Behold – the top-of-the-line Mercedes-Benz R107: the 560 SL, this one minted in 1987, available here on eBay in a no-reserve auction. The bidding has reached $9000 and the car is located in Conway, South Carolina. Said to be out of enthusiast ownership, with a clean AutoCheck report recording a single owner since 1992, this 560SL shows 131,000 miles. Outstanding road manners, a powerful engine, the top-down option and an elegant interior have boosted the value of these R107s over the last decade well beyond the mid four-figures where they were mired for years; today a fine car can sell for over $25k. Let’s find out why the R107 has shed its “doctor’s wife’s car” image….

One of the elements contributing to the 560SL’s popularity is the high likelihood that any individual car has enjoyed regular maintenance. These were not cheap cars when new, ensuring that most buyers were well-heeled, and cared enough get the car in for regular check-ups. Frequently, we see 560s accompanied by original owners’ books – of which there were a LOT. Our seller makes no claim to factory books, but as you can see from the link provided, they’re available – at a price. Mechanically, the 560 is the best of the SLs in my opinion. The V8 engine is a gem – 5.5 liters generating 227 hp, and capable of running for at least 100k before a rebuild and doubling that over the life of the car. Ok it’s a little lazy getting to top speed, but even that is befitting the car’s intrinsic stateliness. Every 560SL I’ve met in this country was equipped with an automatic like this example, but a manual was available. Oh – one minor drawback: with a curb weight of 3800 lbs couple with those eight cylinders, your wallet will see a lot of gas stations. Mileage runs about 15 mpg, downhill.

Upholstered in grey MB-Tex – the company’s durable, attractive leather alternative – the interior appears almost new. The wood trimmed console, normally vulnerable to cracking and loss of finish, is in fine shape. The carpets have been cleaned for its photo shoot, and the hardtop is nearly perfect. We wish we could see the soft top, but with 100% positive feedback and a specialty in Mercedes cars, this seller is very likely to respond quickly if a prospective buyer wants more photos.

The Pagoda SL – the R107’s predecessor – was designed by Paul Bracq. Once the R107 was conceived, a departure was required: the new car’s styling was supervised by Friedrich Geiger, with changes designed enhance its elegance. The curvatures around the headlamps and bonnet disappeared, replaced by nearly austere straight lines. Relief is found in the fluted lower quarters. By now, Mercedes had been living with the US’s 5 mph bumper regulations since 1974, but the company made no particular attempt to better integrate what are known as “park bench” protrusions. The driving experience is slightly sedate, with no claim of joy over curvy country roads, but as a stylish tourer or highway car, the 560SL can’t be beat.