High specification R107 with top of the range 5.6litre 227bhp V8 engine
Early 560SL built in September 1985
Extensive history file including many Mercedes servicing stamps
Scope for improvement or drive it as it is as R107 values continue to rise
Optional hard top
Very useable, practical long distance open top cruiser
The Appeal
The R107 Mercedes has become one of the classic world’s most desirable convertibles for the same reason it was so successful during its production life: it is really good. Handsome in a way only a Mercedes can quite be, dependable and reliable for the same reasons and supremely comfortable, it is, for many, the answer to every classic convertible question.
The R107 was launched in 1971 and stayed in production, virtually unchanged, until 1989. During that time it sold in huge numbers – mostly in North America – and spawned a vast range of engine variations. There were straight six and V8 options, the latter adding useful urge to this heavily built car. USA cars are easily identified by their quad headlamps and larger impact bumpers.
This 1986 North American car is a top of the range 560SL with the super-smooth 5549cc 227bhp V8 motor. The 560’s extra oomph and sophistication made it a strong seller, although it was only available from 1986 to 1989.
Recently imported from the USA, this R107 looks very presentable and can be used ‘as is’ or there is scope for improvement. A thick history file indicates careful ownership and while the mileage is high, these cars are famed for their durability. The interior barely reflects its use and the underside appears solid. With values of these cars continuing to rise, this could represent a good way to get into a V8 SL without the expense of a fully restored model
The History And Paperwork
Thick history file including Mercedes servicing to 112,073 miles
Many receipts for servicing and maintenance including $1,398 (£1,162) spent in April 2020
174,328 miles from new
Mercedes build date September 1985
All service and handbooks included
Two factory keys
The vendor notes that this car requires some mechanical attention before it can be enjoyed, otherwise they believe it to be in good order
The Interior
Anthracite leather seats in very good condition
Cruise control
ABS and driver’s airbag
Fascia uncracked and wood veneers in good condition
Air conditioning
Centre armrest
Carpets appear original and in good, aged condition
Door cards in good condition
Mercedes interiors of the 1970s and 1980s are an object lesson in the less-is-more approach to design. The R107’s cabin is simply arranged and all the better for it – clear dials, well organised controls and a general feel of solidity and quality that buyers would have immediately associated with the three pointed star.
It is also a very comfortable place to be, thanks in no small part to those big, comfy leather armchairs. The SL was designed for relaxed long distance cruising and on that goal the interior delivers.
The 560SL was supplied as standard with cruise control, air conditioning, ABS, driver’s airbag and traction control. We could not test these so this may be something the buyer wishes to check with the Seller.
The interior of this 37-year-old car is a testament to the quality of its build because it belies its age and mileage. The seats and centre armrest are in very good condition, just a slight loss of colour on a small area of piping on the driver’s seat bolster betraying the car’s age. There is some colour fade on the carpets where the optional rear seats would otherwise be, but they are generally in very good condition throughout the cabin and in the boot.
The door trims are also good and the fittings unmarked. The leather steering wheel is in good condition, just some light marks on the rim and centre boss detracting.
The tasteful strips of wood veneer across the fascia and covering the vertical centre console are in very good condition with no obvious deterioration. The veneer covering the flat horizontal section of the centre console is cracked and delaminated in places. It is not particularly unsightly but the buyer may wish to source a replacement part.
An aftermarket Sony stereo system is fitted and there is an automatically retracting aerial which we understand operates correctly.
The Exterior
Signal Red bodywork with localised deterioration and evidence of previous repairs
15inch ‘Gullideckel’ alloy wheels in very good condition
Colour matched hard top in very good condition
Soft top appears in very good condition inside and out
Quality Michelin tyres fitted
Underside appears solid with no obvious signs of welding
This car was factory supplied in distinctive Signal Red, which contrasts nicely with the black interior. Although the design was 15 years old by the time this car left the factory, neat touches like the lovely Gullideckel alloys helped refresh the looks and now give this powerful car an understated yet purposeful stance.
The R107 was built to Mercedes’ exacting quality standards, making these cars particularly durable mechanically and aesthetically. But this is essentially a late 1960s design so there are some known weak spots that are prone to rust, such as the front wings, the rear arches and the doors.
The photographs of the exterior of the car indicate that it remains very presentable and it could be enjoyed as it is, as a useable, practical convertible.
Close inspection, however, reveals areas where the buyer may wish to improve it. On the passenger side of the car there are the early signs of corrosion in those common SL weak spots. The base of the front wing behind the wheel and the leading edge of the door appear to show deterioration. The photographs also suggest a poor repair of the rear wing below the swage line, where the paint quality is not as good and the body lines not quite correct. The buyer may wish to check this with the Seller as photographs can be misleading.
On the driver’s side of the car there is poor paint match between the rear wing and the door and front wing, indicating an older repair. There are also early signs of corrosion on the base of the rear wing and either corrosion or poor paint repair on the front wing on this side of the car.
The bodywork is otherwise very straight, with only two small issues: a shallow dent on the rear deck behind the boot and in the roof cover. These look like they could be rectified by a mobile dent specialist.
One of the SL’s best features is the clever use of chrome around the car, dashes of which enhance the otherwise quite straight lines. The chrome around this car is complete and in good condition.
The soft top roof is in very good condition, the inside appearing almost like new and the exterior retaining its deep black colour. The car was sold new with an optional colour-coded hard top, giving it useful added versatility. These can often go missing over time but this one has stayed with the car and appears to be in very good condition in the photographs.
Although the bodywork shows early signs of corrosion, the photographs of the underside suggests that this car is solid and does not appear to have been welded.
The Mechanics
5549cc 227bhp V8 Mercedes engine
4spd automatic gearbox
ABS and tractional control as standard
Extensive history file including Mercedes servicing to 112,073 miles
Invoices for ongoing servicing and maintenance to 2020
The R107 is one of the cars that helped Mercedes earn its reputation for unrivalled quality and reliability. This is evident in the bits you can see, like the dashboard and the heavy doors, but also – and more particularly - the bits you can’t, like the engine, gearbox and running gear. It is here where all that engineering prowess pays dividends for owners.
The 560SL used a much-enlarged 5549cc version of the V8 engine first introduced to the SL in 1971. It proved so good that it remained in use in Mercedes cars into the 1990s. The useful 227bhp gives this heavy car useful heft, but 0-60 sprints are not really what it is all about. Instead the appeal lies in the smooth, effortless delivery of that power. This car is for relaxed, trans-continental cruising, ideally with the top down.
The engine and 4spd automatic gearbox in this car are renowned for their durability and are capable of significant mileages, so when you encounter a SL like this one that has covered a higher mileage, it shouldn’t put you off. Where that use is backed by extensive service history, as here, it should indicate a reliable, well maintained car with plenty of life left in it.
This car has a huge history file, including the original PDI dealer stamp and bills from 1985 onwards. The service book is stamped up to 2000 and 112,000 miles with Mercedes dealer stamps. The latest invoice is from April 2020 for work costing $1398 (£1,162). We were not able to find any later invoices in the photographs so the buyer may wish to check with the Seller when the car was last serviced.
The history file includes all of the original service books and handbooks and there are two Mercedes Benz factory keys supplied with the car.
Summary
Classic enthusiasts have flocked to the R107 in recent years because of its unique blend of relaxed, luxurious drop top cruising, and this has pushed up values. These are very useable cars with the added benefit of good UK parts and servicing support.
The thick history file and good condition of the interior of this car indicate that it has been cared. With restored cars fetching significant sums, this car represents an opportunity to buy a top specification 560 that has scope for improvement or can be enjoyed now.
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.
