Over its 18 year life span, the R107 set the standard for personal luxury in the American automobile market and became an instantly recognizable mark of luxury and success.  Production of the car began in 1971 with the advent of the SL350 and ended in 1989 with the 560SL.  The car’s initial design utilized the underlying chassis of a W113 series car which was mated to a V8 engine offered in an S class sedan.  The decision to utilize a V8 was undoubtedly made to satisfy the American market and gave rise to the primary criticism of the R107, i.e., they were developed almost exclusively to satisfy American tastes.  Given the fact that nearly two thirds of all R107’s made it to American shores, the criticism was probably valid. 

The hallmark of the R107 was safety as it was specifically designed to provide maximum protection to its occupants.  In order to achieve this goal the car utilized front and rear crumple zones, a rigid passenger cell, windshields that were bonded to their frames, a “crushable” padded dashboard, knee area crash pads, a steering wheel impact absorber, and a polyurethane padded steering wheel and center hub.  In addition to the foregoing, MB relocated the fuel cell and placed it above the rear axle thereby protecting the occupants from the risk of a rear collision induced fire.

In order to circumvent fears of a U.S. ban on open top cars, MB equipped the cars with a front windscreen that was engineered to be 50 percent stronger that its W113 predecessor.  This windscreen actually bonded the windshield to the frame and ensured that the car would not need a “targa bar” to meet U.S. standards.  In addition to the strengthened windscreen, the car came standard equipped with a removable hardtop and a convertible top that was stored sight unseen under a convenient hard cover.  Once the hardtop was removed, the soft convertible top could be raised or lowered by a single person in a scant 30 seconds.

The car’s interior was fitted as a standard 2 seat roadster (rear seats were an option) with standard air conditioning, AM/FM stereo and leather seats with headrests.  The car also came with a zoned air control system that permitted the passengers to direct air flow to their heads or their feet.

In 1986 Mercedes began production of the final (and finest) series R107 - the legendary 560SL.  The hallmarks of the 560SL were bulletproof mechanicals, agressive good looks and ultimate luxury.  Slightly less than fifteen (15) percent of all R107's were of the 560SL variant (total production was 37,218 out of 237,287 R107's).  This rarity has led to increased demand and increasing prices for the cars.  

The 560SL has earned its reputation as the best of the R107's because of its extraordinary reliable mechanicals and impressive build quality.  Mercedes chose to use only the finest materials in its construction and ensured that all cars were assembled in the finest fashion.  Further, owing to the long lifespan of the R107 (18 years), Mercedes had the time to "work the kinks out" of the mechanical components.  

The example presented here is virtually flawless and carries only minor imperfections.  The chassis is rust and dent free and the paint has only minor imperfections.  The body color shifts with the light, appearing light metallic silver in low light situations and medium tan metallic in bright light.  This body color is accented nicely by a tan double stripe along both sides. 

The car is equipped with its original factory hardtop and its original softtop.  When we acquired the car, the latch to remove the hard top was not operational.  After we repaired it and deployed the soft top, the canvas material covering it appeared to be virtually new and unused (presumptively because it could not be used).  The interior of the top and the frame were and are in the same pristine condition.  Unfortunately, the clear, plastic rear window has been opaqued from years of storage.  While it is completely servicable "as is" (meaning it does not leak water, you can see through it and it does not need to be replaced), the plastic material is, for lack of a better word, "splotchy."  This minor imperfection is instantly forgotten as soon as the convertible top is stored in the rear boot and, even though it is not perfect, it does not hiinder the operation of the car with the top up or down.

The interior of the car is in impressive condition and there are no holes or punctures in the cream leather seats.  The leather remains soft and supple and appears to have been regularly conditioned.  There are minor scuffs on the driver's side seat bolster (but no wear marks or tears) and there is a slight wear mark on the top rear of the driver's seat where the seat belt has rubbed against the rear of the seat (this normally cannot be seen but it is there).  The passenger's seat is in equal or slightly better condition and both seats are in far above average condition (remember this is a 24 year old car).

The dash board has no cracks or tears and appears as it did in 1989.  The center console is in similar condition and the woooden veneer is not cracked nor is it seperating from its base.  The car is equipped with its original Becker AM/FM/Cassette player which remains in operating order, including operation of the power antenna.  The speakers are also operational and can be heard at freeway speeds with the top down.  The windshield has no imerfections and all of the glass is defect free.  The interior carpet is clean and is complemented by new Palomino floormats with corresponding MB logos.  Further, the car comes with its original books and records as shown in the photographs below. 

When we acquired the car, it was in perfect operating order and did not have any fluid leaks.  After inspecting the car, we repaired the instrument cluster to ensure the speedometer, clock and interior lights worked (yes, the clock works!).  We also repaired the mono-valve to ensure the AC system would operate properly.  Finally, we replaced the rear brake pads and recharged the AC system with R12.

