1988 Mercedes-Benz 560SL

Description

“The 560SL is the most refined iteration of the R107 series—luxurious, powerful, and unmistakably Mercedes.” Motor Trend praised the 560SL, and for good reason: it represented the pinnacle of a roadster lineage that began in 1971. 

Introduced in 1986 and produced through 1989, the 560SL was engineered specifically for the North American market. Beneath its elegant lines sat a powerful 5.5-liter V8 delivering 227 horsepower, paired with a smooth four-speed automatic transmission. This combination offered a perfect balance of performance and sophistication. Standard equipment included both a removable hardtop and a soft top, along with advanced safety features for its era — such as anti-lock brakes and a driver’s airbag.

With its timeless design, exceptional build quality, and effortless ride, the 560SL became a symbol of 1980s prestige and style. This 1988 560SL is finished in Signal Red and has only traveled 83k miles since new. It features a body-color hardtop in addition to a black soft top and has undergone recent maintenance.

This R107 is now offered on behalf of the current owner with a clean CARFAX history report, its factory hardtop with a carrier and cover, recent service records, and a clean Oregon title in the current owner’s name.

Highlights 

• 83k-mile, stock 560SL

• Clean CARFAX history report

• Factory hardtop included

• 5.5L M117 V8 factory rated at 227 hp and 279 lb-ft of torque 

• 4-speed automatic transmission 

• 15” Gullideckel Alloy wheels wear 205/65 tires

Factory Equipment 

• 240 – Outside Temperature Indicator 

• 262 – Elimination Of Rear End Spoiler 

• 461 – Instrument With 160-mph speedometer and 7,000-rpm tachometer 

• 506 – Outside Rear View Mirror, Left And Right, Heated (Electrically Adjustable On The Right) 

• 519 – Becker Radio Mexico Grand Prix, Electronic 

• 531 – Automatic Antenna 

• 551 – Anti-Theft/Anti-Break-In Warning System 

• 581 – Automatic Climate Control 

• 592 – Heat-Insulating Glass, All-Around, Heated Rear Window Pane, Band Filter 

• 740 – Black Soft Top Fabric 9001 

Servicing & Documentation 

• 2025: Alternator, fuel pump check valve, trans cooler lines, and climate control buttons replaced 

• 2024: Rear brake pads and rotors, steering gear, ball joints, and idler arm bushings changed, speedometer serviced 

• 2023: Engine mounts changed, differential serviced, shocks replaced 

• April 2022: Coolant flushed/changed, steering gear repaired, power steering pump and fluid flushed/changed, serpentine belt replaced 

• March 2022: Tires replaced, front brake rotors and calipers replaced, new brake fluid, transmission serviced, distributor cap replaced, fluids checked 

• 2022: Transmission rebuilt 

• Clean CARFAX history report 

Known Imperfections 

• Tear in the soft top 

• Cassette deck is inoperable, and the power antenna doesn’t fully extend 

Ownership History 

This 560SL's clean CARFAX history report begins in 1991 and lists events in California, Washington, Texas, and Oregon.  It was acquired by the seller in 2021. 

Included Items 

• Hardtop carrier and cover 

• Service records beginning in 2021 

 Additional Information 

The seller states, “Gorgeous driver with hardtop and its original Mercedes carrier and cover. A/C blows cold, great maintenance history, garaged all its life.”