Vehicle Description
1988 Mercedes-Benz 560SEL
What is the difference between S, SE and SEL on the older S
Classes? S stands for S Class (Obviously), the E stands for the
German word for Fuel Injection which is Einspritzung in German and
finally SEL stands for the Long Wheelbase version of the S
Class.
For consignment an original 3 owner long wheelbase Saloon sedan in
the form of a 560SEL 4 door. Purchased by the current
owner/consigner, to preserve what he calls the "epitome of comfort
in its time and preserved as such". Now that's the statement from a
proud owner, and further he goes on to say that he and the garage
will miss this big Benz.
Exterior
An all original car with that thick German steel and innovative
construction we have what was the ultimate sedan of the time. All
bathed in Silver, (what else is there?), with no rust, nicely
minded gaps, and straight steel, a shiny grille and surround,
wipers for the head lighting, and a second darker gray tone for the
bumpers and rockers along with the lower parts of the car. On top
is a sunroof, which leads rearward to a long trunk deck and room
for all the passenger's belongings. On the back are the ribbed tail
lighting and MB has a method to their madness with this design.
It's self cleaning! Glass and trimmings surrounding it are all very
good and nice and shiny. From the tri-pointed star atop the front
cowl to the large badge on the center of the trunk, this is truly a
beautifully preserved original example.
Interior
Molded gray plastic and vinyl combines with some gray broadcloth
inserts with a small lighter gray checked design within. A German
walnut burl veneer is nicely lacquered and houses the seat
adjuster, and door handle. Moving to the passenger compartment, we
see 2 pristine gray buckets with smooth bolsters and stitched tuck
and roll inserts, along with a convenient headrest. In back is a
passenger bench stretching from side to side, and a thickly padded
armrest can be folded down between the buckets. The center console
presents in gray and has a burl insert for the shifter lever
housing surround. Various control toggles are located here and
within the riser, also in burl, that houses the radio and climate
control buttons. Above and below on the dash are gray vinyl panels
and in-between is a burl accenting strip running from door to door.
The instrument cluster is nice and clean and mileage shows as a
mere 69,811 original documented miles. Above the headliner is a
nice tight gray and wonderful thick pile carpeting that makes me
want to take off my shoes and socks and rub my tootsies into it,
all very clean and well cared for.
Drivetrain
Under the hood stuffed into the clean and slightly patina engine
bay is a 5.6 liter SOHC V8. It is fed by EFI and produces a nice
227hp. A W4A028 4-speed automatic transmission is on back, and the
rear axle weighs in at a gas saving 2.47 ratio. Service records are
available for your review.
Undercarriage
Some road dirt on top of formerly undercoated stamped steel is
noted underneath. All structurally solid with no rust, a virtually
new exhaust and mufflers, and plenty of ground effects smooth
panels. Independent coil springs provide the suspension for all 4
corners, and Power disc brakes are also showing up on all 4's. All
nicely preserved with some slight corrosion on aluminum parts
beneath.
Drive-Ability
Ahhhhhh to live large and enjoy the spoils of the wealthy, and now
all with the passage of time within your reach, this car drove and
performed beautifully. All functions save for the radio were
working just perfectly.
A 3 owner car, all who cared for it, garaged it, and maintained it,
now with some very low mileage, and looking the part. Go ahead,
live large.
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.
