Price: Sold
Mileage: 73,900 Miles
Engine: 5.6-Liter V8 Engine
Transmission: 4-Speed Automatic Transmission
Exterior color: Smoke Silver Metallic
Interior: Brazil (Brown) Euro MB-Tex
Additional features:
Smoke Silver Metallic
Brazil (Brown) Euro MB-Tex
Dark Brown Soft Top
Smoke Silver Metallic Hardtop
Burl Wood Trim
Seats Re-Covered w/ MB-Tex Factory Spec Covers
Orthopedic Seat Backrests (original option)
Heated Seats (original option)
Professionally Installed Sound System:
Continental VDO European-Style Stereo
Bluetooth
5 Channel Amp
Custom Period-Correct Rear Speaker Enclosure
JL Audio 6x9” Door Speakers
10-Inch Dual Subwoofers
Bass Knob
Automatic Antenna
Front Armrest
Airbag Steering Wheel
Automatic Climate Control
Illuminated Sun Visors
Heat-Insulating Glass All-Around
Defroster on Hardtop Glass
Heated Mirrors
Outside Air Temperature
Factory Alarm
Rear Spoiler Delete
Coco Floor Mats
Custom Wind Deflector
Factory Tool Set
First Aid Kit
Replacement Bulb Kit
Convertible Top Tool Set
Owners Manuals
3-Keys
15” Mercedes Gullideckel Wheels
Michelin Defender Tires
$15,000 in Recent Restoration and Maintenance
Extensive Service and Receipts
Like the real world, the automotive world is marked by leaders and followers. There are the cars that set the standard and define a segment, and then there are those that mimic the former’s greatness—the greatest compliment of all. In the luxury convertible sports car market, the unrivaled standard-bearer is the Mercedes SL Class. The genesis of the SL Class dates back to 1952, when the iconic W194 (later called the 300 SL) won the 24 Hours of Le Mans outright. Seeing its potential, in 1954, importer Max Hoffman suggested a production version, and the SL Class was born. The SL’s following success has resulted in one of the longest-running models in history. The design was so good that changes were incremental more than revolutionary over the subsequent thirty or so years—a true mark of perfection. These “traditional” SL Class cars peaked with the R107-generation 560 SL. Produced exclusively for the North American market, the 560 SL spanned a four-year run and was the most powerful and luxurious SL before the dramatic change that would come in the 1990s. At the 560 SL’s heart was a buttery smooth and torquey 5.5-liter V8 engine surrounded by a cockpit festooned with luxurious appointments. The 560 SL was the end of an era for the Mercedes SL Class, and, from the lens of the present, it has aged like a fine wine.
This 1986 Mercedes 560 SL is one of the finest SL Classes we’ve ever seen at Glen Shelly. Finished in Smoke Silver Metallic over reconditioned Brazil Brown interior, it is an outlier example of one of the pinnacle models of the SL Class. Thanks to extensive mechanical and cosmetic reconditioning, it looks as if J.R. Ewing drove it right out of a later episode of Dallas onto the hangar floor! Notable factory options include a color-matched hardtop with rear defroster, dark brown cloth soft top, heated orthopedic seats, heated mirrors, heat-insulating glass, and 15-inch Gullideckel (manhole cover) wheels. The current owner replaced the stereo with a custom period-correct sound system with a Continental VDO European-style stereo with Bluetooth, 5-channel amp, JL Audio 6x9-inch speakers, and dual 10-inch subwoofers built into a custom period-correct enclosure. The total cost was several thousand dollars, and the end result is a seamless integration that looks period and factory correct. Other tasteful additions include Coco floor mats and center console pad, and a custom wind deflector.
Mercedes records show an in-service date of September 1986. There are detailed and extensive service records dating back to the mid-1990s at 20,000 miles, which is also where the Carfax picks up. The records show frequent and regular services and document the mileage by a long-term owner in Glenview, Illinois. In 2016 the, Carfax reports an accident with damage to the left front and left side; at some point the majority of the car was repainted in the original Smoke Silver Metallic. The paint gauges at 4-6 mils forward of the A-pillars and 6-9 mils aft of the A-pillars, and it is all a perfect match. The current owner purchased it in 2018 and set about an extensive reconditioning. Over the subsequent years, he maintained an open-check-book philosophy with classic Mercedes experts Star Tech Mercedes followed by a few housing-keeping items done by us in preparation for sale. The engine work included removing the cylinder heads, replacing the valve seats and guides, replacing all timing components, replacing the cylinder head gaskets, intake manifold gaskets, rear main seal, spark plugs, engine mounts, alternator, thermostat, radiator, subframe mounts, and a cooling system flush. Then the gearbox was re-sealed and the valve bodies were upgraded with the B1 and B2 servos. The power steering box was re-sealed and the brakes were overhauled with a replacement master cylinder and fresh rear pads and rotors. The air conditioning system was converted to R134a, leak tested and repaired, recharged, and the aux fan replaced. Other work included many small maintenance items like making the cruise control function, overhauling the windshield washer nozzles, and a front-end alignment. Cosmetically the Burl wood was professionally restored, the HVAC center vents replaced, lots of small switches replaced, and the seats were restored with replacement cushions and recovered with Euro MB-Tex factory-spec Brazil Brown seat covers. The owner chose MB-Tex over leather as it is a Mercedes-specific vinyl that is far superior to leather in feel and durability.
