Fantasy Junction

Description

1989 Mercedes Benz 560SL

VIN – WDBBA48D8KA092104
Exterior Color – Red
Interior Color – Tan Leather
Engine – 5.5 L V8
Transmission – 4-speed automatic
Current Miles – 44,504 miles (6-digit odometer)
Current Owner Purchase Date – October 28, 1999
Miles Driven Under Current Ownership – Approximately 14,000 miles
Title – Clean CA State Title

Highlights of this Mercedes-Benz

- Low mile California car with three documented owners
- Excellent preservation based original condition
- Accompanied by the original hardtop and optional rear seat inserts

General Overview

As well-established luxury leaders in Europe, Mercedes-Benz was eager to build a strong foothold in the US market in the early 1960s. Having made inroads with the 190SL and 300SL in North America, the 230SL was a huge leap in technology when it arrived. Light and sporty, the tradition of excellence continued as engine size increased and performance improved including disc brakes, V8 engines, and power assist features. The last of this series, the 560SL was the most refined of the SL series and continues today to be sought after by collectors seeking original unmodified low mile examples.

History and Build of This Car

This example was manufactured July 1988 and delivered to Autohaus Brugger, Redwood City, CA October 12, 1988, with the following options as noted on the options data plate stamped at the forward portion of the radiator cross bar support.

568 – Signal Red paint
274 – Light tan leather
442 – Airbag in steering wheel
491 – US version
519 – Becker radio Grand Prix electronic cassette
551 – Anti-theft warning system
581 – Automatic climate control
262 – Elimination of rear end spoiler

After delivery, the first owner, reportedly a resident of Moraga, CA serviced the car regularly as noted in the service entries in the owner’s maintenance booklet included with the car. Services in 1989 with 1,084 miles, 7,111 miles, and 1990 with 17.581 miles are recorded. Original ownership continued until 1997 when this 560SL was sold to a friend of the current owner in Marin County, CA who also owned a 450SL with almost 500k miles. Expecting to use it more often, life priorities changed after just a year of ownership so he sold it to the current owner in 1999. At that time the six-digit odometer indicated 30,848 miles which are recorded on the current California title as “actual miles”. The current owner enjoyed the car mostly on weekend drives adding approximately 14,000 miles over their 26 years of ownership. A February 2025 Carfax indicates consecutive accumulated mileage, no accidents, and regular services, tending to general items such as fluids, oil changes, and passing emissions testing per California vehicle registration requirements.

Condition Overview

Today this 560SL presents in excellent cosmetic and mechanical condition throughout. Unlike many of these cars, which often suffer from neglected maintenance, this low-mile, three owner, California example is in remarkably fine condition and has benefited from indoor storage and regular services under current and prior ownership. The beautiful Signal Red paint has been metered with a digital paint meter indicating low single digits consistent with original paint on all metal body panels including the removable hardtop. All opening features operate smoothly, and the shut lines reflect production quality fit and closure consistent with Mercedes-Benz quality. The lights, wipers, ventilation system, original Becker radio, and turn indicators all function. The air conditioning system is also functional blowing cold on all fan settings. The car wears a set of 15” Gulliddeckel alloy wheels which are in excellent condition. Goodyear Assurance 205/65 R15 radial tires are mounted showing ample tread.

The light tan leather interior is in excellent condition including the beautifully preserved front seats, original door panels, and smooth black dashboard. The leather seat surfaces, inner perforated seat material, headrests, and retractable seat belts are in excellent condition. The rear storage area is smoothly carpeted and comes with a set of rear seat inserts finished in matching leather color. The instrument panel operates properly as do the various controls and gauges. The correct original Becker Grand Prix radio with cassette player also operates properly. Power windows operate smoothly, and the black canvas convertible top is in excellent condition, raising and lowering with ease. Both the hardtop and convertible top exhibit excellent headliner condition. The trunk displays original features and finishes including a matching spare Gulliddeckel wheel and Pirelli tire, trunk mounted battery, and tire jack.

The engine compartment is clean and reflective of original components with correct factory features in place, correct hardware, and correct manufacturing designation plates and labels. The underside of the car is clean, dry, and in excellent original condition having been properly maintained by the third and current owner. There is no evidence of structural compromise to the floor or suspension mounting points.

Having benefited from indoor storage and professional care, this car starts, runs, and drives exceptionally well. The overall condition and performance are refreshing as many of these cars are often neglected during long periods of storage. The acceleration and traction are excellent on general local roadways and smooth on highways, though the owner reports that most of their driving over the past 26 years has been limited to local area use. The robust fuel injected V8 engine functions properly and reliably as does the 4-speed automatic transmission. Highway speeds deliver smooth operation, excellent stability, and evenly tracking braking. In addition to the rewarding driving experiences, onlookers readily appreciate the beautiful condition and striking color of this uniquely preserved example.

Items Included with the Car

This 560SL is accompanied by a matching red hardtop, a hardtop stand with hardtop cover, a car cover, a set of front floor mats, matching light tan leather seat cushions for rear seating, owner’s manual set including the Becker radio manual warranty guide, paint care guide, SRS guide, and other operation-guide placards.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

Inquire About This Car

Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608