1988 MERCEDES-BENZ (R107) 560 SL - LHD

This glorious Mercedes-Benz 560 SL combines style, history and originality in a way that few other examples can. With a raft of old paperwork and a powerful 5.6-litre V8 engine under the bonnet, it is primed to be cherished and enjoyed by another enthusiast owner. The odometer shows 73,782 miles from new.

First registered in the US in January 1988, it is understood that this 560 SL was first purchased by a Delta Airlines pilot via the Mercedes-Benz dealer in Vienna, VA. Since then, it is believed to have had three further owners, including the current keeper, who has had the car for two years. It is currently located in the UK, but is on historic class Spanish registration plates.

The Smoke Silver Metallic paintwork is believed to be original, and it presents beautifully for its age. There are some very minor marks, which are to be expected on an apparently unrestored car of this vintage. The wheels all appear to be in good condition, and the car comes with the removable hard top, allowing it to be enjoyed in all weathers. The shut lines look consistent, and the brightwork all appears to be in very good condition.

As with the exterior, the cabin presents very well overall, with only a few minor blemishes to note. There are some tears in the passenger-side door card, scuff marks on the passenger seat, and some fraying is evident around the windscreen seal. One of the sill kick plates has a crack, but otherwise the cabin is very clean and tidy. The dials and switchgear all appear to be original and in good working order, while there are no faults reported for any of the controls, switches or electronics. The dashboard is also free of warning lights.

The car’s last service was carried out in March 2016, when the car had covered 73,114 miles. Valley Smog and Auto Repair in California gave the car a full service including engine clean, oil and filter change and cooling system check, as well as replacing the transmission pan gasket, checking the coolant and replacing the radiator. This work followed several other services by that workshop, which took over maintenance duties from Mercedes-Benz of Palm Springs in 2007. While the car was registered on Oregon plates for most of the last 20 years or more, it has been driven and serviced in California.

Over the last three years, the car has received attention to its transmission, with new fluid and a new filter kit, as well as a new gear selector bushing. It has also received a new oil pressure switch, valve cover gaskets and shock absorbers, not to mention a new antenna seal, four new tyres and a new heater valve. In total, the work cost more than £4,500.

This car does not have an MOT as it is not registered in the UK. The seller believes it is ideally suited to cruising around Mediterranean ports and marinas on its Spanish historic plates, so it would suit an enthusiast who spends much of their time in sunnier climes on the continent. The tyres are reported to be in as-new condition, having been fitted in the past two years.

As the images show, the car comes with lots of period documentation, including images from its time in the USA. The original handbooks are included, along with a paper trail that documents the car’s arrival in America, as well as its journey back to Europe. The car even includes the production sticker attached to the windscreen in the factory. A CarFax check shows a clean title from its time in the US, with no damage or other issues reported.

Any Mercedes-Benz 560 SL would be a stylish classic to own, but this example is made even more appealing by its well-documented past. It is arguably something of a treasure trove on wheels, just waiting for a new owner to write the next chapter in its life.

As this car is offered for sale having not yet been registered in the UK, it has not been run through Collecting Cars’ standard online HPI check process as no DVLA records exist.

Car Overview

  • 73,782 miles
  • automatic
  • LHD
  • Smoke Silver Metallic
  • Palomino
  • 5.6L V8


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Lot Overview

  • Lot #01314
  • private Sale
  • Skegness, United Kingdom

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