1988 Mercedes Benz 560SL - refreshed low mileage car
1988 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL
You are bidding on a 1988 Mercedes Benz 560SL Roadster.
I restore Mercedes SL’s as a hobby and am happy to see them coming into the consciousness of the car collecting community. The venerable R107 series manufactured by Mercedes was the sports car that followed the “pagoda” 280SL’s. Today a good 280SL demands a near six figure price tag, leaving the R107 to be the next rising collectible. Prices are rising accordingly
The first R107 was made available in the US as the 350SL, back in 1972. That car evolved into the 450SL, then the 380Sl and finally, the 560SL. Production on the 560SL ended in 1989.
The 1988 you are looking at has the smaller, trunk edge mounted rear “fifth” light. Only the 1988 and 1989 models possessed it. Aside from that addition, the car is virtually identical to all other 560s.
This car retailed for over $61,000 in 1988.
Ours has been resprayed in its original color (587 Cabernet Red) which was metallic and optional. This color was prone fading in direct sunlight, however. Hence the respray. We applied a show winning paint job on an accident free (and very straight) rust free body. Finding rust free 560SL’s is a challenge. Be sure to ask the question about rust before you buy. 560SL’s were prone to rusting on fenders and in the door jamb area – among other places. Also be careful of rocker panel rust.
The interior is leather which Mercedes calls “crème beige”.
With only 66,400 miles, she runs as new. The rims are in excellent shape with negligible road or curb abrasions, the glass is excellent all around. (I am driving the car sparinglybut the mileage will be slightly higher)
The hard top was also resprayed and the hidden convertible top looks new with nice clear plastic windows and operates perfectly, albeit manually.
The interior is in excellent original condition with nominal wear on the driver’s seat (one small imperfection, no fading)
The original wood is in above average condition with minimal fading.
She drives, shifts and brakes 100%.
Features:
66,400 original miles
Mercedes Cabernet Red color exterior
Crème Beige leather interior
Removable Hardtop
Driving (fog) lights were standard
Original tool kit in trunk
Original Jack in trunk
New weather-stripping in the rear deck lid
New windshield wiper nozzles
New sun visor clip
New under hood insulation
Pirelli tires (not new, however)
Aftermarket am/fm/cd radio with 6x9 speakers located in the package shelf
New door sill rubber
Original books included
Original tool kit included
Original jack in place
Full sized spare tire
Climate control
Cruise control
Power windows,
Power Steering
Power Brakes
Key operated power door locks and security system (factory)
Power passenger side rear view mirror
Remote, but manual, driver’s side rear view mirror (factory correct)
Trunk area in excellent condition
Two new bumper guards installed
Starts on the first turn of the key
Shifts excellently
Runs great
Brakes operate very well
Emergency brake works well
Glass is in fine shape
Rust free!!!
Here are the 560SL production figures
Mercedes 560SL Fast Facts
| Year | Production | Cost |
| 1986 | 11,631 | $48,200 |
| 1987 | 13,394 | $55,300 |
| 1988 | 12,193 | $61,130 |
| 1989 | 8,251 | $64,300 |
Horsepower/Torque: 227hp/279 ft/lb
Weight: 3,700 lbs
Here is a nice brief description of the 560SL from a collector’s site:
In the 560SL, Mercedes got it all just right, offering essentially bullet-proof reliability, satisfying power, and aggressive good looks. The 560SL combined all that Mercedes learned about the V-8 R107 chassis cars into a cultural icon that quietly and confidently told the world its occupants had "arrived."
Standard equipment included driver's side airbag and ABS brakes. Interior improvements for the 560SL included lovely burlwood accents, improved lateral seatback support, and a power passenger side mirror. The steering wheel, however, was still fixed and seat adjustments were still carried out manually.
This is, remember, a no reserve auction. The last bidder wins.
Now for the legalese:
This is a no reserve auction. The car is not new, it is used and sold as-is, where is. We encourage email questions and inspections. My rating is important to me, as is your satisfaction.
Methods of Payment ...
Certified check, Bank to Bank wire transfers, or 3rd-party financing. All funds must be in US dollars only. Please be sure to have full payment and/or approved financing in place before making your final bid. Please call us with any questions or additional information. Due to the difficulty of Foreign Currency/Bank Transactions, purchases from clients outside of the United States, must pay by Wire Transfer only. Please call with any questions or explanations.
Deposit Due ...
