Full disclosure: I own a 1989 560SL, so if you’re looking for an impartial review, this isn’t the article for you. There isn’t a thing I dislike about mine, though others might find it heavy off the line and awkward in the curves. Mine has rallied, it has toured, it has gone to work, the grocery, the barn. It has been my commuter for the 15 hour drive down to Monterey Classic Car Week (where it managed to collect business cards that read “I want to buy your car, please call”), and back, in hot weather. It always starts, stops, shifts, and steers with aplomb. It’s the “no muss, no fuss” car. Plus, if you put in a bit of effort (there’s a lot of chrome and rubber), the 560SL will shine like a Hollywood celebrity at the Oscars. They’re that good. Now that you know my bias, let’s discuss this low-mileage, one-owner, 1987 560SL here on eBay, with bidding at $25,100, reserve not met. This car is located in Gainesville, Georgia.
The 560SL was the last and best of the R107 series, outfitted with the potent and durable M119 5.0L V8 engine, good for 227 hp and 279 lb-ft of torque. The car is fast: sixty mph comes up in around 7.5 seconds, and top speed is a respectable 140 mph. Of course, getting there will drain the fuel tank in no time flat – these cars register about 17 mpg on the highway. Power steering, a four-speed automatic, and a sophisticated suspension are designed to transport occupants in style; the car does not expect you to dive into turns one and two after the straight at PIR. Disc brakes at all four corners and a limited-slip differential round out the mechanical components. This 560SL has traveled only 42,812 miles under one owner – it’s barely broken in! When I shopped for my car, I settled for a high-mileage driver-quality example that I could improve over time, but – and this sounds weirdly picky – I wanted a car with all its factory engine bay stickers, its first aid kit, and whatever other tokens of originality I could muster. This car passes all my tests, but it will sell for much more than I paid.
Speaking of prices, these cars cost $65k new – the equivalent of $170k today. Consequently, the cabin is suitably luxurious with real wood trim, wool carpets, Mercedes’ famous MB-Tex vinyl upholstery, and either a hard top or a soft top – or both. Chrome trim is splashed here and there – enough to be convincing but not ostentatious. This example is in decent condition, but the driver’s seat needs attention: the upholstery is dirty, and the pleats are uneven. With the sale comes most of the car’s original documentation and two keys.
Another requirement I imposed on my purchase: the car had to come with its original color-matched hard top. Today’s example apparently features a soft top only. Fortunately, the car is black so finding a used hard top and painting it to match won’t be much of a chore. Finally, if I must have a third brake light, I much prefer the small-profile version used in ’88 and ’89, versus the lump on the trunk here. All that said, this one’s low miles will serve to keep its value well above mine for years to come. Comparable-mileage 560SLs sell for $30k or more. Less well-traveled examples can breach $50k. Have you ever owned a 560SL? What did you think of it?
1st memory of these was from the tv show Dallas. Sounds like yours has been as tough and reliable as anyone could ask Michelle. 👍 Beautiful cars, great stance, love the front end.
If you want a R107, this would be a decent choice. The 560SLs are the best of the bunch for power, and long-term value.
While not quite mint, this car wins points on being a one-owner, low-miler, with service history.
I have had several R107s as summer drivers, and would not bother to acquire a hard-top for this one. They are a finger-pinching PITA to handle & store.
There are always cheap ones around, but they almost always cost way more to put right.