1989 Mercedes-Benz 560SL Roadster R107 California Native

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The iconic Mercedes-Benz SL series is among the most recognizable of all personal luxury-sports cars. This version called the R107 was sold in the US from 1972 through the end of the 80’s with various engine offerings. Our 1989 is the final model year and many feel the ultimate expression of this generation SL. Finished in Anthracite Gray, it is as stunning today as it was new almost 30 years ago.

This car has three distinct personalizes: with its factory hardtop it’s sports coupe-like, with the top removed it is an open-air roadster and if the future’s too bright or wet, the soft top supplies shelter. Regardless of the driving mode, you’ll arrive looking sharp and the 227-hp V-8 engine provides smooth power for you to enjoy on the way.

I have owned this 560SL since 2015 and it has been driven sparingly around Palm Springs – I have loved every minute of it. The car has always been in California and as a result corrosion is not an issue unlike may other SLs. I can find no evidence of rust on the body. The car has been serviced by a local Mercedes specialist. It starts up easily, idles nicely, accelerates with authority, shifts as an SL should and stops just as well. No drama, odd smells or smoke. The car is a blast to drive and it is hard to believe it has 137,000 miles. A testimony to Mercedes engineering.

I admit I seldom drive the car without the hardtop attached. Just my preference – but the experience with the top down is quite special. As you can see from the photos the soft-top is in great shape with the exception of a couple impressions in each of the plastic side windows from being folded (pictured).

The car was repainted the same color as the factory Anthracite at some point before I bought it. Despite being an older re-finish, it was done professionally and with no overspray that I can see and is beautiful and presents very well. There are a few imperfections, most notably a small chip on the right side of the trunk lid and some damage on the door edges. I can find no evidence that the car has ever been in an accident. The chrome and bright trim on the car is in good shape – even the chrome-plated wheels are well preserved. The side molding on the driver’s door has a kink in the center (pictured). The new owner might want to have it straightened or replaced. Lights and lenses are in good condition and free from cracks and fading.

The car’s interior is in terrific shape! The leather seats, as you can see, are quite nice with just a bit of wear on the piping on the driver’s seat bolster. The dash is free from cracks. Some issues with the interior: The wood on the console has seen a bit too much sun as it’s faded and there is some cracking near the shifter. A portion of the wood near the passenger’s air vent is broken (pictured). The sun visors need to be replaced. I found a source for them but have not yet purchased them. The chrome plastic cover on the passenger’s seat hinge is cracked and needs replacement. The headliner on the hardtop is in good shape but the trim at the bottom of the rear window is weathered and cracked. There are no odd smells or odors inside the car.

All the instruments work properly including the clock and the outside temperature gauge. Power windows, power door locks, wipers, power right-side mirror, headlights, brake lights, turn signals, horn, heater and cruise control all work. The air conditioner is not currently working. My mechanic says there is a leak in the system. When it is re-charged it works for a while. I simply add Freon when I need cold air. A permanent fix will require more repairs. The factory stereo in the car was replaced by the prior owner. As was often the case years ago, the system was upgraded with an amplifier and a CD changer in the trunk. I have not attempted to have it repaired so I’m not sure what it needs to make it work. The trunk is in good shape as is he spare tire/wheel. The factory tools and jack are included.

It is clear this car has been cared for and cherished over the years. The prior owner was even a member of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America. I have tried to describe my SL the best I can – both the good and not so good. I have set what I feel is a reasonable reserve on the car given values these days. The Buy-It-Now option is for that person who doesn't want to wait. If you have any questions, please let me know before the end of the auction. I love my SL, I'm going to miss it. I think it's a wonderful car but it is time for it to be enjoyed by its next owner.

After the auction went live we discovered the Autocheck and Carfax (see photos below) reports a mileage discrepancy in 2008. As you can see from the history, the car’s mileage is consistent over the years. We believe this must be an error of some sort - perhaps someone checked the wrong box on a form. We don’t think it is anything more than that.

Terms:

This car is an amazing example - however it is nearly a 28-year-old automobile. I have done my best to represent it accurately. The winner of the auction is purchasing it as-is - no warranty is offered. The buyer is responsible for local pick-up and/or transport of the vehicle. I reserve the right to end the auction early as the car is for sale locally. Payment should be a bank-issued cashier's check or wire transfer. A $500 deposit is due within 24 hours after the auction. Balance must be settled within 7 days. Please ask all questions before the auction ends.