What is a Mercedes-Benz R107?
R107 is the chassis designation by Mercedes-Benz to identify their two-seater roadster which debuted for 1972. Here in the United States, the R107 was sold most familiarly as the 450SL, the 380SL, and the 560SL, but in the rest of the world it used other designations such as 280SL and 500SL. But the bottom line is that the R107 is very likely the most recognizable Mercedes-Benz ever built.
Is the 560SL really the best R107?
This question is open to a lot of debate, but most enthusiasts and experts agree, the best R107 is the last version built, the 560SL of 1986-1989. The R107 line was introduced for 1972, the United States receiving the 450SL. With seating for two, a package shelf behind the seats, an ample trunk, and a powerful-for-the-day 4.5L V-8 engine and 3-speed automatic transmission, the 450SL immediately established itself as “the” car to have.
The car was elegant and sporty all at once, was favored by both men and women alike, was spirited and agile, yet heavy enough to offer a smooth, quiet ride. It truly checked a lot of boxes, and costing just north of $10,000 (the rough equivalent of around $75,000 in 2025) it had to. For 1980, Mercedes-Benz would retire the 450SL, passing the baton over to the more efficient but less powerful 380SL. It filled the shoes well, sustaining the iconic reputation of the R107. But for 1986, Mercedes-Benz would supplant any notions that the coveted SL model was slow or peevish by introducing the 560SL.
What was under the 560SL hood?
Powered by a 5.6L V-8 engine with an automatic transmission, the 560SL was the most powerful SL of the decade. By 1989, the final year of the R107, the MSRP hovered around $65,000 (about $165,000 in 2025 money), making it the most expensive production R107. For that price, customers took advantage of a host of creature comforts like air conditioning, an advanced stereo system, power steering, 4-wheel power disc brakes, leather upholstery, wood veneers and much more.
The 1989 model year also brought with it a huge level of exclusivity, as the final 560SL rolled off the assembly line in June. Mercedes-Benz cut production of the 560SL early in order to retool to build the all-new R129 SL. As such, with 1989 being a truncated year, there were fewer built, making it the rarest. If nothing else, the span of production, from 1972 to 1989 proved the R107 was a true icon of automotive design.
While there is nothing inherently ‘wrong’ with a 450SL or 380SL, Mercedes-Benz devoted a lot of resources to ensuring the 560SL would be better in many ways over the others. The engine was just the beginning, but it was a great beginning. It effortlessly pulled the SL during long journeys along ribbons of asphalt and in bumper-to-bumper traffic. Anti lock brakes added a sense of security. It coddled occupants with sound-deadening materials and insulation like few others. The seats were supportive and comfortable. There really was nothing else like it on the road. So, while we think any SL is a good SL, for a classic Mercedes, we do have a soft spot for the 560SL.
560SL FOR SALE – what is it worth?
The price range is staggering. The market will show examples asking for $10,000 to trade hands with premium examples commanding up to about $70,000. How much you pay depends a lot on the car. Is it a one owner car? Does it have all the service records? Has the car been maintained? Has it been in any accidents? The questions go on and on.
But in the world of the 560SL, little details matter too. For example, the factory wheels should be painted grey, according to experts and enthusiasts. Weird as it sounds, the chrome wheels can deter some buyers. The darker colors tend to command more money, but lighter interiors are preferred. So, a light exterior color and dark interior color might not be great from an investment standpoint, unless it’s a special edition of some kind. This might explain why so many seek out the light gray, tan, and brown interiors.
Does mileage affect the value of a 560SL?
Mileage has a lot to say about the price too, the low mile cars generally bringing in a premium price. And, of course, originality play a big factor with these cars. Does it retain its factory stereo? Is it rolling on factory wheels? Has it been repainted or reupholstered? It’s okay if yes, so long as the quality is there. But everyone prefers factory, if it’s well kept. It’s well worth taking a 560SL for an inspection by someone in the know about these cars. While they are not exactly expensive to maintain, they are not inexpensive either.
Nicely, the 560SL has begun its value ascent, that moment when a car begins to climb in value. It’s climbing fairly quickly too, so finding a nice quality example now and snapping it up for a fair price is smart. It’s not likely to lose value over time. That said, consider what you want to do with it. Do you want a concours quality car? Or would you like a high-quality example that will wow people at simple cars ’n coffee events? Or, are you okay having a car that’s been driven often, sometimes hard, a project car of sorts? Having this discovery with yourself will help you figure out what you should budget. While the project car sounds fun, we guarantee, you’re going to spend a lot more money restoring the car than you would if you bought a clean original.
Is an SL convertible worth it?
That’s all in the eye of the beholder. To us, yes, the SL is usually worth it, and at this point, the R107 is the one to grab. It’s an iconic car, even in the world of classic luxury vehicles, a car respected. The value swing is heading up. It always carries a soft top, but has a hard top as well. It’s well equipped with cruise control, an air bag, automatic climate control, and exceptional performance for the day. If bought well, you will enjoy an appreciating classic car that is fun to drive, comfortable, and still modern.
How do you find 560SL parts and accessories?
Nicely, Mercedes-Benz has long lived by the mantra of, “Service Forever.” For the most part, every part anyone might need for a 560SL is available from Mercedes-Benz. If it’s not, there is a strong aftermarket community with plenty of options. Also, there is a massive club following for the SL and Mercedes-Benz in general, meaning these cars are very serviceable. Our best advice is to join the Mercedes-Benz Club of North America and get involved with your region, even if you don’t yet own a 560SL.
Image courtesy of Mercedes-Benz.