Vehicle Description
With the introduction of the W113 chassis in the early 1960s,
Mercedes-Benz had essentially invented their own class of sports
roadster. This 2 seat roadster was less of an all-out sports car,
and more of an all-weather GT car with superior refinement and
quality that meant it could be used as an everyday driver. The W113
proved a great success through three generations and in 1971 was
replaced by an all-new SL, known internally as the R107. The R107
was a new chassis design that utilized shared suspension and
drivetrain components from mid-sized Mercedes sedans, but wore
unique sheet metal designed by the great Bruno Sacco. The R107
offered greater luxury, performance and modern refinement than its
predecessor and while it still was not a hardcore sports car, it
could hold its own on fast, flowing roads and was unmatched for its
continent crushing ability. The first generation 350SL featured the
same V8 shared with the 280SE 3.5, which was soon enlarge to the
big 4.5liter version and renamed 450SL. The 107 SL proved to be a
runaway success for Mercedes, thanks to the exceptionally
well-engineered chassis, excellent performance from the V8 engines,
and unrivaled build quality. Production of the R107 lasted from
1971 through 1989, making it the longest production run of any
Mercedes-Benz passenger car to date. Only the Galandewagen
off-roader has been in production longer. For the final version of
the R107, engineers took the 5.6 liter V8 from flagship SEL sedan
and shoehorned it into the roadster body to create the 560SL, in
turn creating an instant classic and the very best of the R107 SL
family. With the benefit of nearly two decades of development and
technological refinements such as ABS brakes and traction control,
as well as stout performance from the alloy V8, the last of the
great SLs strikes the perfect balance of style and performance. The
560SL also comes from a time when legendary Mercedes-Benz
dependability was at its pinnacle, yet still offers relative ease
of service. Few roadsters can compare with the 560SL for its
all-round capabilities and exceptional refinement. Paired with
timeless styling, it is easy to see why the 560SL and its siblings
have so quickly become full-fledged collectibles. This handsome
1989 560SL is an outstanding example, showing just 19,825 miles
from new. It is a one family owned car from new in beautiful
condition, finished in the striking combination of Smoke Silver
over Burgundy leather. It is a very fine car that has exceptionally
well maintained from new and kept in impeccably clean condition.
The original "15-hole" style alloy wheels look beautiful against
the superb paint. Likewise, the hard-wearing leather interior has
been beautifully maintained and preserved in excellent condition.
Burl walnut trim on the console and dash is in exquisite condition,
and it still retains its original Becker Grand Prix stereo. Both
tops are present and in excellent order, with the soft top in
contrasting black and the hard top finished in matching Smoke
Silver as per original, and the fully trimmed trunk is in excellent
condition. The 5.6 liter, Bosch fuel-injected V8 engine runs strong
and smooth, as it should, and has been exceptionally well
maintained. The incredibly clean engine bay is properly detailed
with correct original gold-cadmium fittings, clamps, hardware and
decals all in excellent order. �The car has a clean CarFax, and
Included with the car are the original books and manuals, data
card, spare keys, as well as the original window sticker and
original purchase documents. These are famously robust automobiles,
but only when properly maintained and cared for, and this example
has clearly been cherished from the day it was first delivered. The
560SL is a rapidly appreciating classic, and fine examples such as
this are in high demand; yet they still represent an excellent
value considering the robust performance and legendary reliability.
