Description
1989 Mercedes-Benz 560 SL (R107) – 5. 6 V8 Automatic
50, 069 Miles
Finished in Factory Black (040) with Anthracite Leather (271)
Options Include
Heated Seats
Air Conditioning
American Specification
Final Production Year
UK Registered June 2026
An Exceptional Example of the Flagship Mercedes-Benz R107
Speedsters are delighted to offer this magnificent 1989 Mercedes-Benz 560 SL, finished in its original factory colour combination of Black (040) with Anthracite leather upholstery (271)
With just 50, 069 miles indicated, this beautifully presented example represents an exciting opportunity to acquire one of the final examples of the legendary R107 SL, powered by the largest engine offered in the series.
Manufactured in 1989, the final year of R107 production, this 560 SL benefits from nearly two decades of continuous Mercedes-Benz engineering development, culminating in what many enthusiasts consider the ultimate evolution of this celebrated grand tourer.
Originally manufactured for the American market, the 560 SL was never officially offered through Mercedes-Benz dealerships in the United Kingdom. Consequently, genuine examples remain comparatively uncommon on British roads.
This particular car retains the distinctive American-style impact bumpers and headlamp arrangement, providing an authentic representation of the 560 SL specification developed for the United States market.
Previously resident in the United States, the car was registered with the DVLA in June 2026 and now carries the age-related registration F497 RNM.
Vehicle Details
Registration: F497 RNMChassis number: WDBBA48D4KA096182Model: 560 SL (R107)Year of manufacture: 1989First registration: January 1989First UK registration: June 2026Engine: 5, 547cc M117 V8 petrolTransmission: Four-speed automaticDrive: Left-hand driveExterior: Factory Black (040)Interior: Anthracite leather (271)Mileage: 50, 069 miles indicatedMarket specification: United StatesBody: Two-door convertibleRoof: Removable hardtop and folding soft top
Desirable Factory Specification
This particular 560 SL benefits from an attractive original factory specification, combining luxury, comfort and safety features.
The recorded Mercedes-Benz equipment codes include:
040:Black exterior paintwork271:Anthracite leather upholstery240:Outside temperature indicator262:Rear spoiler deletion442:Driver’s airbag491:United States specification519:Becker Grand Prix radio and cassette equipment531:Automatic electric aerial551:Anti-theft alarm system581:Automatic climate control809:1989 model-year specification873:Electrically heated front seats
These factory codes document the specification with which the car was originally ordered. Individual items can be inspected to establish their current fitment and operation.
The Ultimate R107 – Final Year of Production
Introduced in 1971, the Mercedes-Benz R107 SL enjoyed an extraordinary 18-year production run before being replaced by the R129 in 1989.
Throughout this period, Mercedes-Benz continuously refined and developed the model, improving safety, chassis dynamics, mechanical sophistication and passenger comfort.
The 560 SL was introduced for the 1986 model year as the flagship version of the range.
Equipped with the powerful 5. 6-litre V8, the 560 SL was principally intended for the American, Japanese and Australian markets.
The model featured the improvements associated with the later R107 cars, including revised suspension geometry, improved braking equipment and enhanced safety technology.
By 1989, the R107 had reached the final stage of its development, making these last production-year examples particularly interesting to enthusiasts and collectors.
The 560 SL represents an appealing combination of traditional Mercedes-Benz engineering, substantial V8 power and classic open-top grand touring.
Magnificent 5. 6-Litre V8 Engine
At the heart of the 560 SL lies the legendary Mercedes-Benz M117 V8 engine.
Displacing 5, 547cc, this naturally aspirated eight-cylinder engine was the largest powerplant fitted to a production R107 SL.
Producing approximately 227 bhp in American specification, it delivers wonderfully smooth performance and the effortless torque characteristic of a large-capacity Mercedes-Benz V8.
Power is transmitted to the rear wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission.
The combination provides strong acceleration, remarkably relaxed motorway cruising and a degree of refinement that remains impressive even by modern standards.
The 560 SL was engineered primarily as a luxurious grand touring sports car rather than an uncompromising performance machine.
Its substantial power reserves, exceptionally comfortable seating, smooth automatic gearbox and sophisticated suspension make it perfectly suited to long-distance touring.
The distinctive sound of the V8 engine is an additional attraction, contributing greatly to the driving experience.
Beautiful Factory Black Coachwork
Finished in factory Black, paint code 040, this example presents a particularly elegant and imposing appearance.
The deep black coachwork perfectly complements the distinctive R107 proportions, with its long bonnet, low waistline, chrome radiator grille and carefully balanced rear deck.
Unlike metallic finishes, traditional solid black offers an especially timeless appearance, emphasising the understated elegance associated with Mercedes-Benz during this period.
