1987 Mercedes 560SL, One family owned from new, only 44,000 miles, Exquisite!

One family owned from new, only 44,000 miles
1987 Mercedes 560SL
VIN: WDBBA48D3HA058483
When Mercedes redesigned its famed SL in 1971, there was a lot of equity behind it - after all, when the incomparable 300SL Coupe and Roadster were built fewer than 20 years before, they set the world on fire. The next-generation 230/250/280SL in 1963 brought Mercedes' sports car down to earth, replacing both the incredible 300SL and four-cylinder 190SL. For the next SL, Mercedes started with the chassis of the mid-size "W114/115" model and added the motors from the large "W116" S-Class. The result was a luxurious V8 Convertible that ended up being the longest passenger car series ever produced by Mercedes to date. Despite its age, the final iteration, the 560SL, remained a prized automotive status symbol and an iconic part of the brand's lineup. Now reaching a true classic status for well-maintained, exceptional examples, Sportscar Market magazine recently claimed the 560SL as one to buy now and hold.
This exceptional 560SL was delivered new to the U.S. market, to Arizona, to The Phoenix Motor Company, the local Mercedes dealer. Equipped with both a soft and hardtop, this 560SL was finished as it appears today, in the classic and stylish Nautical Blue metallic paint over a grey leather interior with wood accents. The new Mercedes-Benz was first owned by local Phoenix resident, Betty Lou Neils, on December 10th, 1986, according to the warranty book. A lady with a sporting disposition, she preferred and negotiated the upgraded Momo 5-spoke alloy wheels that remain on the car to this day. As can be seen from the service stamps, Betty used the car sparingly, covering only 14,000 miles by June of 1989. Over the next five and a half years, she covered a further 6,000 miles until her unfortunate passing at which time, the car passed to her son. From November, 1994 until recently, Randall exercised the car regularly, but used it very little, maintaining it meticulously and storing it in a climate-controlled garage in the Scottsdale area. Now, showing a genuine and Carfax certified 44,177, the car is offered in exceptional condition throughout.
Today, this fine Mercedes-Benz presents wonderfully. A little burn-through on the hood and trunk lid (pictured) necessitated a repaint in Mercedes dealer-sourced original paint, but the rest of the car is in original, unmolested condition with very minor scratches and swirls in the paint, conducive with age and mileage. Brightwork is original and in excellent condition, as is all glass. The wheels are all scuff-free and shod with tires with plenty of remaining tread. The soft top appears to be original to the car and has a perfectly clear rear window and a couple of minor, repaired splits. I suspect the hard top was never off the car until a few weeks ago. I am loathed to replace the soft top, but can certainly assist the buyer if they would like a new top.
Mechanically, the car is exquisite. It starts easily, idles smoothly and has great responsive power. It shifts perfectly through the automatic gearbox with a nice and smooth kickdown. Brakes, suspension and steering feel like when the car was new. All electrical systems work perfectly, the AC blows Mercedes-cold and the original. Becker Grand Prix radio is fully operational complete with electric antenna.
The interior is in excellent condition, too. The carpets are clean, with only minor blemishes on the driver's overmat. Seats are in excellent condition with only a very high-quality repair in all original materials to the driver's seat bolster as it was scuffed from in/egress. All panels, dash, and other surfaces are in excellent, original condition. The car's first aid kit is complete and unmolested - possibly never opened until recently.
The car is accompanied by a spare wheel and jack that seem to have never been removed from the car, a full compliment of tools with two top tools, still in the original tool roll and protective plastic bag, and the Momo wheel wrench, still in the original leather pouch. It also has the original window sticker and full set of keys.
This sale represents an opportunity to acquire an appreciating and very useable classic Mercedes with impeccable ownership history and mileage in superbly original time-warp condition, that I am proud to offer for sale. A rare find.