1988 Mercedes-Benz 560 SL Convertible

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

“The 560 SL is the most refined iteration of the R107 series—luxurious, powerful, and unmistakably Mercedes.” Motor Trend heaped praise on the 560 SL, and for good reason: this model marked the pinnacle of the R107 roadster series, which had been in production since 1971.

Introduced in 1986 and produced until 1989, the 560 SL was tailored specifically for the North American market. It featured a powerful 5.6-liter V8 engine producing 227 horsepower, paired with a four-speed automatic transmission, offering a refined blend of performance and luxury. The car came standard with a removable hardtop and a soft top, along with advanced safety features for its time, including anti-lock brakes and a driver’s airbag.

With its elegant design, robust build quality, and smooth ride, the 560 SL became an icon of 1980s affluence and style. Today, it remains a highly sought-after classic, admired for its timeless aesthetics and solid engineering.

This 1988 Mercedes-Benz 560 SL has been refinished in red, and has been carefully stored and meticulously maintained for its next owner.

Highlights 

• High-end 560 SL convertible in arrest-me red 

• 5.6-liter M117 fuel-injected V8 rated at 227 hp and 279 lb-ft of torque 

• Four-speed automatic transmission 

• Refinished in (568O) Signal Red with (278) Gray leather interior 

• Black convertible top  

• Red hard top 

Features 

• 15-inch wheels wearing 205/65R15 Michelin tires 

• Four-wheel disc brakes 

• 160-mph speedometer, 7,000-rpm tachometer, oil pressure, coolant temp, economy, and fuel level gauges with clock and center-mounted VDO temperature gauge 

• Sony AM/FM/CD player   

• Factory options include: 

  • 240 – Outside Temperature Indicator 

  • 262 – Elimination of Rear End Spoiler 

  • 442 – Airbag in Steering Wheel 

  • 461 – Instrument with Miles Ind. and English Legend 

  • 491 – U.S. Version 

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

  • 519 – Becker Radio Mexico Grand Prix, Electronic (Usa) 

  • 524 – Paintwork - Preservation 

  • 531 – Automatic Antenna 

  • 543 – Sun Visor With Vanity Mirror, Illuminated, Left And Right 

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

  • 570 – Folding Armrest, Front 

  • 581 – Automatic Climate Control 

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

  • 740 – Black Soft Top Fabric 9001   

• Recent maintenance includes: 

  • Both valve cover gaskets replaced 

  • Timing chains inspected and found to be tight 

  • New brakes, calipers, and brake hoses, with flushed brake fluid 

  • Power steering filter and fluid replaced 

  • Transmission serviced with new filter 

  • Differential fluid replaced 

  • New shifter bushings 

  • Driver side tie rod end replaced and four-wheel alignment done in last 1,000 miles 

  • Radio replaced by a Sony unit 

Known Imperfections 

• Carfax reports on 21 January 1997, “Accident reported with another motor vehicle. Damage to rear.”  

• Carfax reports on 7 November 2005, “Damage reported.”  

• Lower body trim lightly scuffed and deforming 

• Rock chips on nose, fender, and rear deck 

• Scuff on passenger side front bumper 

• Wear on driver seat bolster 

• A couple of rips in original soft top 

• Small crack on speedometer cover 

• A/C not converted to R134 

Included 

• Keys 

• Owner’s manual 

• Spare tire and jack 

• Tool kit 

• Maintenance records 

• Extra parts including filters, ignition components, brake pads, sensors, gaskets, and wipers 

• Hard top with stand and cover 

• Car cover made of soft non-scratch material 

• Battery tender 

Ownership History

From January 1995, the accompanying CARFAX Vehicle History Report places this 1988 Mercedes-Benz 560 SL in Florida and Pennsylvania. The consignor states, “I’ve owned this car for 12 years, it was a gift to my wife for Mother’s Day in 2013. She loves riding in her convertible, and I never complained about having to drive it — one of the best ones I have driven.”

“The previous owner stored the car for a number of years until they decided to sell it. It was repainted by a previous owner. It has been well maintained and stored in heated storage. Fuel stabilizer used before winter storage to protect the injectors and injector pump, it always starts right away.”

“Recently, all fluids were replaced, the brake pads and calipers were serviced with a brake fluid flush (no leaks), and the shifter bushings were replaced. It still has the original windshield wiper holders, and the power antenna is still operational.”