20,885 Actual Mile 560SL Convertible 5.6L 16 Valve V8 Survivor

Vintage Mercedes, like this expertly maintained 1989 560 SL, are the perfect combination of old world luxury and universal appeal. Fast, luxurious, stylish and built like a Panzer tank, they're first the choice of many classic car collectors who like to both show and drive their metal. With only 20,885 sunny day miles on its original powertrain, and no collision or major body damage whatsoever, this rock-solid Benz is about as close to driving a brand new 25 year old luxury car as you can get. And if you're one of those Daimler diehards who's looking for the ultimate in 'old school', it's an incredible find for a great price!

This lightly used Mercedes is a clean, 100% road-ready classic. Its subdued, Pearl Gray paint carries just the right amount of refinement worthy of a Mercedes badge, and looking at its solid flanks, there's no question it was constructed with fine workmanship. Fit and panel gaps are exactly what you would expect from a vintage car with the three-point star, and one look at the chip-free rockers reveals a finish that probably hasn't seen anything more abrasive than foul language. Overall, with what amounts to just 'break-in' miles, the body is virtually blemish-free. And, for a driven piece that's never been fully restored, this SL's appearance is simply remarkable!

Like most old school Daimler metal, this 560's styling is brilliantly executed, with straight, sharp-edged proportions that harken back to the days when automakers didn't need to wring efficiency out of every drop of gasoline. At the front of the car, a deliberately over-sized grille centers a large star between pristine headlights, bright marker lamps, chrome-trimmed driving lights and a free-standing bumper. Behind that grille, a sculpted hood, which is branded with a blue-tinged Mercedes badge, leads the eye to stainless-trimmed glass that dons either fresh black canvas or a Pearl Gray hardtop. At the sides of that hood, straight body moldings split chrome-capped mirrors, elegant door handles and dent-free rocker guards. And at the back of the car, tri-color taillights illuminate a small Center High Mount Stop Lamp, chrome trunk emblems and a second free-standing bumper.

Lift the long hood and you'll find advanced technology that allows this SL to provide smooth and powerful acceleration which almost defies the laws of late '80s automotive physics. The silky and quiet 5.6 liter SOHC V8 delivers enough grunt to make the car feel much lighter than it actually is and, with a flick of the key, lights off instantly. Hit the road, fully pressurize the Bosch KE Jetronic fuel injectors and the mill's restrained power quickly glides right up to triple-digit speeds. The big motor accelerates well in any gear, providing plenty of torque at any given speed or time. Cosmetically, everything here looks like a well preserved time capsule, which isn't surprising given the car's meticulously kept shell. And since it was produced before the OEMs' questionable obsession with plastic engine covers, you can plainly see how well-maintained every seal, bolt and electronic component is. From the sparkling inner fenders to the original radiator decals, this Mercedes is nothing but vintage class!

At the bottom of the car, 100% original floorpans are covered in original undercoating that's still fighting rust-producing moisture almost three decades after it left the showroom. Those floors roll on a rock-solid Mercedes chassis that provides a luxurious ride which, while not too firm, also doesn't feel like a traditional luxo-barge. One squeeze of the throttle and the 4-speed automatic transmission seamlessly and steadily sends power to mild gears that quickly set you on your way. Factory power steering and well-balanced power disc brakes mix good handling with reliable, drama-free stops. And at the edge of those brakes, mirrored wheels spin 205/65R15 Michelin Primacy MXV4s. A solid convertible like this cool SL can turn even the most monotonous drives into fun, open-air adventures. And thanks to their combination of summertime sun and stiff structure, it's no wonder these cars still remain one of the most popular hobby Mercedes of all time.

Inside, this well-mannered 560 is Teutonic luxury at its finest. Supple leather buckets are supremely comfortable, and look great in their classic Gray tint. In front of those seats, crystal clear gauges are laid out in typical Mercedes fashion of three binnacles with simple dials and lighted pointers. Below that dash, a wood-trimmed console anchors a wood-trimmed shifter on clean carpet that's protected by “560 SL” branded floor mats. At the sides of that carpet, padded door panels feature large arm rests and small, stainless-trimmed handles. In front of the driver, a gray, Mercedes-branded steering wheel provides a responsive connection to the road. And behind the passengers, a fully carpeted trunk has enough room to stash a couple of suitcases.

In addition to a clean CarFax, this SL's sale includes:

* A vintage Owner's Manual
* A vintage Service and Warranty booklet
* A vintage Maintenance Booklet
* Miscellaneous documents pertaining to its many accessories
* Four accessory wheel center caps

Luxurious and capable, this Mercedes is a substantial roadster that appears to have been exceptionally maintained throughout its entire existence. Thanks to the SL's reputation for excellent engineering, Daimler sells every one they build year after year. And vintage examples like this '89 enjoy a large group of dedicated fans. If you're looking for a great cruiser that, when it comes to power and performance, is a genuine iron fist in a silk glove, you simply can't go wrong with a this slick 560 drop-top!