1988 Mercedes-Benz 560SL Roadster - Lhd
POA
- Make
- Mercedes-Benz
- Model
- 560SL Roadster - LHD
- Year
- 1988
- Body
- Convertible
- Engine
- 2
Overview
This 1988 Mercedes-Benz 560SL Roadster represents the pinnacle of the legendary 107 series—the last hand-built SL from Stuttgart. With just 44,000 miles on the clock, this LHD example remains in excellent mechanical and cosmetic condition throughout. The 5.6-litre V8 delivers 227 bhp and smooth automatic transmission performance, while period ABS and double-wishbone suspension showcase Mercedes engineering of the era. Originally registered in Canada, it boasts full service history and kilometre instrumentation, making it equally at home on European tours or as a cherished collector's piece.
From the Dealer
- •Only 44,000 miles from new; excellent low-mileage example
- •Full documented service history
- •Excellent condition throughout: body, mechanical, and original interior
- •LHD with kilometre instrumentation; built to ROW specifications
- •Final year 560SL (1989 manufacture); last hand-built Mercedes 107 series
About the Mercedes-Benz 560SL Roadster - LHD
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The Mercedes-Benz 560SL is a grand tourer roadster that represents the final evolution of the R107 generation, produced in the 1980s. It appeals to buyers seeking a classic convertible with comfortable, refined cruising characteristics rather than outright sportiness. The 560SL combines timeless styling with a powerful V8 engine, positioning itself as an accessible entry point into classic Mercedes ownership. Its design emphasizes elegance and presence over aggressive aesthetics, with a fully power-operated soft top and a well-appointed interior. The model is regarded as a reliable, usable classic that bridges modern comfort with vintage charm, though it reflects 1980s engineering rather than contemporary performance standards.
Pros
- +Robust 5.6L V8 engine with good torque delivery
- +Timeless, understated design still elegant today
- +Solid build quality and relative reliability
- +Comfortable cruising and well-appointed cabin
- +Strong parts availability and enthusiast support
Watch out for
- −Heavy for a roadster, affecting handling agility
- −High fuel consumption and running costs
- −Limited cargo space with top erected
Common issues
- !Hydraulic roof mechanism requires regular servicing
- !Aging electrics and window regulator failures
- !Cooling system corrosion in older examples
▶See full dealer details
Overview **Overall Comments** First registered in Canada in October 1988 and having only covered the equivalent of 44K miles since new, this LHD 560SL is in excellent condition, both mechanically and body wise, together with an excellent original interior. An extremely well cared and well maintained 560SL with a documented service history. Built to ROW specifications, it has kilometre instrumentation - ideal for continental touring. **Body** Excellent. **Mechanical** Excellent low mileage SL with service history. **Interior** Excellent. Asking Price £ POA History The 107 series were the last of the hand built Mercedes-Benz from Stuttgart, renowned for their durability and strength, they have become increasingly sought after in recent years, with low mileage examples well cared for examples fetching in excess of £40K. Launched in 1971, the Mercedes 107 series immediately became a best seller in European and US markets, with a design reminiscent in some respects of the earlier Pagoda SL. A range of models was offered during the 18 year life of the 107, with the new 5 litre being launched in 1980, which was enhanced over the next 5 years culminating in the last year of manufacture of 1989, being the 5.6 litre 560 SL for sale here. The 560 SL carried a big, 5.6-liter V-8 under its long bonnet. The single-overhead-cam, fuel-injected engine produced 227 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 287 foot-pounds of torque at 3,500 rpm. Power was directed to the rear wheels by a four-speed automatic transmission. The 560 SL could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 8 seconds, which was reasonably quick in its day. It had a top speed of about 140 mph. The SL employed disc brakes with ABS at all four corners, which was not yet common in the late 1980s. The car had a double-wishbone front suspension and a diagonal axle setup in the rear. A traditional recirculating-ball steering system was used, rather than the more-modern rack-and-pinion type.
