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 fair condition.

Exterior
Arctic White covers this straight steel paneled sportster, and some faults can be seen when looking closely at the exterior of this car.  Mainly on the ribbed lower rockers where some rust is forming.  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.  This car has an attached blue convertible top, and it is in poor condition, needing a replacement.  A hardtop in body matching Arctic White comes with this car and is looking good in its “Pagoda styling”.   Forged alloy wheels can be noted on all 4 corners.  An all original car is what you see here.

Interior
Deep Blue, (272 code), covered leather upholstered bucket seats rest within an environment of exotic burl walnut veneers, and show with lots of wear, creases and cracks within them.  Bolsters on the edges and the headrests have wear through on the driver's seat.  The passenger seat is a bit better but needs a good cleaning, as does the entire interior.  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 has lost its shine and shows some cracking and early signs of delamination.  A center console is missing its glovebox door and blue carpeting is on all floors and is clean.  In back a 2 plus 2 bench also in tuck and roll leather can squeeze an additional small individual in them.  


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. The catalytic converter is rusted through on the outer shield layer and several areas of engine drip are seen wetting the areas underneath.

Drive-Ability
A decent driver, great handling, and power to call on when needed.  The 3 versions are a real plus, unfortunately with the convertible top in need of TLC you'll need to go topless or hardtop and save the soft top experience until it's replaced.  The driver's power window is in-op, and the radio does not work.

This car is a throwback of when MB 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.  It needs TLC but runs smoothly.

WDBBA48D8JA078766

W-Germany
D-Mercedes Benz
B-Passenger Car
B-SL Class
A-Roadster
48-560SL
D-Manual Belts, Driver's Airbag
8-Check Digit
J-1988
A-Sindelfingen Assy Plant
078766-Sequential Unit Number

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 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.