AutoHunter Spotlight: 1989 Mercedes-Benz 560 SL

Model year 1989 marked the end for one of Mercedes-Benz’s longest-running platforms: The R107 SL convertible was launched in 1971 and produced for nearly two decades. By the time it was retired, over 150,000 units had been sold in the United States. Was the “last the best of all the game?” We’ve picked out a 1989 specimen you can use to find out.

Featured on AutoHunter is this 1989 Mercedes-Benz 560 SL. The car is being sold by a dealer in Watertown, Wisconsin, and the auction will end on Monday.

Advertisements promoted the SL’s ability to transform into three different cars: a hardtop, a soft top, and a convertible. In this case, the Arctic White exterior is complemented by a color-matched hardtop that will come with the car. Some regions of the country are just entering convertible season, while others are exiting it. Either way, this SL is a compelling find for its unmodified originality and condition, especially considering it’s 35 years old.

The SL was positioned as an indulgent grand touring roadster and aimed at those who had the means to live lavishly. “Spoil yourself,” one advertisement said. Another read, “Once… just once… have the automobile you want.”

Under the hood is a 5.6-liter V8 that uses a Bosch KE-Jetronic fuel injection system. It was rated at 227 horsepower and 279 lb-ft of torque when new – respectable figures for the era, and certainly enough to move a two-seat roadster with authority.

According to the CARFAX report, the car has lived an accident-free life. Ownership started in Louisiana, with subsequent moves to Florida, Delaware, Virginia, Maryland, and Arizona before acquisition by the selling dealer. The car resided in the desert southwest for at least the last 13 years, and an Arizona emissions inspection was performed in July 2023. Additional historic maintenance included service to the air conditioning compressor, fluids, power steering system, and washer hoses in February 2021.

“Go ahead. Enjoy yourself. Feel this Mercedes-Benz turn an ordinary back road into an indelible driving experience,” Mercedes said.

Are you ready to see what all the fuss was about? If you weren’t one of the 150,000 or so people who were lucky enough to buy an R107 SL when it was new, opportunity is knocking now, thanks to AutoHunter.