusual. The rest of the interior is equally nice, with plush carpets that show minimal fading and genuine burled walnut veneers on the center stack that are not split or delaminating. Thanks to a recent service, the A/C blows cold, the windows glide smoothly up and down, and even the power passenger-side mirror works properly. Overhead, there’s a matching blue canvas convertible top that’s in very good condition, as well as a matching white hardtop that seals it up as well as a hardtop. The trunk is upholstered in the same plush, expensive carpeting as the interior, and includes a built-in first aid kit, as well as the original spare tire which has never been on the ground.
But the real reason you buy a 560SL is the power, complements of a 5.6 liter SOHC V8. Still built with legendary Mercedes-Benz durability, it added almost 100 horsepower and a mountain of low-end torque. Thanks to proper maintenance over the years, this one has exactly zero issues, starting quickly hot or cold, idling smoothly, and running with a mellow V8 rumble that feels incredibly addictive. The engine bay shows signs of care but it isn’t detailed for show, so don’t have any worries about driving it. Those who know these cars realize that the 101,000 miles showing on the odometer are a non-issue for a properly maintained car, and this car has a great deal of life left in it. Follow the manual and it should run pretty much indefinitely.
The other upgrade that came with the 560SL was a 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive, making it an incredible high-speed cruiser. Linked to 2.47 gears out back, it just loafs along at speeds that will get you jail time in many states and even though it has a big, burly V8, fuel economy is reasonable. In true Mercedes-Benz fashion, it starts out in second gear for maximum smoothness, but a quick mash of the accelerator and it’ll drop into first and take off with shocking ferocity—be sure it’s aimed where you want it to go! ABS was added to the 560’s roster of standard features as well, so the already powerful brakes are now world-class and inspire confidence at virtually any speed. The ride is supple, never harsh, but you’ll find that when you need to hustle, the SL is right there with you and never seems to put a tire wrong. 15-inch wheels were an upgrade over the former 14s and have the now-familiar Mercedes-Benz look as well as a set of recently-installed 205/60/15 performance radials.
Complete with the original books, manuals (yes, the service manual has been stamped), and even the original window sticker, this car has a great pedigree. It also includes the original tool roll with all the tools intact plus a stack of recent service receipts. These things matter and you can buy this car with confidence.
We’ve sold a lot of R107 SLs, and they continue to impress us with their versatility and competence. As I said, if you could have just one car that does everything well, this beautiful 560SL might be my first choice. Call today!
For more details and photos, please visit www.HarwoodMotors.com
