Vehicle Description
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 accidentdamage.
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 goodshape, 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 clean
car that you will be sure to enjoy driving, no matter what the
weather!
WDBBA48D6JA090284
W-Germany
D-Mercedes Benz
B-Passenger Car
B-SL Class
A-Roadster
48-560SL
D-Manual Belts, Driver's Airbag
6-Check Digit
J-1988
A-Sindelfingen Assy Plant
090284-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee
is not included in the advertised price.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
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