Description
The R107 was conceived in September of 1968 only to be unveiled 3 years later in April of 1971 as 350 SL. The all new platform allowed for a series of upgrades that spanned over its 18 years of production. The most powerful and top of range 560 SL was launched in September of 1985 and featured the M117 5. 5lt engine of 227 bhp and 378 Nm output, a revised front and rear suspension, upgraded brakes, a limited slip differential and enhanced passive safety.
Its specifications provided the finest blend of sportsmanship and sophistication the 107 series ever offered. Its charisma was immediately embraced in the US rendering it a necessary acquisition amongst businessmen, entrepreneurs, stock brokers, intellectuals, artists as well as pop stars, including George Michael and Madonna. Hollywood further solidified its status, displaying its presence to support roles in over 100 films and series including Beverly Hills Cop II, Masquerade, Heist, Dallas, Falcon Crest and Jump Street. Despite its limited 4 year production run, it is still cherished as an automotive icon of the late 80s opulence, prosperity and entertainment. Amongst automotive enthusiasts it is even further respected and sought after for symbolizing the end of an era when Mercedes Benz was focused on serving the needs of an MB owner instead of persuading one into MB ownership.
The 560 SL presented here is one of the very early cars produced in October of 1985 finished in trademark Astral Silver Metallic with matching hardtop over black leather interior to feature a series of options. It was delivered to Southampton New York where it remained for 3 decades. In 2016 it became part of a private collection in Europe, in Athens, Greece where its authenticity was certified by FIVA and granted an A/ 3 standing. It is now offered fully maintained with a fresh full interior trim in leather and a preserved body.
Specifications
Model year: 1986
Date of manufacture: October 1985
Place of delivery: Southampton, New York, USA
Make: Mercedes-Benz
Series: R107
Designer: Friedrich Geiger
Model: 560 SL
Body type: 2-door, convertible
Chassis number: 107. 048-1A-038941
Engine type: M117 E56
Engine specifications: 5547cc, 8 cylinder in V config., single overhead camshaft, Bosch KE-Jetronic, compression 9:1, 227 bhp at 4750rpm, 378 Nm at 3250rpm
Engine number: 117. 967-12-002016, Data Card matching
Transmission type: 4-speed G Tronic longitudinal auto
Transmission number: 722. 313-02-717104
Exterior color, code: Astral Silver, 735 G
Interior color, code, trim: Charcoal, 271, full leather
Hardtop color, code: Astral Silver, 735 G
Softop color, code: Black, 9001
Options:
240 Outside Temperature Indicator
262 Elimination of Rear End Spoiler
442 Airbag in Steering Wheel
461 Instrument with Mileage Reading and English Lettering
491 US Version
506 Outside Rear View Mirror, Left and Right, Electrically Adjustable on the Right
519 Becker Radio Mexico Grand Prix, Electronic Cassette – USA
531 Automatic Antenna
543 Sun Visor with Vanity Mirror, Illuminated, Left and Right
551 Anti-Theft Warning System
570 Folding Armrest Front
581 Automatic Climate Control
592 Green Heat-Insulating Glass All Round, Heated Rear Window, Laminated Safety Glass – Tinted
601 Limited Slip Differential
639 First Aid Box and Elimination of Warning Triangle (US)
668 Internal Dispatch Code
740 Folding Top Fabric – Black
806 Model Year 1986
923 Supplemental Restraint System with Emergency Tensioning Retractors for Front Seat Passengers
C50 Power Assisted Steering
X59 Central Locking System
B02 Anti-Lock Braking System
L12/ L16 Halogen Headlamps and Foglamps
Manuals (all original)
1. Owner's Service and Warranty Policy 1986 manual
2. Maintenance Booklet, stamped for mileage history
3. Owner's Manual 560 SL
4. Roadside Assistance Program booklets
5. North America Dealer Directory
6. Becker Grand Prix Card and Instructions
7. Operation and Care of 380 SL Tops
Documents
1. European Import Duty Tax Invoice, Historic Vehicle status, issued 2016
2. Federation Internationale des Vehicules Anciens (FIVA) Card, Greece, category A/ 3, issued 2016
Current registration: Antique Vehicle Registration, issued by FIVA, 2016
Current mileage (mi): 130951
Recent Service History:
- Oil and filter changed
- Catalytic converter replaced
- Interior retrim in leather with dashboard protective cover fitted
- Wind breaker by German Autoschott specialists fitted
