PICK OF THE DAY: Exemplary Mercedes-Benz 560 SL

For most of the 70s and 80s, the Mercedes-Benz SL (R107) was the embodiment of a lifestyle that evoked achieving a certain status in life while still being able to enjoy it. They were the cars of the stars and the country club set. They were sporty without being sports cars, with refined elegance and graceful performance. Over its remarkable 18-year run, the 107 SL never lost any of its appeal and many would agree that it hasn’t to this day. Its final iteration, between 1986 and 1989, was the 560 SL. The 560 SL was in response to US customers who sought performance that was comparable to the European market 500 SL (in the early 80s, only the 155-hp 380 SL was available though US dealers). Not since the pre-emissions 350 and 450 SL of 1972 and 1973 had a US-market SL eclipsed 200 horsepower. Furthermore, a significant increase in torque made it the most drivable SL ever. Today, the 560 SL’s enduring caché combined with modest prices make it a perfect example of “look rich cheap.” As such, they’ve held up well in a soft economy and are beginning to climb as market conditions improve. There is no shortage of 560 SLs for sale at any given time, but the market narrows significantly when looking for those with less than 100K miles. It gets tighter still when adding originality to the criteria. Then if we add a classic color combination without unnecessary chrome or gold accents, there are actually only a handful that stand out. Today’s pick is exactly what a proper 560 SL should be. The original Arctic White paint presents beautifully and, combined with the original Burgundy leather, is striking and uncommon (most interiors are blue, black or Palomino (tan)). It’s being offered by its second owner who has had it for 22 years, using it sparingly to cover a mere 58,000 miles. Original interior is said to be and appears to be like new, as does the exterior. Wheels appear to be in excellent condition, without the peeling clearcoat that commonly occurs (and often necessitates polishing to a chrome finish that was never suited to car’s understated elegance). Both tops, Becker Grand Prix radio and First Aid Kit complete some of the 560 SL prerequisites. Ready for summer cruising, top up or down, it’s a perfect example of what the R107 was meant to be. Find it here on Craigslist in Sanford NC for a very reasonable $13,750.