Santora4,

560SL has a big torque so MB decided it to start from 2nd gear when shifter is in D, 3, 2 positions. So even transmission is 4 speed, the car only shift 2 times. IF you like to do Hod Rod start, shift the gear to 2 position and move the shifter to far right to activate to lock switch to start from 1st gear, but it will give a big stress to your transmission.
Or simply kick your gas pedal to the end to also activate kick down switch.

Ezzy.