Low 120K miles; More importantly its been Restored !

It could wisely be stated the Mercedes SL is just about the best classic car one could currently purchase. Where else can you find a well-engineered hand-built German classic that has all the comforts of a late model vehicle and can be driven daily. Not to mention that they are just plain sexy and appreciate in value with each passing day. The Mercedes-Benz 560SL debuted in 1985 with the Type 107 body shell that was first used with the 1970 350SL. The 560SL was a convertible coupe that was specifically designed for the United States market. During its last year of production. in 1989. the price tag exceeded $64. 00. In The SL Experience by John Olson. he states that in 1989 there were only 5. 51 of these beauties Produced; probably a few hundred with this popular and rare midnight blue/palomino color combination and a handful now on the road in this type of mint condition.

This exceptional example is a California car with no rust. no accidents. and never smoked in. Has both hard and soft tops. 5. 6L V8 Engine with over-head cam and fuel injection. Auto. A/C. PS. PB. Cruise Control. SRS Airbags. Chrome Mirrors/Bumpers/Grill. Power Windows. Rear Defrost. Fog Lights. custom Blaupunkt stereo with three amps. 10 Disk Changer. Focal and Infinity speakers and subwoofer . Burlwood Interior Trim. Full Spare Tire. Factory 15" chrome Wheels with Bridgestone Turanza 205/65/R15 Tires. It comes with the hardtop. This is a two owner 120. 00 original mile beauty. It's definitely worthy to compete in local classic car shows. Hagerty would rate its condition a #2 valued at $24. 00. This does not take into account the rare blue/palomino color combination and the custom stereo and bluetooth.

Mechanically I would rate it 9 out of 10; Engine and Transmission have been overhauled; Air condition converted to R-134. There is nothing outstanding. It runs like a dream; shifts beautifully.  At a stop light it is so quite and smooth that you won't even know that the engine is on. Comes complete with all the maintenance records.

Interior I would rate it 9 out of 10; Wood has been refinished and front leather replaced; Blue soft top is also new; there is just a little fade in the driver seat bolster and there are two 1" long  hairline cracks on the dash.  Floor mats are fine but a bit worn.

Exterior I would rate it 8 out of 10; original gorgeous paint; no rust; never been in an accident; a few small dime size parking lot dings and some areas where some vandals have keyed the car. I've refilled the scratches with original paint. Now it is ready for wet sanding and nice wax job by hand.

This car has been driven less than 5k miles per year.  These hand built German tanks have been known to go well over a quarter of a million miles . So 120k miles is barely worn in. Most of you think that paying a premium price for a 560sl with low miles is a smart move.  Please keep in mind that a car's engine. transmission. drive train. and suspension has dozens of rubber/plastic seals and gaskets which wear out after 25years. So it is not the mileage but the age that plays a role on the condition of the car. I bought this car from an older professional lady in West Los Angeles. It had low miles; she had it meticulously maintained it.  I still had to overhaul the engine. the transmission. change all the seals and gaskets that were leaking. I did not want to go to my friends' house and park in their circular driveway and leak all over the place. So the fact that I spent over $10k addressing these issues means you won't have to over the next 20-25 years. On the other hand if you buy a 25 year Mercedes that hasn't had this work done already (even if it has only 50k miles) means you will have to repair/restore these items yourself. Although it has relatively low miles (less than 5. 00 per year). low miles does not mean much. A 25 year old classic like this with low miles might still cost you $20k to restore. Restored is a better choice than low miles.

With so few of these on the roads today. I am sure they will only appreciate over time. In another 20 years I bet a 1989 560SL in this mint condition will be going for $100k +. I wish I can just keep her but I have too many weekend cars. Plus I can use the cash to add solar to my house.

Here is an example of a car that recently sold on Ebay and how my car compares:

My Car

Ebay item 131169692260

1989

1989

560SL

560SL

Hard top included

Hard top included

Burlwood

Burlwood

120k miles

38. 5K miles

Leaky Seals &  gaskets replaced

Age causes leaky seals and gaskets not mileage!

Sold by Private Party

Sold by Carbella Motors?

Two Owners

# of Owners ?

Blue/Palomino & Blue top – Rare combo !

Black/Black & Black top

Air Cond Converted to R134

Nope – Good luck finding Freon

Bluetooth Added

Nope

1000W Blaupunkt stereo w CD Changer and Sub

Nope

Chrome Wheels

Nope

$$$$ Thousands Less !

Sold for $24. 5K

*Please note that the vehicle is sold "As Is" with no implied or expressed warranties or guaranties.

Also published at eBay.com

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