The receipts for the work by the previous owner total nearly $20,000 to make this a top-of-the-market example of one of the best SL Class models ever built. As it sits, it is a turn-key example ready to be enjoyed by its new owner. We would like to find that person who will write the next chapter of its story.
The Smoke Silver Metallic paint is in near-Concours condition. The entire car was repainted at some point; a paint gauge report is included in the records binder. The quality of the paintwork is exceptional and the paint match is perfect. Even close scrutiny reveals only tiny flaws in the form of small rock chips and a few imperfections underneath the hardtop mounting area. There is no rust (lift shots are available on our website if you are reading this elsewhere). The VIN and option placard is present under the hood, along with all other factory markings. The factory hardtop is likewise exceptional; the factory tools are present. Underneath the dark brown soft top is in very good condition, with only light creasing and one small tear (that has been repaired) above the left rear quarter window. The rear plastic windows are clear and crack-free, and there is no failed stitching. All trim and chrome work are present and in exceptional condition. There is slight UV fade on some of the plastic bits, but it is negligible in the overall motif of the car. The headlight lenses are clear and crack-free, but they do have slight spidering in areas. The foglight lenses are crystal clear; the markers, turn signals, and taillight lenses are also exceptional. The wheels have no notable flaws or curbrash. They are wearing Michelin Defender tires with 7/32s tread remaining and 2017 DOT dates.
The interior is in exceptional condition, which is consistent with the exterior. Brazil Brown leather over Burl wood trim perfectly complements Smoke Silver Metallic. Open the door, and you are greeted with that lovely classic Mercedes smell. The carpet is free of stains or tears and is protected by matching Coco floor mats. The door cards are very nice, with the only notable flaw being a tear in the driver’s side map pocket. The dashboard is in excellent condition and is crack-free, with the exception of a tiny crack at the instrument bezel (it takes some searching to find). The previous owner had the Burlwood trim professionally reconditioned and it presents wonderfully with no notable imperfections. All instruments function correctly with the exception of the factory clock. All switches and functions operate correctly. A majority of the switches and buttons have been replaced, resulting in crisp lettering and no UV fade. The seat heater switches are reversed because the driver (now passenger) switch is a little finicky. The air conditioning fan switch can also be finicky. The stereo sounds absolutely fantastic, and the rear subwoofer enclosure looks factory correct. The heat blows warm, and the AC blows cold (recently converted to R134a). The blower motor is quiet at all speeds. The seats are in exceptional condition, having been restored with fresh MB-Tex covers and foam underneath. The trunk carpet is in good shape; underneath the spare tire, jack, and the factory tool kit are present. Three keys, all owners’ manuals, first aid kit, a custom wind deflector, and several bulb kits are included with the sale.
The wonderful thing about this 560 SL is crisp it feels from behind the wheel. The owner spent a significant sum of time, energy, and money bringing it to its current spec. Beyond the significant engine and transmission work outlined in the summary paragraph, there are many small items he had Star Tech perform to make it drive very much the same as when it was originally delivered. The V8 engine starts on command, idles incredibly smooth, and pulls strongly when you put your foot into it. There are small typical oil seeps at the rear main seal, transmission, and power steering box, but there are no significant leaks. The transmission shifts smoothly and does not slip. There are no driveline, transaxle, or wheel bearing vibrations. The steering is tight (having the steering box re-built), and the suspension is wonderfully complaint suits the GT mission of the 560 SL. The rear shocks have evidence of seepage, but they are serviceable and should not need replacement in the near future. The brakes are strong and reign in momentum without complaint. As with any 560 SL it will certainly need continued maintenance, but this one has had considerable recent investment that makes it a far outlier from a typical 560SL. We would like to find a new owner who will enjoy it for the next chapter of its story.
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