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
17,340 miles at the time of writing, this remarkably well-preserved
560SL is in superb condition inside and out, with excellent
paintwork and crisply defined lines. It is noted that the top of
one front fender has been repainted to rectify a scratch, though
the remaining paintwork appears original. It remains virtually as
it left the showroom floor, with original features including
automatic antenna, matching hardtop, and Becker Grand Prix radio.
The 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/7385-1987-mercedes-benz-560sl/