Vehicle Description
1989 Mercedes-Benz 560SL Roadster
"This car was introduced to the U.S. market in 1972 as the 350SL.
Since then, it has been facelifted, refined, and upgraded, but it's
still easily recognizable as an evolution of the 1972 model. Unlike
most cars, which slow in sales as they age, the SL has trended
upward to today's awesome total. The Mercedes-Benz SL convertible
now defines the class. When seriously affluent Americans think of a
chic sporter for two, most of them think of this car.". Thx to Car
and Driver's 1989 head to head feature with a Cadillac Allante
For consignment, a 1989 Mercedes-Benz 560SL roadster that our
consignor claims has not been driven very much in the past three
years. This SL and its unmistakable exterior, is dressed in a fine
shade of burgundy and like a fine wine, has retained its good taste
over the many years of its life.
Exterior
Two stage Garnet Red coats our can and we'll see, it's a fine color
that lends itself to contrasting the soft top and interior palette.
We've said it before that the low, wide stance of the 560 not only
looks surefooted and stable but translates to a ride that shares
these descriptives. Dual headlights surrounded by a reflective
bezel and accented by a winged marker lights flank a grille with
soft corner and the requisite Mercedes star. On the bumper, chrome
is accompanied by black structural pieces and bumperettes front and
rear, connected visually by the side panel trim just below the
waistline. Wheel opening in the back drape over the rear tires
while the fronts are fully exposed and together with the laser
straight shoulder line results in a strong and sleek profile,
especially with the top down. The black canvas top is in good
condition although there is some hazing to the three plastic
windows. Other imperfections include tiny paint bubbles near the
rocker panel, body trim that has come loose in several places, the
beginnings of invasive rust at the rocker drain, various scratches,
touched up paint chips, rust below the rocker panel and other parts
under the bumper.
Interior
Cream colored leather door panels provide a striking contrast to
the maroon paint and are in fine condition, as are the tan bucket
seats, arguably some of the best in the business for this class of
car during this period. They show a bit of age but still provide
robust cushioning and decent support. The storage shelf behind the
seats could benefit from a deep cleaning as the low pile tan carpet
shows some dirt and we find the same conditions in the trunk which
is beautifully lined but in need of a detail. Confidence inducing
controls start with the firm steering wheel on a thick column and
followed by three clear gauges informing nine pieces of data for
the driver and fourteen more with the row of indicator lights
below. Slightly hazed burlwood backs the center stack which houses
the AM/FM/Cassette radio and simple climate controls and the
storage tray below that has some significant damage to the varnish
coating on the wood. It's also damaged on the center console where
the stout shifter lives along with window and seat toggles. The
560's have relatively plush carpet and ours shows some age on the
driver's side and the need for a deep cleaning. Or leave as is for
some carefree driving!
Drivetrain
Popping the hood reveals a relatively clean driver quality
presentation of the 5.6 liter SOHC V8 rated at a respectable 227
horsepower. Electronic fuel injection vaporizes the petrol while a
4-speed automatic transmission transfers power to the rear axle and
2.47 gears. Our 560 is equipped with power disc brakes front and
rear.
Undercarriage
Underneath, it's driver quality with minimal surface rust and no
apparent leaks. Not only is it dry underneath, but it's obvious
that Mercedes used heavier duty components than your average mass
produced passenger car. Many components are just a little bit
thicker, a little bit more robust, and seemingly made to last.
Front and rear independent suspension consists of coil springs
while the dual exhaust travels in tandem into a stock style muffler
and exits with twin tips out back.
Drive-Ability
These were never on my radar until I started testing them and
realized what all the brouhaha was about. These are well balanced
cars with great ergonomics and a fairly potent engine for a sports
luxury car from the 80's. This one runs great, handles well, stops,
turns, and functions 100%. Despite the purely cosmetic flaws in the
well built interior, the important stuff works.
Built to last, indeed.Think about it. A design that went virtually
unchanged for nearly 20 years and still looks cool and relevant
almost 34 years after it ended production. Here's a final year
560SL, (R107 generation), in fine shape, a nice color, and miles of
open air happiness ahead.
WDBBA48D5KA095199
W-Germany
D-Mercedes Benz
B-Passenger Car
B-SL Class
A-Roadster
48-560SL
D-Manual Belts, Driver's Airbag
5-Check Digit
K-1989
A-Sindelfingen Assy Plant
095119-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in
person.
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