1986 Mercedes Benz 420 SL (560 SL)

Condition: Used
Make: Mercedes-Benz
Model: SL-Class
SubModel: Convertible
Type: Convertible
Trim: Distinctive Gold Package Trim
Year: 1980
Mileage: 115,050
VIN: WDB1070471A041205
Color: White
Engine: 4.2 Liter V8 common to many MB models
Cylinders: 8
Fuel: Gasoline
Transmission: Automatic
Drive type: RWD
Interior color: Palomino
Vehicle Title: Clear
Item location: Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
Extras
Air Conditioning, Cruise Control, Power Locks, Power Windows, Power Seats
Convertible

Listed by
Private seller
Enquire

Description of 1980 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Distinctive Gold Package Trim

European Model SL 420 Mercedes Convertible/Coupe with newer premium quality convertible top and matching factory Hardtop with garage hoist. Known worldwide as a 107 Series body style. This body style was virtually unchanged from 1973 to 1989 making it the most recognizable classic in the world. Please Note, this is a 1986 Model not a 1980. Ebay system would not accept the VIN with "zeros" in it for some reason unless it showed a 1980 year or earlier.
This distinctive car has had only two owners and has been my wife's light duty "around town car" for the past 10 years. I am fastidious about by vehicles and have done the majority of the maintenance and updates during our ownership so I can tell a buyer first hand what has been done to keep this classic in outstanding mechanical and cosmetic condition for its age. However, it is 30 years old and is a weekly driver and has the expected minimal blemishes and fading for a vehicle of this age. Paint was redone some years before my ownership and was a premium job at the time. I was led to believe this was a "widow's car" before we aquired it and had sat in a garage for a number of years in Colorado Springs CO before being sold out of a luxury car dealership in Scottsdale AZ This "European Edition" has several notable features that make it much more economical and attractive than the comparable 560 SL that was imported to the United States. We bought the car with 82 K miles and it now has a few miles over 115 K. It has been driven in Salt Lake City during nice weather and always garaged.
  • 4.2 Liter V8 instead of the more fuel hungry 5.6 Liter engine. I am told the 4.2 is equal to or more powerful than the 5.6 but we never pushed it hard. Delivers 21 MPG on Highway and 16 MPG in town and we have records to prove it.
  • American models have the bulbous front and rear "Federalized" 5 MPH bumpers. The Europeans did not have this requirement so the the appearance is much more trim and distinctive. It looks "just right" compared to the American version.
  • I am not sure, but the "Gold Package" trim option may be European only as I have never seen it again on any Mercedes since.
  • Headlights are "single" on each side rather than the common "double bulb" presentation on the North American versions. Includes the " grandkids" back seat with seat belts as opposed to only the flat package seat in North American models.
  • The car has an aftermarket rustproofing package ( evidenced by the black rubber plugs on the inside door rocker panels) already in place when we purchased vehicle and I suspect that it was done very early in its life. As a result the body is in outsanding condition with only one small bubble between the paint and the right rear quarter panel metal. It is approx 2 inches long and 3/8 inch wide ( see pic) and has been there unchanged since we owned the car. I treated it yearly with a coat of "Rust Reformer" liquid rather than disturbing it.
The following is a partial list of improvements and updates during our tenure. Please ask all the questions you want.
  • All fluids changed when purchased, including transmission, brake flui, power steering fluid, differential fluid. Engine oil changed regularly at about 5K intervals and always with Full Synthetic 5-40 Rotella T6. Oil just changed this week at 115K. Uses no oil between changes! This engine holds 9 quarts of oil is very healthy and built to last.
  • Completely rebuilt exhaust system from the 2 new catalytic converters (done at the Lamborghini Dealer in Scottsdale AZ) where I picked it up in 2006). About two years ago I rebuilt/replaced the X pipe midway under the car all the way back to the twin exhaust pipes and integrated muffler. New owner will have no exhaust issues!
  • New Behr brand original equipment grade radiator and coolant replaced 10/14/15.
  • New Shock Absorbers all around, heavy duty Bilstein brand. Plus new brake rotors front and back plus new brake pads front and back. Brakes are virtually new.
  • Custom built trailer hitch with flat four wiring connector, suitable for hauling your golf cart to the country club or your vintage BMW motorcycle to the local show.
  • Completely refurbished R12 Air Conditioning system October 2016 including new Denso compressor, rebuilt hoses, all belts and related fittings. Front main crankshaft seal replaced at same time. Work done by local vintage Mercedes specialists, Melvin and Jeff, German Car Service, Murray Utah. They both know me, and the car and can vouch for its exceptional condition.
  • New Lifetime warranty NAPA alternator 96.4K miles
  • Four new Big O European touring tires 10/4/2010 at 96.3K miles. 70K mile warranty. 80% or more visible tread remaining. Replaced battery.
  • New heater temperature control module replaced 6/2/08 at 88,904 miles.New coolant and top radiator hose 9/2012 at 105,200 miles. New emergency brake shoes. New floor mats and serviceable sheepskin seat covers. Seats are in excellent condition with no rips or tears but are Palomino vinyl, hence we have always used the cool feeling sheepskin seat covers.
If you are looking for a classic Mercedes in " outstanding condition" for your wife or girlfriend to tool about town or haul your golf cart to the Country Club this rare "European Edition" is worthy of your consideration. Reliable shipping is to anywhere in the US for $500 to $900 depending upon location. I invite (and encourage) an independent inspection. You will not be disappointed ! Email with questions and leave a phone number.