1988 Mercedes-Benz 560SL (LHD)

Highlights

  • Ex-California car
  • Desirable period colour combination of Signal Red with Palomino Tan interior
  • 5.5L V8 paired with automatic transmission

The Appeal

The 560SL, launched late in 1985, was the latest offering from Mercedes’ much loved luxury sports cars that branched from the original 280SL/SLC from 1971 on the R107 chassis. This one, the 560SL, was specifically designed to compete within the North American market which desired a more powerful option. Thus, the 5.5L V8, producing nearly 230 horsepower and almost 290 ft.lbs of torque, was introduced to the chassis to satisfy the Americans.
In addition to the upgraded power plant, Mercedes also supplemented the additional power with improvements to the running gear, with upgraded suspension, a limited slip differential, and updated steering geometry. Not all of the improvements made were simply mechanical; as the interior was further refined to include standard offerings of leather upholstery, leather trimmed steering wheel and shift lever, and an improved air conditioning unit. 

The History and Paperwork

  • Ex-California car
  • Dry stored since 2019
  • Owner states full specialist servicing over course of their ownership
This lovely example was imported in 2017 from California. It’s in an original spec, unmodified and showing little signs of wear for the mileage driven. The car has been dry stored and driven less than 1,000 miles since the current owner purchased it in 2019. The body work and paint are in excellent condition, and the car in general is in above average condition for its age. The car is currently carrying American-style bumpers and trim. 

The Interior

  • All-original interior
  • All electrical equipment said to be in working order
  • Stunning veneer panels 
Upon sitting inside this one, you’ll instantly note the top-spec materials used in the design of the interior. The interior is well designed and planned, with everything being within easy reach and operation of the driver. It does feel like an ‘80s car, in the best possible way. It presents as a more timeless design which one certainly wouldn’t grow tired of using, even in a daily-driver capacity. 
The interior shows little sign of wear and tear, and it is complete and all-original. While there are some scuffs and wear on the seats, it’s certainly not heavy enough wear to warrant any complaints. 
The headlining is in near-perfect condition. The door panels and interior trim are equally gorgeous. However, there is a small puncture in passenger’s side door upholstery, see photos of that. 
The current owner also assures us that all of the electronics are in working order. All windows operate smoothly, air conditioning works well, and the radio still works. 
The boot is very spacious and tidy, with all the carpets and hardware in good condition. There is, however, a small spill stain which shows in the photos.  

The Exterior 

  • Very straight body 
  • Paint and brightwork in incredible condition for age
  • Desirable period colour combination of Signal Red with Palomino Tan interior
  • Hard top in excellent condition
The exterior of this Merc is in above average condition for its age. While there are a couple of light scratches and chips from the road, these issues are nothing major to note. The paint remains glossy, the chrome bumpers are all in great condition, aside from a small dent as pictured near the front license plate bracket. 
The window glass is in good condition, rather tidy with the small chips expected from normal use, but nothing larger than a small stone impact.
The wiper trim, rubbers, and exterior plastics are all intact, with the body trim and rubbers in a good and functioning state as well.  There are some scuffs on the black plastic bumper ends as pictured, clearly doing their job over the years… 
The headlight and taillight lenses are clear, and the indicator lenses show no hint of fogging often associated with a car of this age. 
The hard top is in extraordinary condition, with all fittings present and a flush seating. We’re told the soft top is in equally good condition and all operations are smooth, as to be expected from Mercedes.
The original wheels are perfectly fine but could benefit from a refurbish, as there are some scratches and the paint on the centre caps is cracking up a bit as pictured. 

The Mechanics 

  • 5.5L V8 sounds smooth and pleasant
  • Around 230 bhp standard
  • Automatic transmission shifts fluidly
  • Owner states it runs well and accelerates perfectly
The current owner reports the car to be in excellent mechanical condition with steering, brakes, engine, drivetrain and running gear performing as well as it should, and better than expected for the age. The automatic transmission connects smoothly into all gears, and the power is excellently balanced for the vehicle. 
The engine is solid and has been maintained regularly at specialty service garages while under the care of its current owner. As far as we can see, there has been absolutely no modification to any factory components, and it looks to be in a clean and tidy condition. The owner states there are no leaks, smoke or abnormal noises to report. 
Owner states the vehicle drives straight, stops straight, and handles just as it should for a Mercedes’ luxury sportscar. 

