Vehicle Description
The R107 SL arrived in 1972, replacing the popular and
well-received R113 280SL. The R107 was a clean-sheet design, with
particular attention paid to Mercedes-Benz's unwavering commitment
to safety and exceptional build quality. Continuing the theme set
by the R113, the new R107 blurred the line between a sports car and
a luxury grand tourer, boasting a soft-edged character, versatile
coupe/roadster configuration, and a stable, surefooted chassis.
Mercedes-Benz offered a wide range of six and eight-cylinder
engines, with manual or automatic transmission options. Designer
Friedrich Geiger is credited with creating the elegant, understated
styling, which bore a family resemblance to the outgoing model, yet
was lower, leaner, with crisp edges and details. As a testament to
Geiger's superb design, the R107 SL remained in production for over
seventeen years. The styling remained virtually unchanged from the
start of production in 1972 to the end in 1989, and it holds the
crown of the longest-running passenger vehicle in Mercedes history,
only outlived by the Gelandewagen off-roader. Even after 50 years
since the R107's introduction, it remains an enduring symbol of
1970s and 80s glamor and is lauded by enthusiasts worldwide for its
performance, everyday practicality, and unrivaled build quality.
This beautiful Smoke Silver Metallic (DB702) over Palomino (274)
example was completed in November 1986 for delivery to House of
Imports in Buena Park, California. According to the original window
sticker on file, options included the special paint and upholstery
and a dark brown soft top for an original MSRP of $57,000 - the
equivalent of nearly $140,000 today! Presented with fewer than
17,250 miles at the time of writing, this remarkably well-preserved
560SL is in superb condition inside and out, with gorgeous
paintwork and crisply defined lines. It remains as it left the
showroom floor, with features including automatic antenna, matching
hardtop, and Becker Grand Prix radio. It rides on chrome alloy
wheels, which were a popular dealer option at the time, and look
particularly sharp against the smoke silver paint, shod with a set
of correct-style Pirelli P6 tires. Records indicate that this 560SL
remained with the first owner in California until approximately
2009. The clean Carfax and other documents on file show the car was
used sparingly yet consistently during their tenure. In 2020, it
was with a new owner in Texas, who continued to maintain it to
factory standards and enjoy the car sparingly on fine-weather
occasions. In October 2021, it was lavished with over $4,100 of
service and refurbishment to its air conditioning and fuel systems
by Stinehardt Imports of Fort Walton Beach, Florida. The Palomino
leather is superb, even on the vulnerable outer seat bolsters. The
door panels are taut and clean, as are the carpets. The black dash
is excellent, the wood trim is free of cracks or fading, and it
retains the original Becker Grand Prix stereo. Also included are
the original tool kit, first aid kit, and original documentation
such as the purchase agreement, pre-delivery inspection, window
sticker, and a wonderfully preserved period AAA Member's Kit.
Having already achieved status as a modern collectible, the 560 SL
is undoubtedly the most desirable variant of Mercedes-Benz's R107
platform. Because the R107 is such a user-friendly classic,
low-mileage examples are naturally becoming increasingly difficult
to find. As a result, this striking example warrants serious
consideration and would sit proudly in the collection of any
Mercedes-Benz enthusiast. Offers welcome and trades considered For
additional details please view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7282-1987-mercedes-benz-560sl/