Reserve Removed: 1988 Mercedes-Benz 560SL

This 1988 Mercedes-Benz 560SL convertible offers both a retractable soft top as well as a color-matched removable hardtop. Generating power from an M117 5.5-liter V8 paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission, this 560SL is described as a two-owner vehicle that has recently received service including replacement of the fuel pump, fuel filter, spark plugs, and distributor cap. Finished in red over an ivory leather interior, this R107 560SL is now offered with a clean CARFAX report and a clear Utah title in the seller’s name.

The R107 first came into production in the early 1970s as a two-door roadster and subsequently saw changes to design powertrains, and finishes through the end of the 1980s. This example from 1988 comes from the model’s penultimate year reportedly wearing its original coat of red paint, offset by trim in both chrome and black as well as gold plating for select elements of the exterior. Two available top configurations are included, including a black cloth top with a plastic window, and a color-matched red hardtop. Additional equipment includes fog lamps, gold-trimmed wheel well arch trim, and a tan pinstripe along the sides. The seller states that the vehicle was used in merchandise advertising in the late 1980s, and the overall condition is good aside from a scratch on the trunk lid.

Factory 15” aluminum wheels received replacement tires in summer 2020. Handling equipment for this roadster comes from a fully independent suspension as well as power steering and four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes.  

The interior affords dual ivory leather bucket seats with matching door panels, dash, and carpeting with materials that have reportedly been kept in good condition using seat covers. The dashboard has contrasting black finishes and is trimmed in gloss woodgrain panels extending to the center console and shifter surround. Amenities include automatic climate control, cruise control, a functional factory radio, a carpeted trunk, and power convenience options.

Instrumentation is provided by a 170-mph speedometer, a 7k-rpm tachometer, an analog clock, an instantaneous fuel economy readout, and gauges for oil temperature, fuel level, and oil pressure. A coolant temperature gauge is mounted at the center of the dash as well. The six-digit mechanical odometer reads 55,410 miles.

The 5.5-liter M117 V8 features a Bosch fuel injection system and carried a factory rating of 227 horsepower and 279 lb-ft of torque when new. Recent maintenance as shown on the CARFAX report includes a recent oil change, a brake system flush in April 2020, a fuel filter in June 2018, a fuel pump replacement in May 2018, and new spark plugs and a distributor cap in April 2018. Power is fed to the rear wheels via a 4-speed automatic transmission and a gated console-mounted shift lever.

Additional undercarriage photos can be found in the gallery, 

The CARFAX report shows no accidents or damage on record, with the first record showing as a September 2016 vehicle purchase in Utah. The car passed a Utah emissions inspection in April 2021. The sale includes the car’s color-matched hardtop.