Notice to Bidders - The car is an ex-US car, also having been previously registered in the United Kingdom. It has never been registered in the EU, however the Vendor would be prepared to assist the eventual Buyer with registration of the vehicle in Italy, at a cost of circa €2000, payable by the Buyer directly to the Vendor by private treaty.

Highlights

Matching numbers example
Gorgeous and rare Nautical Blue paint
Recent restoration carried out

The Appeal

A car that until recent years has been getting quite the cold shoulder - the most powerful SL that the German marque had produced for that decade, the 560 SL is the US equivalent of the European 500 SL fitted with a larger 5549cc V8 that produced mountains of torque.

This particular example has undergone a gorgeous sympathetic restoration retaining the original matching numbers engine and gearbox, as well as the original paint code - truly a stunning collectors piece, of which the prices have steadily been on the rise for the last few years.

A safe bet by all means.

The History and Paperwork

Originally manufactured for USA
First registered in 1987 in California
Built in Germany
In 1997 the vehicle was registered in North Carolina
Imported over to the UK at some point under the registration plate E505 MPV
The car now resides in Italy, unregistered. Duties upon registration may be payable.
ASI registered with CRS, ready for registration
Mileage is not assured to be genuine, however an MOT certificate from 2019 states a mileage of 55,409
Recent sympathetic restoration in 2021
Complete respray in original colour, no welding or repairing required
Mechanical recommissioning which included replacing a number of components

The Interior

Original interior finished in Royal Blue leather
Distinctive yellow dials on the gauge cluster
Wooden veneer dash and centre console trim
JVC head unit
Folding front armrest
Heat insulating glass all round
Stunning original condition throughout
Carpets all present and in beautiful condition
Original wooden gear selector with some minor lacquer peel
Boot compartment carpets all well maintained
Original spare wheel
Original toolkit located in the boot

It’s difficult to believe that the interior of this 560 is in original condition, but it really is.

Stunning Royal Blue leather specification with dark wooden veneer laced throughout the dashboard absolutely oozes with class and sophistication, there really isn’t a better interior choice when paired to the exterior colour.

Opening the driver side door you’re greeted with wonderfully maintained leather, there are only some very light creases on the leather driver seat showing minimal signs of wear, which is rather impressive.

The passenger side seat has even less signs of age than this, and the folding centre arm rest looks like it’s rarely seen any action at all. Brightwork seat supports are in fantastic shape as are the levers for tilting the front seats to allow access to the rear, which also looks to be in lovely shape, the carpet here is complete and plush and the leather is fantastic.

Directly in front of the driver seat the OEM steering wheel rests in gorgeous shape with no signs of damage, and just behind that sits the original dials showing a mere 57,915 miles from new with the distinctive yellow needles and scales.

No unwelcoming warning signs are present here, and everything works as it should - a theme that continues across to the control panel on the centre console. On the dashboard, we’re told by the owner that there appears to be small cracks on the top portion - not an uncommon issue.

All of the buttons and electronics work as they should. The gear shifter has some slight lacquer peel on the top beside the Mercedes emblem, and just behind the shifter mechanism on the wooden veneer there appears to be similar damage between this and the red hazard switch.

The veneer here itself does seem to have a little bit of fading, presumably from the sun casting down on it when the roof has been down on those summer cruises!

Door cards are in fantastic shape wearing the same Royal Blue leather that the seats are wrapped in, the driver side has a slight amount of wear but hardly noticeable, and the passenger side looks as if it's just rolled out of the factory, both retaining lovely brightwork around the handles and arm rests.

On the floor, the carpets are present and retain great colour with little sign of wear and no apparent rips or tears throughout.

This truly has to be seen to be appreciated, a vehicle of this age with an interior which remains in such fantastic condition is worthy of all the attention and praise that it receives, especially when it's a car as special as this.

Unarguably a stunning example.

The Exterior

Nautical Blue Metallic
Recent respray (body and engine bay) in 2021
Bodywork in fantastic condition, required no welding or repairs during the restoration process
All body panels original
Panel gaps of factory fitment
Hard top included with the vehicle in lovely shape
Dark blue fabric soft top
Original wheels in lovely condition on all four corners - light watermarking and the odd kerb mark
Exterior brightwork all appears to be in great condition

Undeniably elegant, the R107 body shape is among one of the best to emerge out of the 70’s and 80’s from the German automaker - a body style that has aged beautifully and was a sure fire classic from the day it was first made.

At the front of this Benz, the paintwork all appears in fantastic order thanks to a recent respray in the original Nautical Blue Metallic, and the brightwork grill and bumper seem to be in fantastic form with no corrosion visible.

Due to the car being specifically made for the US market, this car has the extended bumpers to meet US specification, the same goes for the rear which we’ll get round to as well.

Headlights are in great order with clear lenses which are free from damage, and the indicator lights and fog lights look fantastic too.

Around to the side of the vehicle, the boxy body shape comes into view and it’s easy to see why this vehicle has such an enthusiastic following, the lines and curves of the body flow so well from front to rear, it’s the epitome of iconic design.

All of the body panels are original and have never been repaired, the owner tells us that during the restoration process the vehicle never needed any welding at all, the body and panels were all solid and in great shape.

Original wheels remain on the vehicle with a glistening finish, only some of which have some light kerb marks around the outer edges but nothing too distracting from the dazzling faces.

To the rear of the car we see those extended bumpers which we referenced earlier to meet US specifications, the brightwork which runs along the bumper appears to be in great shape as is the trim around the boot latch.

Paintwork here is, again, in fantastic form, as are the original tail lights which retain fantastic colour and clarity with no signs of any damage. The exhaust is also original which the owner states would be easily restored, as it is the only part of the vehicle that looks somewhat untidy.

Both the soft top and the included hard top are in fantastic shape - the hard top is being restored as it appears slightly worn and stained.

We’re left stunned with our jaws swinging freely at the sight of this beautiful Benz, finding a well finished 560 is no small feat, especially one complete in such opulent specification inside and out.

What a treat to see.

The Mechanics

5549cc V8 engine
Rear wheel-drive configuration
Automatic 4-speed transmission
Limited slip differential
Anti-lock braking system
Power assisted steering
Recent recommissioning
Complete engine and gearbox service carried out recently
Mechanically well sorted

Anyone with any knowledge of Mercedes knows that the higher the number, the better it gets.. And for this body shape, you don’t get any higher than the 560 SL.

A massive 5.6L V8 engine fitted into the car and a limited slip differential to handle the power, this big luxurious barge is no slouch when you get a case of lead foot.

Thanks to a recent recommissioning from the current owner the car runs and drives absolutely fantastic, this included the replacement of the following: A/C compressor, power steering pump, serpentine belts, A/C radiator, steering coupling bar, steering box, as well as a complete engine and gearbox service with new oil, sump gasket and filters. Fluids have also been completely flushed, new brake fluid and engine coolant see the car ready to hit the road.

Power from that big lump of a V8 remains linear and strong, the brakes are powerful and it sounds absolutely fantastic too.

The owner states that there are no unwanted knocks or creaks from the vehicle and no unwanted smoke either, it certainly seems like a great runner in all aspects.

Summary

A true collectors item in today's market, tastefully restored exterior and a completely original interior in fantastic condition is something that is becoming almost impossible to find.

If you’re looking for a flagship Merc, look no further.

You can’t go much higher than this.

Notice to bidders

This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*

A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.

All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.

Shipping and transfer

Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased. Car & Classic may refer a shipping company that also deals with import/export paperwork. Prices start at €150+VAT within the same country or €400+VAT for moves across borders.

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