Summary

It’s a convertible luxury sports car, from the golden era of convertible luxury sports cars. And in addition to that, it’s bright red and absolutely packed with chrome. If that doesn’t make enough of a statement, you’ll have to don your turtleneck or padded shoulders, secure your big hair, and put the top down. 

If you’re looking to be transported back to 1980’s Hollywood in this ex-California car, you will absolutely not be disappointed. It’s essentially three cars in one, hard top, soft top, and no top. You’ll never get caught out in the rain, and you’ll always be having a good time. 

Notice to bidders

Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.

As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.

Please see our FAQs here and our Terms & Conditions here

Vehicle specification
  • Year 1988
  • Make Mercedes
  • Model 560 SL
  • Colour Signal Red
  • Odometer 123,393 Miles
  • Engine size 5547
Auction Details
  • Seller Type Private
  • Town Harpenden
  • Location Hertfordshire
  • Country United Kingdom
Bidding history
42 bids
  • st•••• £20,000 07/08/22
  • mo•••• £17,750 07/08/22
  • m-•••• £17,500 07/08/22
  • mo•••• £17,250 07/08/22
  • m-•••• £17,000 07/08/22
  • mo•••• £16,750 07/08/22
  • m-•••• £16,500 07/08/22
  • mo•••• £16,250 07/08/22
  • m-•••• £16,000 07/08/22
  • mo•••• £15,750 07/08/22
Message C&C Auction Team

The gallery

The safest way to buy a classic car online

Car & Classic's secure payment system protects buyers and sellers. At the end of the auction, the winning bidder transfers payment into a third-party escrow account. Once the transfer of the vehicle is complete, both parties confirm they are happy with the sale and the money is released to the seller. More about buying with us
Safe, secure payment process

About Max Bids

The max bid process allows you to bid without any hassle.

Enter your maximum bid and we will then bid on your behalf to ensure you're the highest bidder - just enough to keep you in the lead and only up until your maximum.

Anti-sniping

Car & Classic prevent auction snipers from bidding in the last seconds to win an auction.

Auctions are extended by 3 minutes if anyone bids within the last 2 minutes to allow other bidders to react and counter-bid.

Auto-bidding increments

  • If your maximum bid is equal to or below the reserve price, your maximum bid will be applied in full if you are the highest bidder.
  • If you are the highest bidder and place a maximum bid above the reserve, we will automatically put in the reserve as your first bid.
    • Once the reserve has been met, Car & Classic will make sure you are the highest bidder using only the bidding increments stated below.
    • We will keep you in the lead up until your maximum bid OR the increment closest to your maximum bid, providing your maximum bid is enough to cover the increment value.

Bid Amount Increment
£0 to £9,999 £100.00
£10,000 to £49,999 £250.00
£50,000 to £99,999 £500.00
£100,000 + £1,000.00

Automatically outbid immediately

When you place a max bid and are outbid immediately that means that another bidder has placed a max bid limit which is higher than yours.

You can bid again and we will use our automatic bid system to try and get you as the highest bidder.

Matching max bids

When there are two max bids of the same value, the one placed first remains the lead bidder.

Pre-authorisation

We may hold a pre-authorisation charge on your card until the end of the auction when the hold will be cancelled. If you win, we'll take a security deposit which counts towards the payment for the vehicle and isn't any extra cost to you.

What are pre-bids?

A pre-bid means you're able to place a bid before the official start of the auction.
You will be notified whether or not you are the highest bidder when the auction starts.

Problem with your bid

Bids are contractually binding. To help protect you, we have some rules in place if we think it's been mistyped. Please check and amend what you have entered.