1989 Mercedes-Benz 560SL

It seems as if the R107 SL is fast becoming the next hot classic from Mercedes-Benz, with values increasing steadily, if not quickly, over the last couple of years. The most preferred models in the US tend to be the late production 560SLs, manufactured from 1986 through 1989, bringing to a close one of the longest production runs in Mercedes-Benz history. This Smoke Silver 1989 560SL is one of the nicest I’ve seen in quite some time, complimenting that impressively presented 300TD we featured earlier today for Wagon Week.

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1989 Mercedes-Benz 560SL on eBay

Year: 1989
Model: 560SL
Engine: 5.6 liter V8
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
Mileage: 17,487 mi
Price: Reserve auction

1989 Mercedes 560SL

17K original miles

Books and records

Final production year

Up for bids here on eBay is this spectacular low mile Mercedes 560SL. 1989 was the final year and pinnacle of the R107 series, and included such standard features as ABS brakes, SRS airbag and leather seating. Always garaged, pampered and with only 17,487 miles, this SL still has an in-the-wrapper showroom look and feel. The car runs and drives as well as it looks and comes with all books and records.

This car stickered for a whopping $65,780. That was a lot of coin in 1989, adjusted for inflation it’s equivalant to about $126,000 today. Finished in “Smoke Silver Metallic”, the paint is original and still looks super after 25 years, this car has obviously led a garaged life. The body is arrow straight and the paint is glass smooth. The fit and finish is first rate and of course the car has no rust issues anywhere. Tires are high quality Michelin MXV-4’s with about 500 miles on them.

Sighting down the sides of the car reveal zero door dings. Grill assembly and hood emblem are both like new. The car comes with a wide assortment of factory brochures and literature, plus all service records from new. The air dams on the 560SL’s were prone to damage, this one is perfect. Headlights are the original GE Halogens from new, all lenses look like new with no cracks or fading. Taillights and trim are all excellent. Even hidden away areas like behind the gas filler door can hold up to close scrutiny.

All of the glass is in terrific shape with no scratches or hard water spotting. All of it is original, including the windshield. The windshield header still retains the plastic grommets around the pin mounts. Visors are mint with working vanity lights. Clean trunk area with the original Pirelli P6 spare that’s never been on the ground, unused tool kit and factory jacking equipment. In the 2nd photo you’ll notice the VIN sticker on the underside of the trunk lid. In the mid 80’s Mercedes started the practice of affixing VIN labels to body panels and bumpers, replacement pieces do not carry these labels. This car has all its labels present.

The soft top is original to the car and still in great shape, the OE Wopavin branded windows are clear and pliable. Underside looks as good as the top. The soft top cover shows a touched in scratch, if I had to fault the car I guess this is it. The storage well beneath is rust free and spotless. Folding operation and soft top fit is excellent. This hardtop is in like new condition with the exception of 2 small rub marks from where it rested on a stand. Otherwise it has perfect paint, glass, headliner and weatherstripping. The underside of these hardtops were prone to rusting, not the case here. With the hardtop fitted, these SL’s transform into airtight coupes for year round use.

The interior is pretty much a time warp back to 1989, showing no wear and no damage. The leather seats are absolutely as new. The original floor mats are in great shape, the carpet underneath is perfect. The door panels are straight and clean, most of them develop heat warping near the top, not these. All of the cars’s weatherstripping is original and still like new. The rear compartment retains its original first-aid kit in unused condition.

Steering wheel is like new with no wear. All switchgear is like new. Power windows both operate smoothly. Central locking system works correctly. The climate control works correctly including the stepped fan feature in auto mode. Clock keeps perfect time. Basically, every switch, knob and dial on this car operates correctly, including the cruise control. No wear on the light switch, turn signal and cruise control stalks. The original Becker Grand Prix cassette radio still sounds great, the power antenna works correctly. Ashtray and lighter are unused. The burlwood trim is excellent with no cracks or sun fading.

Dashboard has zero cracks or splits. Both the tool kit and factory supplied first aid kit are unused. As you would imagine, the car runs and drives just as good as it looks. I just completed a 200 mile trip in the car and it performed beautifully. Ride quality is first rate, quiet and solid. The car shifts flawlessly. Shows stable operating temperatures and excellent oil pressure. The engine bay is all stock, still showing the cosmoline treatment from the factory.

Engine bay stickers, ID plates and tags are all intact. Service is up to date. Clean and dry undercarriage with no damage, just an extremely well preserved SL. The areas with yellowing are from the factory cosmoline application. With the exception of the tires the undercarriage is just as it left Sindelfingen. With W113 values now in the six figure range, some collectors are starting to look at the R107 as the next to watch. As with most Mercedes, last year examples with low miles will always be blue chip investments.

The seller at the end references the skyrocketing W113 SL prices and I think he makes a fair assessment. With those cars getting further and further out of reach for collectors of average means, the next logical choice would be its successor, which is the car we see here. Hagerty is listing Condition #1 vehicles at around the $35,000 mark, which would probably be a fair assessment for a car of this quality. Will we soon be looking back at these cars, kicking ourselves that we didn’t invest our hard earned money in what is arguably an appreciating classic?

Probably.

-Paul