1989 Mercedes-Benz 560SL (R107) LHD

The pinnacle of the R107's long and successful model run was the 560 SL, produced between 1986 and 1989. Featuring a powerful new all-alloy 5.5-litre V8 engine (the largest fitted to the SL) mated to the silky smooth four-speed automatic, the 560 SL may have looked like its predecessors - with only a chin spoiler, new alloy wheels and revised sill treatment setting the new model apart - but underneath there were numerous technological improvements, including ABS brakes, revised suspension, the latest Bosch KE-Jetronic fuel injection and various interior upgrades.

The 5.5-litre V8 engine was introduced to combat the restrictive emissions regulations, primarily in California, and was only available in the USA, Japan and Australia. As is often the case with collectors, it is this range-topping ‘560SL’ badge that buyers so desire, particularly as the largest displacement SL was never offered in Europe.

Here at Classic Benz we are delighted to offer this Signal Red 560SL from the final year of production. Originally shipped to the US, it retains its full US-specification (bumpers, lights and left-hand drive) and, although many prefer the European look, this is how it was built, better for the purist and collector.

Its first home was in New York which is why it’s fitted with the rare option of Heated Seats, the majority of these 560s being destined to quietly cook in the sunshine in Florida and California. The odometer indicates that it’s covered less than 27,000 miles from new, barely enough to wipe away its factory look and new car smell.

The paintwork has some small marks where the hardtop has been on and off, but the owner wanted to retain the original paint given the SL’s low mileage and originality. The black soft top is like new and the windows still fresh as the day it was fitted, as is the hardtop which fits right and looks right.

The engine bay appears factory fresh with no obvious corrosion to the alloy components and clean level fluids, and the air-con blows cold. A bulkhead inspection displayed factory paint and clear pinpoint drain holes and the underbody sills and pans look as they should, with a whiff of red and grey paint in the right places.

The car drives ‘on the button’ with sharp precise steering and compliant suspension as expected of a low-mileage example and it’s been fitted with a period-style radio with USB connectivity for long cruising days on European roads where this car belongs. The history file contains service and maintenance invoices from various specialists to reassure all is correct, books, manuals, dealer pack, spare keys, and the cruise control and radio instruction cards are present.

The R107 range today offers the perfect classic roadster experience for those not wanting to compromise on safety or luxury features. Reliable, beautifully made and with a style only Mercedes-Benz can truly capture, the 560 SL makes perfect sense as a classic that can be enjoyed daily.

Please book an appointment to come along and see this rare, low-mileage R107 for yourself.