1989 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

-PLEASE READ THE FULL LISTING BEFORE BIDDING- 

This 1989 Mercedes Benz 560SL represents what collectors know to be the fully evolved R107 body SL.   It is the most valuable and desirable year of the R107.  

This particular example represents one of the last and best opportunities to jump into the 560SL market before prices make them untouchable.

For all intents and purposes. I consider this vintage SL to be a “barn find. ”  It is a solid platform with a lot of potential. and as such is a rare opportunity for an entry-level purchase for any aspiring collector.

It was owned and loved by an elderly gentleman in Franklin. TN.   Upon his passing. he left it to his wife and son who simply allowed the car to sit.   To my knowledge. the car mostly sat for six years unattended.   As a result. there are several deferred maintenance items the new owner should expect to address.   This is how I found the car.

In all honesty. I bought the car with hopes of making a modest profit to fund the restoration of my vintage Porsche.   Aside from a good cleaning. I have done nothing to the car other than airing up the tires. charging the battery. and running through a clean tank of gas.

I am not a mechanic - so understand that all my observations are made through my limited scope of knowledge.   To be safe. I would recommend not putting the car on the road until several things were professionally checked.  

The car's engine runs well.   Upon cold start-up there is a loud belt squeal. but that goes away after a few minutes.   Though they hold air and have good tread. I believe the tires suffer from dry rot and should be replaced.   All of the belts and hoses. and any other rubber pieces for that matter. should be checked.   There are some leaks on the garage floor. so you'll want to check them out.   (The leaks are still far fewer than my 89 Porsche 911 with only 20K miles!) 

I am confident that the car will need new brakes.   I've driven the car around our neighborhood. and the brakes squeal even when the brake isn't being applied.   However. the car has a nice ride without rattles.   I would also recommend a full review of the engine mounts and suspension (ball joints. etc. ) as that's just good practice.   The air conditioner blows air. but it is not cold and it hasn't been converted to the more modern freon.   I do not know if the heater or cruise control work.

The leather seats are cracked and should be replaced.   The same with the burled wood finish around the shifter.  

The transmission shifts well (again. just driving around our neighborhood) though I can't tell if it kicks down on heavy acceleration.   Both the speedometer and odometer appear not to be functioning just now.   According to the clean CarFax report. I think it's likely this is a new development since I got it running.

The clock works fine. as do the lights and blinkers. There is a gas leak under the tank area when the car is running.   I don't believe the lighter or vanity plate lights work.  

The car comes with both the hard and soft top.   Both are in nice condition.

What remains is a highly-desirable 560SL with mountains of potential.   The paint appears original (though I've not had a gauge taken to it) and is the rare and highly-desirable Black Pearl with a cream/beige interior.   I see no evidence of bodywork or rust.   It's truly a beautiful car.

It's a true testament to the fine Mercedes craftsmanship that the paint looks as good as it does. and that the body gaps are all so beautiful.   Yes. there are a few scratches from the hardtop's removal and replacement over the years.   The same with some minor rock chips up front.   But considering the car's age and recent history. it looks amazing.

The U. S. spec headlights and taillights are in very good condition with no hazing or cracks. The 15 inch original equipment wheels showed very little marring or scratches. with only minor paint chipping near some lug nut holes.  

You'll find good original carpet matching carpet throughout. The door panels and dashboard are matched perfectly with the exterior of the car and look fantastic. Additionally. there are NO CRACKS in the dash.   It's beautiful.

The original steering wheel is in great condition. Power windows. power locks. all work well. The hardtop removal tool is there. and the original radio was replaced with a far-superior modern AM/FM Radio/CD player.  

I have receipts dating from 1998-2004.   Aside from that I have no other history or paperwork.

Rarely will you get the opportunity to enter the collector market for this iconic year of the SL — especially for so little money.   These cars are renowned for their power. handling. and overall driveability.   With some effort. this will be an amazing car.  

The car is being sold as is on a clean & clear title. with no warranties either expressed or implied.   You are most welcome and encouraged to inspect the car before purchase.  

Upon purchase. the buyer agrees to make a $500 nonrefundable deposit through PayPal within 24 hours.   The remaining balance must be remitted by wire or cash before the car will be released. and is due in full within 48 hours of the auction's conclusion.

Again. please understand that this car is a project.   A project with more potential than most.  

Also published at eBay.com

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