1989 Mercedes-Benz 500-Series

560SL SL560 Convertible

8 - Cyl.

Automatic

WDBBA48D0KA095563

Gasoline

Being offered here is a gorgeous 1989 Mercedes Benz 560SL two-door convertible with only 28,700 original miles. With its original Metallic Red paint and beige leather upholstery, it is arguably one of the most beautiful of the Mercedes Benz color combinations. The tires are by Michelin, with less than 2,000 miles. This automobile has been pampered and only occasionally driven through the years. It has lived its life based in Colorado and Arizona, and I haven’t seen the slightest trace of corrosion, rust, pitting, etc. so common to cars residing in many parts of the United States. The upholstery looks fantastic, and the body finish has only the very slightest of scratches / dings. Everything is working perfectly fine at this time – including the clock and the radio. A hidden switch has been added to disconnect the clock and interior lights when desired. Thus, for example, the clock doesn’t need to run during possibly long periods during which you are not driving the car. A custom oak-covered stereo system was built and added behind the front seat area (as shown in the photos). It can be easily lifted out if desired, and there have been no cosmetic modifications made for this installation. The first-aid kit normally located here was unscrewed and placed in the trunk (and can easily be returned to its original location if desired). However, you might wish to retain this custom Sony stereo, as its sound is wonderful, surpassing that of the original Becker factory AM/FM/cassette system (still operational and in its original location). The Sony provides CD capability and an iPod connection port. (The Sony system also offers AM/FM, but no antenna is currently connected as that would be redundant to the Becker system.) While I am not a dealer nor automotive expert, and thus cannot provide a warranty, I can say that – after driving many cars over almost 50 years, this is about the most trouble-free automobile I have experienced, with solid, smooth road performance that belies its roadster / convertible configuration. Nevertheless, I would urge those seriously considering this purchase to inspect this fine vehicle to your satisfaction prior to purchase. With the top up, it’s quieter than a number of sedans I have driven. Of course it also comes with its matching removable hardtop (shown in one of the pictures, on its portable roller stand). Also seen in the pictures are two covers for the passenger compartment: one to use when the soft top is up, and the other for use when the soft top is down. It also has what appears to be about all of its original documentation, including a number of "hang tags", as you will see in the pictures. The 1989 560SL model is apparently the final year of the 17 year life of the Mercedes famed "W107" chassis, and thus it incorporates all of the cumulative improvements in that design. What also attracted me to this model is the relative lack of later-year-electronic-"enhancements". The top is easily raised and lowered by hand (no motors to fail) and of course stows completely and neatly ‘inside’. The speedometer and odometer readouts are mechanical. At an original $64,230 MSRP (back in 1989!), it would seem the factory investment was in the body, drive train, and sturdy, trouble-free design, not in expensive electronic gadgetry. At a starting bid price of $17,500, with less than 29,000 miles, in superb condition, this would seem quite a decent alternative… I received a CarFax printout when I purchased this automobile a couple of years ago. It has no prior damage or accidents reported. The website http://northernresource.com/mercedes/107-price-guide.htm under W107 chassis price guides lists the original $64,230 MSRP, along with NADA retail ($29,175) trade-in ($26,050), and Edmunds Market ($29,925) and Trade-In ($23,340) values. The typical odometer reading commensurate with those price estimates is not given, but likely is for vehicles with more than 29,000 miles. The AutoTrader classics web site shows three 1989 560SLs, including one at $29,900 with 48,000 miles, and one at $27,500 with 40,000 miles. Please recognize that the winner of this auction will have made a binding contract to complete the purchase. A $2,000 (US) deposit must be accepted by PayPal or my bank within two days of auction end, and the balance must be accepted by my bank (not PayPal) within seven days of auction end. Please note that this vehicle will also appear for sale in our local area, and therefore this could mean our ending the auction at any time. I will cooperate with the fully insured and bonded shipping company of your choice, should you wish to have this vehicle shipped to you. The Mercedes is located just outside Tucson, Arizona, 85739. Thank you.