1988 Mercedes-Benz 560-Class

1988 Mercedes-Benz 560SL Roadster A 560SL of 1988 can trace its ancestry back to 1954 and world championship 300 SLR sports racing machine which swept all before it on a career that saw it retire undefeated in 1955.  The 300 SL and all SL's to follow had their genesis in this immortal Silver Arrow. This 560SL is in effect 3 different 560SL's...an open air roadster, a convertible coupe, and with fitting the steel hardtop a closed grand touring coupe.  This luxury sports car can provide the pleasures of a sporting machine, and the benefits of a Mercedes Benz.  Built like a Panzer tank and the looks of a centerfold, Mercedes Benz was hitting their stride with this late 1980's SL Roadster.  This car presents in overall good condition. The owner states only about 2,000 miles/year have been put on the car since it was purchased in 1996, and is a two owner car with title verified actual mileage of 114,760 on the clock. Exterior Arctic White covers this straight steel paneled sportster, and some faults can be seen when looking closely at the exterior of this car.  A new front end was installed in 2003 due to accident damage.  Ribbed side mounted signal lights and wrap around ribbed tail lights are designed this way to be self cleaning.  A shiny grill surround with the large tri-pointed star leads the way, and a chromed bumper with black vinyl side coverings shows in front and rear.  Owner states that the blue cloth top was replaced in 2014.  A hardtop, in body matching Arctic White, comes with this car and is looking good in its Pagoda styling.  This car also comes with a stand for the hardtop when not in use!  Forged alloy wheels with 205/65R15 tires with good tread can be noted on all 4 corners.  We note some flaws to the paint in the form of some rust bubbles here and there, and most notably, an area covered with white tape above the left tail light. Interior Deep Blue, (272 code), covered leather upholstered bucket seats rest within an environment of exotic burl walnut veneers, and show light wear.  A blue dash with round and crescent instrument molded areas houses all the gauges and AC eyeball vents.  This dash is in good condition with no cracks and fading is minimal.  Burl accenting in good shape, as is the blue carpeting throughout.  The blue carpeting in the trunk is also in clean condition. The area behind the front seats is also clad in clean blue carpeting.  This area also houses some speakers. The owner states that the ignition switch and key were replaced just this year in 2024.  Drivetrain The 5.6 Liter alloy, V8 engine SOHC sports electronic fuel injection, and sits in an original condition engine bay.  Slight corrosion is noted but overall very nicely preserved.  The hydraulically actuated torque converter automatic 4-speed transmission sits behind the V8, and on back is a 2.47 axle. Undercarriage Seen is a slight patina on the chassis that draws its design from that racing heritage, the 4 wheel anti-lock power disc brakes, original untouched suspension and limited slip differential, one would expect nothing else from this vintage automobile.  Independent coil spring suspension provides the handling and ride on all 4 corners.  Drive-Ability A decent driver, great handling, and power to call on when needed.  Three looks in one vehicle: topless, cloth, or hardtop offer plenty of flexibility for the new owner, and a fresh inspection until November of 2025 ensures plenty of time for fun out on the road until next year!  All functions worked as they should during out time behind the wheel.  While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.  This car is a throwback of when Mercedes was on top of their game and this one had all the power.  An early version of what will be the creme' de la creme' car to have today.  Overall, a nice clea