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PRINCIPAL FACTS:

A US specification 560 SL finished in deep Cabernet Red with contrasting Palomino leather upholstery this car spent most of its life in Columbus, Ohio, before relocating to Naples, Florida with its original, lady owner. She took delivery of the car in February 1987, paying Ed Potter Mercedes-Benz $56, 800 for the pleasure of doing so. The 560 SL was a US/ Australian/ Japanese only model it’s powered by a 227hp 5. 6-litre V8 with a four-speed automatic. Since leaving the USA in 2022, the car’s had some restoration work undertaken, returning it to a condition not far off how it would have been when it left Potter’s lot back in ’87.

CONDITION SYNOPSIS:

As the range-topping model the 560 SL came with a comprehensive standard equipment list, including full leather upholstery, automatic climate control, cruise control, a limited slip differential and FM radio with cassette player. Fitted with a black soft top, the car also comes complete with its hardtop. Bought by Mercedes-Benz’s most affluent customers, it’s no surprise that the lady owner of this car spared no expense maintaining it, though its condition as it stands today, like many aging Floridians, is the result of some restoration work, though it’s been very nicely done. Sensibly the US specification impact bumpers have been replaced by slimmer, more elegant European specification ones. The interior looks new, the fabric roof similarly so, the deep Cabernet Red paintwork looks sensational, this car presenting, and driving very nicely indeed.

HISTORY FILE:

When Nancy Scott drove this SL from the dealership in Ohio, she took the time to keep the original manufacturer’s label, as well as squirrel away all the paperwork for things like the operation of the radio and cruise control, with even the pre-delivery inspection present – and evidently filled out by a left-handed person given the direction of the ticks. That fastidious collection of paperwork has continued throughout Scott’s ownership, with a thick wad of invoices and receipts underlining that this car’s been looked after through its entire life. Among them, and obviously post-Atlantic crossing, is an SLSHOP receipt, with our expert technicians having been through the car from front to rear, top to bottom, replacing anything that needed replacing and ensuring this car is as good an example as is available in the UK today.

SLSHOP SUMMARY:

Given the 560 SL was a specific market export model they’re relatively rare in the UK. While this car has an indicated 129, 619 miles on its odometer, it looks and feels like a car that’s done a tenth of that mileage. With its big characterful V8, smooth four-speed auto and ample standard equipment, in a desirable colour combination, this is a beautiful drive-away example that’s ready to be enjoyed by its next owner.