Almost new: ’89 Mercedes-Benz 560SL

Mercedes management decreed that all future SLs after the 280SL would be V-8s. So a long procession of R107 bodied cars began with a 450SL, then a 380SL and finally a 560SL. In the 560SL, Mercedes got it all just right, offering essentially bullet-proof reliability, great power, and elegant good looks. The 560SL combined all that Mercedes learned about the V-8 R107 chassis cars into a cultural icon that quietly and confidently told the world its occupants had “arrived.” Standard equipment included driver’s side airbag and ABS brakes. Interior improvements for the 560SL included burlwood accents, improved lateral seatback support, and a power passenger side mirror. We understand that there are literally hundreds of R107 convertibles offered at any given time. So it is a buyer’s market and you have the ability to sift through the ads eliminating cars that have been abused, ill-maintained or just spent. We did some sifting of our own and found this 28,000, original mile beauty that lived a charmed life in the Seattle area. It is in a handsome Desert Taupe color with spotless light taupe interior. We have access to the window sticker proclaiming the original cost at $65,000. That is a lot of money back in 1989. Time has let us mortals have a shot at owning one of the best built production cars ever. A regular, run of the mill, nice 560SL can be had for something like $15,000 or less. But this one is something special. You’ll have to pay a substantial premium for this one. What that is exactly, we don’t know for sure. Perhaps the high $20s will do it. That is what a new VW Jetta TDI will set you back. The seller always seems to find remarkable cars and this certainly fits the bill. Click here for the eBay auction.