1989 Mercedes-Benz 560SL Roadster
"This car was introduced to the U.S. market in 1972 as the 350SL. Since then, it has been facelifted, refined, and upgraded, but it's still easily recognizable as an evolution of the 1972 model. Unlike most cars, which slow in sales as they age, the SL has trended upward to today's awesome total. The Mercedes-Benz SL convertible now defines the class. When seriously affluent Americans think of a chic sporter for two, most of them think of this car.". Thx to Car and Driver's 1989 head to head feature with a Cadillac Allante
For consignment, a 1989 Mercedes-Benz 560SL roadster that our consignor claims has not been driven very much in the past three years. This SL and its unmistakable exterior, is dressed in a fine shade of burgundy and like a fine wine, has retained its good taste over the many years of its life.
Exterior
Two stage Garnet Red coats our can and we'll see, it's a fine color that lends itself to contrasting the soft top and interior palette. We've said it before that the low, wide stance of the 560 not only looks surefooted and stable but translates to a ride that shares these descriptives. Dual headlights surrounded by a reflective bezel and accented by a winged marker lights flank a grille with soft corner and the requisite Mercedes star. On the bumper, chrome is accompanied by black structural pieces and bumperettes front and rear, connected visually by the side panel trim just below the waistline. Wheel opening in the back drape over the rear tires while the fronts are fully exposed and together with the laser straight shoulder line results in a strong and sleek profile, especially with the top down. The black canvas top is in good condition although there is some hazing to the three plastic windows. Other imperfections include tiny paint bubbles near the rocker panel, body trim that has come loose in several places, the beginnings of invasive rust at the rocker drain, various scratches, touched up paint chips, rust below the rocker panel and other parts under the bumper.
Interior
Cream colored leather door panels provide a striking contrast to the maroon paint and are in fine condition, as are the tan bucket seats, arguably some of the best in the business for this class of car during this period. They show a bit of age but still provide robust cushioning and decent support. The storage shelf behind the seats could benefit from a deep cleaning as the low pile tan carpet shows some dirt and we find the same conditions in the trunk which is beautifully lined but in need of a detail. Confidence inducing controls start with the firm steering wheel on a thick column and followed by three clear gauges informing nine pieces of data for the driver and fourteen more with the row of indicator lights below. Slightly hazed burlwood backs the center stack which houses the AM/FM/Cassette radio and simple climate controls and the storage tray below that has some significant damage to the varnish coating on the wood. It's also damaged on the center console where the stout shifter lives along with window and seat toggles. The 560's have relatively plush carpet and ours shows some age on the driver's side and the need for a deep cleaning. Or leave as is for some carefree driving!
Drivetrain
Popping the hood reveals a relatively clean driver quality presentation of the 5.6 liter SOHC V8 rated at a respectable 227 horsepower. Electronic fuel injection vaporizes the petrol while a 4-speed automatic transmission transfers power to the rear axle and 2.47 gears. Our 560 is equipped with power disc brakes front and rear.
Undercarriage
Underneath, it's driver quality with minimal surface rust and no apparent leaks. Not only is it dry underneath, but it's obvious that Mercedes used heavier duty components than your average mass produced passenger car. Many components are just a little bit thicker, a little bit more robust, and seemingly made to last. Front and rear independent suspension consists of coil springs while the dual exhaust travels in tandem into a stock style muffler and exits with twin tips out back.
Drive-Ability
These were never on my radar until I started testing them and realized what all the brouhaha was about. These are well balanced cars with great ergonomics and a fairly potent engine for a sports luxury car from the 80's. This one runs great, handles well, stops, turns, and functions 100%. Despite the purely cosmetic flaws in the well built interior, the important stuff works.
Built to last, indeed. Think about it. A design that went virtually unchanged for nearly 20 years and still looks cool and relevant almost 34 years after it ended production. Here's a final year 560SL, (R107 generation), in fine shape, a nice color, and miles of open air happiness ahead.
WDBBA48D5KA095199
W-Germany
D-Mercedes Benz
B-Passenger Car
B-SL Class
A-Roadster
48-560SL
D-Manual Belts, Driver's Airbag
5-Check Digit
K-1989
A-Sindelfingen Assy Plant
095119-Sequential Unit Number
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