On the subject of the AC system, the AC system on this car is operational and blows cold air.  Additionally, the AC was recharged with 2 cans of R12.  However, th AC system was designed over 25 years ago and is not the equivalent of modern AC systems.  As originally designed, this system relied on 40% ambient air.  Thus, even when it was in pristine condition, it did not work as well as modern equivalents.  With the passage of 24 years and the fact of global warming (yes, it is a fact), the AC system in this car should not be relied on.  Rather, the car should be driven on sunny days with the top off or, as the heat works perfectly, on cold days with either top on.  As this is a classic car, I would not drive it in the rain however both tops are watertight and, after you buy it, you can do whatever you want to!

On the subject of driving, I have personally driven this car over 500 miles since I acquired it.  I have driven it to work on multiple occassions (40 miles one way) and from my home to Galveston Island, Texas (70 miles one way).  The car drives wonderfully with no shudders in the the suspension or upon braking.  Further, the car easily maintains freeway speeds for long periods of time and is also capable of maintaining normal operating temperatures in the legendary traffic snarl known as I-45 / 610 Loop / 59 S (this means the car will not overheat on the way to work).

Thus, if you are looking for the ultimate beach cruiser or simply a classic daily driver then please contact Mark at 713-320-3059.

Features

We are a licensed lender in the State of Texas and can assist you in obtaining financing for your automobile purchase.

If you need assistance with financing then please contract Mark counts at 713-320-3059.

Please ensure that you have obtained financing prior to bidding on one of our cars.

Unless expressly stated otherwise, our cars are sold "As Is" and without warranty.

However, some of our cars are eligible for extended warranties.

Please discuss the potential purchase of an extended warranty with your sales representative.

Unless stated otherwise in the vehicle's listing, shipping is the sole responsibility of the buyer.

There are many reputable transporters across the country and the Buyer is required to contract directly with one of them.

If required, we can locate a shipper for the Buyer but will not assume responsibility for the vehicle once it is consigned to a shipper.

Terms and Conditions

All vehicles we sell have clean and clear titles. 

We do NOT sell salvage vehicles or vehicles with reconditioned titles.

All vehicles are sold "AS IS" and there are no representations or warranties except those contained in the written sales contract or bill of sale.

The winning bidder must contact us within 24 hours by phone to start the transaction.

The winning bidder must respond within 2 days after the auction with a $500 deposit required via wire transfer, Visa/MC, or certified funds(cashier's check) to start the transaction.

It is understood that the vehicle is sold on an "As Is" basis. 

Buyer are free to purchase with or without an inspection.  

We strongly encourage pre-purchase inspections.  These inspections are relatively cheap and help ensure  that the Buyer is completely satisfied with their purchase.

All sales are subject to a state inspection fee of $40.75 and a Vehicle Inventory Tax based at .2271% of the purchase price. Ex. $10,000.00 X .2271% = 22.71.

Texas residents must pay applicable sales tax and a registration fee.

Out-of-state customers may pay tax and register the vehicle in their own applicable state. Upon request, we may be able to complete the buyer's home state registration.

The buyer is responsible for all shipping costs. We will arrange for shipping, if requested. Also, transportation to and from the airport and our location is buyer's responsibility.

We make every attempt to deliver our vehicles to our clients with two keys, key fobs, manuals, booklets, NAV CDs, wheel locks, tool kits, etc..., however, from time-to-time, a vehicle may be missing one or more of these items and we cannot guarantee that they will be included in the vehicle at the time of sale. Please call for the exact accessories included for the vehicle.

Our vehicles are pre-owned vehicles and they are sold in "As Is" condition. At time, some of our vehicles may still be in factory warranty or an extended warranty may be purchased. Ask for details.

For Canadian car buyers: If the title is to be released at the time of delivery (which is much mandatory to move the vehicle through customs), a wire transfer is the fastest  way to complete the sale.  If the payment is not by bank wire transfer, i.e., certified bank check or approved loan check, the title will only be released when all funds have cleared. Please keep in mind that the funds verification process can take up to 15 days. We will assist you with the documentation needed to clear Canadian customs, but knowing exactly which documents are required by your home province are the buyers responsibility. Requirements for Canada can be found at www.riv.ca under "Registration of import vehicles, Canada".

Notice to All Bidders

Please remember your eBay obligations. When you bid, you are entering into a legal and binding contract. Do not bid if you do not intend to buy this vehicle!

All bidders must have pre-approved loans or other financing.

The winning bidder must contact us within 24 hours by phone to complete the sale and to receive a purchase order via fax.

Major Credit Cards are accepted.

Please call for limits and details (credit card charges may incur a service fee).

Payments are accepted through paypal.com (Deposit only-$1,000 max.). Please call for limits.

We do not accept Escrow or E-Loan. Please call for exceptions prior to bidding.

Please remember that you have the option to call for the reserve price direct at 713-320-3059.

We appreciate your interest in this auction and look forward to seeing your bid. Good Luck and Happy Bidding!