The successful high bidder will submit a $500 NON-REFUNDABLE Deposit due immediately following the close of the auction. This $500 deposit is good towards the purchase of the vehicle and will be deducted from the total amount of the purchase. We accept PAYPAL only for the initial deposit only. If the vehicle cannot be picked up or paid for completely within 7-days from the close of auction, Deposits and fees are NON-REFUNDABLE if the vehicle is not paid for.
Balance of Payment Due ...
The buyer agrees to pay remaining balance due (plus applicable fees and taxes) within 7 days of the close of the auction. All financial transactions must be completed before delivery of the vehicle.
Vehicle Titles ...
I have a clear title in hand and ready for delivery. If payment is made other than wire transfer (ie: certified check), I will hold the title for 5-10 business days or until ALL funds have cleared. Please call if you have any questions regarding our titling policy.
Vehicle Shipping ...
I can assist with shipping. Storage fees will apply if the car stays with me after 7 days of the auction close, unless otherwise agreed upon.
Buyer Inspections ...
Every effort has been made to accurately and fairly describe this vehicle to you. I have tried to disclose all information known about this vehicle for you to make an informed decision. I have posted many pictures, especially those that show flaws. Please be advised that used vehicles will have typical scratches and dings inherent for their year and mechanical parts are subject to fail. I welcome and recommends a buyer's inspection. If you plan to have a buyers inspection, please make sure you inspect the vehicle prior to the auction ending. Buyer is responsible for any inspection charges and fees. Buyers Inspections MUST be completed prior to 24 hours before the end of auction.
Warranty Information and Extended Service Contracts ...
Unless otherwise stated in the vehicle description, this vehicle is being sold "as is". No representations or warranties are made by seller, nor are any representations or warranties relied upon by bidders in making bids.
Notice to Bidders ...
I reserve the right to cancel all bids and end an auction early should the vehicle no longer be available for sale. It is agreed by all parties in relation to any transaction involving this vehicle that the proper venue for any legal proceedings will be conducted in the state of Illinois. Miles posted in this listing may vary slightly due to local test driving, in-transit repairs, or road testing. Vehicles that are older than 10 years and/or have more than 100,000 miles will be sold as miles exempt. These are pre-owned vehicles and they are sold as 'As Is' condition.
The buyer is responsible for ALL SHIPPING COSTs.
Vehicle Condition ...
This car is NOT brand new. It is personally owned by me. Please expect a certain amount of wear, use, and flaws, as is standard on ANY pre-owned vehicle that has been driven. All pre-owned vehicles including this one may have dings, nicks, chips, scratches and any other marks that are associated with use consistent with age and mileage of the vehicle. Any known obvious defects that are not normal wear and tear will be noted in the listing.
If you have any questions in regards to this, please do not hesitate to call. We will be happy to answer any of your questions.
Bid Retractions ...
Bid retractions are not allowed nor will be recognized within 12 hours of auctions end. Seller will not be obligated to sell in the event of a late retraction.
Negative or ..0.. Feedback Bidders ...
I do not allow bidding from negative feedback bidders. New bidders with zero feedback rating should email us or call us prior to bidding.
Successful Bidder ..
The winning bidder will be contacted via email after the auction closes or he/she must contact me. within 24 hours to proceed with payment and delivery arrangements.
Non-Paying Bidder ...
If your deposit is not received within 1 Day of the close of auction or if the balance is not paid in full within 7 days following the close of auction, we reserve the right to re-list the vehicle or sell the vehicle to the next highest bidder or another qualified buyer. Venue for any legal action such as claims, motions, litigation, settlements, or any legal action associated with this sale from either the buyer or seller is to take place in the State of Illinois. Placing your bid on this auction constitutes your agreement and acceptance of these terms and conditions. In addition, all non-paying bidders will be held liable for a $500 re-listing fee that if not paid, WILL be filed with all 3 major credit bureaus. You are entering into a Legal Purchase that should not be taken lightly. No-Excuses of any kind will be accepted for non-payment
- Condition: Used
- Make: Mercedes-Benz
- Model: SL-Class
- SubModel: SL
- Type: Convertible
- Trim: SL
- Year: 1988
- Mileage: 66,400
- VIN: WDBBA48DXJA089705
- Color: Burgundy
- Engine size: 5.6 liter
- Number of cylinders: 8
- Power options: Air Conditioning, Cruise Control, Power Locks, Power Windows, Power Seats
- Fuel: Gasoline
- Transmission: Automatic
- Drive type: RWD
- Interior color: Creme Beige
- Safety options: Anti-Lock Brakes, Driver Airbag
- Options: CD Player, Convertible, Leather Seats
- Vehicle Title: Clear Want to buy? Contact seller!
