1988 Mercedes-Benz 560SL

This 1988 Mercedes-Benz 560SL convertible comes accompanied by documentation back to new and is equipped with a color-matched removable hardtop as well as a black cloth retractable top. Power comes from a 5.5-liter V8 paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission, and this roadster reportedly had long-term California ownership until 2000 at which time it was relocated to the Pacific Northwest. Finished in Signal Red over Palomino leather, this R107 560SL is now offered with a CARFAX report, a window sticker, service records, a car cover, an extra key, a CD service manual library, and clear Washington title in the seller’s name.

Carrying forward on the R107 platform that first debuted in 1971, the 560SL iteration first went on sale in 1986. This example from two years later was refinished in its original Signal Red in 2009 and has been garage-kept since according to the seller. The body is described as being free of rust, and exterior treatment includes chrome-finished bumpers with guards, factory fog lamps, chrome-finished sideview mirror caps, and a trunk-mounted third brake lamp.

Chrome-finished 15” Gullideckel wheels are wrapped in 205/65-series Pirelli tires with about 3,000 miles of use. The R107 rides on a fully independent suspension, of which the front wheel bearings and tie rod have been replaced. Braking is handled by four-wheel power-assisted disc brakes. The rear brakes have been replaced, although the seller states that two speed sensors are not working, so the anti-lock braking system is inoperative at this time.

The interior is fitted with original Palomino leather seats with matching door panels, dash, and carpeting. A modern JVC AM/FM/AUX head unit with Bluetooth is installed, and burled woodgrain trim is found throughout the cabin. Additional amenities include automatic climate control, power windows, power door locks, and cruise control. The trunk includes the factory jack and tool kit.

Instrumentation includes a 170-mph speedometer, a 7k-rpm tachometer, an analog clock, and auxiliary gauges for fuel level, coolant temperature, and instantaneous fuel economy. An external temperature gauge is mounted at the top of the center stack. The six-digit mechanical odometer reads 146k miles, which is a true reading per the seller.

The 5.5-liter M117 V8 is equipped with Bosch fuel injection and carried factory ratings of 227 horsepower and 279 lb-ft of torque when new. The motor has received recent maintenance including replacement of the starter, the air conditioning compressor, and the climate control panel. The seller reports that an oil change was performed in October 2020 and a subsequent inspection performed in June 2021. Power is directed to the rear wheels via a 4-speed automatic transmission.

Photos showing the underside are available in the gallery.

 The sale includes a window sticker, service records, an R107 service manual CD, and a car cover, and extra key, the original Becker radio, and more.