The car is complemented by its original-style Mercedes-Benz alloy wheels, bright chrome detailing and distinctive American-specification exterior fittings.
The combination of black exterior paintwork and dark interior trim creates a wonderfully sophisticated appearance, particularly desirable among enthusiasts of late-production Mercedes-Benz classics.
Authentic American Exterior Specification
Unlike some imported 560 SLs that have subsequently been converted to European-style bodywork, this example was previously photographed with its characteristic American-style bumpers and headlights.
The American-market 560 SL was equipped with substantial impact-absorbing bumpers designed to comply with United States safety regulations.
These larger bumpers, with their prominent rubber protection sections, are among the most recognisable characteristics of American-specification R107 models.
Similarly, the American headlamp arrangement differs significantly from the more streamlined European units.
For collectors who appreciate the original market character of the 560 SL, these details are an important part of the car’s identity.
Its factory equipment records confirm that the vehicle was built to United States specification.
Luxurious Anthracite Leather Interior
The cabin is beautifully appointed in Anthracite leather, factory upholstery code 271.
This sophisticated interior colour provides a complementary contrast to the deep black exterior.
The R107 interior is widely admired for its exceptional build quality, substantial switchgear, carefully considered ergonomics and timeless Mercedes-Benz styling.
Traditional wood veneer trim adds warmth and character, while the clearly arranged dashboard instrumentation provides a particularly attractive period appearance.
The car’s factory specification includes electrically heated front seats, automatic climate control, a driver’s airbag and Mercedes-Benz anti-theft equipment.
The inclusion of these features demonstrates the exceptionally high level of comfort and sophistication available in the final production years of the R107.
American Provenance and Previous Sales History
This particular 560 SL can be identified through its chassis number in a previous American sales listing by SportsCar LA, the Los Angeles-based specialist dealer.
The earlier listing recorded approximately 49, 910 miles and described the car favourably in terms of its condition and presentation.
The dealer also referred to a clean CARFAX vehicle history report and recent workshop servicing.
Both the removable hardtop and folding fabric soft top were referenced in the earlier sales information, alongside its Mercedes-Benz alloy wheels and Pirelli tyres.
These historical descriptions are useful evidence of the vehicle’s previous American history, although the accompanying paperwork and current condition should be verified during inspection.
The odometer now indicates 50, 069 miles, an increase of only 159 miles over the reading recorded in that previous listing.
Following its time in the United States, the vehicle was brought to the United Kingdom and registered with the DVLA in June 2026.
DVLA records confirm that the car was manufactured in 1989, first registered in January 1989 and has the correct 5, 547cc engine capacity.
It now carries the appropriate age-related registration F497 RNM.
Open-Top Motoring with Hardtop Versatility
One of the many enduring attractions of the Mercedes-Benz SL is its exceptional versatility.
The R107 was designed to function equally well as an elegant enclosed grand tourer or as an enjoyable open-top roadster.
Its removable factory hardtop provides a refined and weather-resistant alternative during the colder months, transforming the appearance and character of the car.
The folding fabric soft top offers convenient weather protection when the hardtop is removed.
With the roof lowered, the R107 reveals the elegant proportions and timeless character that made it one of the most successful luxury roadsters of its generation.
The combination of open-air driving, substantial V8 performance and Mercedes-Benz refinement makes the 560 SL a particularly enjoyable classic for relaxed touring.
An Increasingly Appreciated Mercedes-Benz Classic
The R107 has become firmly established as one of the most recognisable and desirable Mercedes-Benz classics.
Its remarkable longevity, exceptional build quality and timeless design have made it popular with enthusiasts across the world.
Late-production examples are particularly attractive because they benefit from the considerable mechanical and technical improvements made throughout the model’s 18-year production life.
The 560 SL is especially interesting due to its flagship position in the range and the fact that its engine was never officially offered in a British-market R107.
This particular example offers a compelling combination of desirable factory colours, final-year production, attractive luxury equipment, American provenance and relatively low indicated mileage.
Now UK registered, it offers an opportunity to enjoy one of Mercedes-Benz’s most celebrated grand touring roadsters.
Available Exclusively ThroughSpeedsters. com
1989 Mercedes-Benz 560 SL (R107)
Registration: F497 RNM
Chassis: WDBBA48D4KA096182
Mileage: 50, 069 Miles Indicated
A beautifully presented example of the flagship 5. 6-litre V8 Mercedes-Benz SL, finished in the exceptionally desirable combination of factory Black with Anthracite leather upholstery.
Pristine condition, walk around video available on request.
Its final production-year status, relatively modest indicated mileage, distinctive American specification and attractive factory equipment make it an appealing opportunity for the discerning Mercedes-Benz enthusiast.
Further information, additional photographs and private viewings are available by appointment.
