Vehicle Description
With its origins dating back to 1972 and the 350SL, this superbly
preserved 1988 Mercedes Benz 560SL is the final evolution of the
R107 chassis, and is unquestionably the best of the breed.
Replacing the somewhat underpowered 3.8 liter V8 in the 380SL, the
560SL got a muscular 5.6 liter V8, a 4-speed automatic
transmission, and a host of chassis and styling upgrades that make
it the one to own if you're a collector or just someone who
appreciates precision machinery. This beautiful SL has been
incredibly well-cared for in sunny conditions it's whole life, and
with what is believed to be 89k original miles and a full
maintenance history, it will sure see decades more of fun in the
sun.
There truly was a difference between a mass-produced low-priced car
and this top-of-the-line cruiser, and it is immediately apparent
when you look down the bright red flanks of this SL. Repainted five
years ago (documented with receipts), there are no ripples, no
sags, no orange peel, just a vivid, deep finish that clearly says
this car is for the person who knows the difference between good
enough and exceptional. The doors fit the way you would expect from
a Mercedes and the big hood opens and closes with just your
fingertips. The 560 received a modest chin spoiler, and on this car
it is largely free of driveway scuffs and road rash, while out
back, a subtle federally mandated third brake light perches at the
edge of the trunk lid. Things like the rubber bumper guards, rub
strips, and chrome-ringed grille are all in excellent condition,
suggesting that this SL, like most, has lived a very easy Southern
life.
Inside is all stock and very well-preserved, and the lovely tan
hides contrast smartly with the bright red exterior. The seats are
in good condition with only modest signs of wear and they're
extremely comfortable, making this the ideal car for long highway
drives. The fat steering wheel is nicely weighted, and an airbag
was standard equipment by 1988. The gauge layout is straightforward
and elegantly simple in traditional Mercedes-Benz fashion, and the
controls for things like the climate control and radio fall easily
to hand. The SL is strictly a two-seater, with a small package
shelf behind the seats and a fully finished trunk to provide
reasonable accommodations for two peoples' luggage. All SLs were
equipped with two tops as standard, a folding canvas convertible
top and a matching red hardtop, making it a car that's ready for
any occasion.
The 5.6 liter V8 is the most potent engine ever offered in US-bound
R107 SLs, making a fairly robust 227 horsepower and 287 pounds of
torque. With a rumbling, powerful idle, this muscular powerplant
moves the roadster with ease, and despite being a luxury car first
and a sports car second, it is remarkably potent on the road. This
engine's real strength lies in its almost boundless reserves of
torque, making it feel like a German muscle car. Unobtrusive when
you want it quiet, and ready to play whenever the roads turn
twisty, the mechanicals in this SL make it the ideal dance partner.
Underneath, everything is factory-spec, right down to the exhaust
system, and it's in great condition thanks excellent service, where
the service records indicate fresh brakes, new valve seals, a new
radiator, fuel pump, and fuel accumulator, new shocks, front
control arms, ball joints, and bushings, plus a tune up. Someone
has already done the expensive stuff for you. Traditional
Mercedes-Benz alloys were revised for the 560, and these carry
205/65/15 Michelin radials.
The 560SL combined all that Mercedes learned about the V8 R107
chassis cars into a cultural icon that quietly and confidently told
the world its occupants had "arrived" and it's no different today.
This one is about as clean and documented as they come, and likely
won't last long! Call now!
