You are bidding on a 1987 Mercedes Benz 560SL Roadster – with your choice of hardtops (read on).

A bit of background. I restore 560SLs and have had many. I’ve enjoyed every aspect of the driving experience in these iconic cars. In 1988 I could hardly afford a Yugo, let alone a Mercedes flagship 560SL. Therefore, it was always my goal to acquire one when I could afford to do so. I’ve owned a few great examples and invariably friends or family ask to purchase them. So, I find another.

You can see that there are MANY 560SLs for sale on Ebay. You should further know that most are awful (again, I’ve owned many). They tend to rust – so finding a southern car is important. They rust in the door jams, the fenders, the undercarriage and the floors (trunk included). Repairs, not done well, will result in the rust returning. The bottom line is – spend your time finding a RUST FREE example (be that mine or another) not one that has been repaired. Remember, this is not only a great roadster but also a stellar investment piece. Look on Ebay (or elsewhere) for low mileage 560SLs. The prices are rising (one is on Ebay now for $90,000).

The 560SL is a blue chip investment. Yet, they are plentiful in average condition. They are rare (very rare) in excellent original condition. A bad 560SL will cost you thousands upon thousands of dollars in repairs. Parts aren’t the problem, virtually everything is available through MB, but they are massively expensive.

I’ve owned a 1958 300SL, five 190SLs, twenty or more 280SLs – and I made money on every one of them. It’s time to watch the appreciation of the 560SL now.

Here is a nice writeup by TheClassicCarFactory.com about the 560SL. Noticethe prices and the color rarity.

You’ll be bidding on a one owner (before me) 1988 560SL.

Here are some important features:

The car has only 47,855 miles - mileage may changeslightly as it's Summer in Chicago !

She is all original, of course.

She has dealer installed chrome plated rims (very sharp) – but I have a set that is non chromed and beautiful should you prefer them

She is a very desirable color – Mercedes calls is DB199, Black Pearl. She isn’t black, but she isn’t anthracite either – she is dazzling.

Black leather interior in excellent condition

Wood is not cracked, but is slightly faded (remember, a southern car)

New fog light bulbs

Great tires

All gauges work

Original tool kit present

Original top removing tools present

Original owner’s manual and paperwork, present

Original jack, present

Battery is in fine condition (relatively new) with an installed trickle charger

Carpet overlays on original carpeting

Aftermarket radio (CD, Bluetooth, Aux, MP3, etc) - if you prefer the original Becker radio, I think we have one laying around, let me know

I added dual silver pin striping. It’s paint, not tape, done by a 70 year old craftsman
Therefore, you can either elect to have a silver hardtop (to match the pin striping) or the original black hardtop

Runs 100%

Brakes 100%

Shifts 100%

Everything works as designed

The leather seats are supple and don’t have the usual bolster wear nor sagging

Convertible top looks like it was never up – plastic is in excellent condition

Climate Control works perfectly, A/C blows cold

Cruise control works perfectly

Windows operate 100%

The windshield is free of chips or cracks, testifying to her low mileage, again

I have not detailed the engine compartment. I’ll let the next owner do that.

Rust free!!!

A car is only original once. I long for great cars with great originality and patina. Therefore, although this is probably the finest 560SL I’ve ever owned, she is used and nearly 30 years old. Expect small imperfections, nicks and random chips. Again, all verifying her authenticity and low mileage. Nothing egregious, just normal wear. But also wear that proves she only has 47,000 miles. She has never been hit, that I can detect – and I think I could tell. There is no “new paint” or “touchup” paint on the car. Neither are there any parking lot dings – which means she was driven by an enthusiast, like me. You know the type; I park my car a mile away from the entrance to any store.

This 560SL is undoubtedly one of the nicest I’ve had the pleasure to own or have ever seen. The pictures tell a compelling story.

I’ll also be selling (in a week or two) a very, very nice rust free 1988 Burgundy 560SL with 78,000 miles. My shop just repainted her – stunning. Why the paint? She was also a southern car and faded (common with the color burgundy) – so we put a $12,000 paint job on her.

I have placed a reasonable reserve on the car to protect my investment. If I don’t sell her, the price will continue to rise, of course. There is no imminent need to sell but I am open to sports car or classic car trades.

Now for the legalese:

This is a reserve auction. The car is not new, it is used and sold as-is, where is. We encourage email questions and inspections. My rating is important to me, as is your satisfaction. But, although she can be driven as is, I envision a restoration for the new owner.

Methods of Payment ...

Certified check, Bank to Bank wire transfers, or 3rd-party financing. All funds must be in US dollars only. Please be sure to have full payment and/or approved financing in place before making your final bid. Please call us with any questions or additional information. Due to the difficulty of Foreign Currency/Bank Transactions, purchases from clients outside of the United States, must pay by Wire Transfer only. Please call with any questions or explanations.

Deposit Due ...

The successful high bidder will submit a $500 NON-REFUNDABLE Deposit due immediately following the close of the auction. This $500 deposit is good towards the purchase of the vehicle and will be deducted from the total amount of the purchase. We accept PAYPAL only for the initial deposit only. If the vehicle cannot be picked up or paid for completely within 7-days from the close of auction, Deposits and fees are NON-REFUNDABLE if the vehicle is not paid for.

Balance of Payment Due ...

The buyer agrees to pay remaining balance due (plus applicable fees and taxes) within 7 days of the close of the auction. All financial transactions must be completed before delivery of the vehicle.

Vehicle Titles ...

I have a clear title in hand and ready for delivery. If payment is made other than wire transfer (ie: certified check), I will hold the title for 5-10 business days or until ALL funds have cleared. Please call if you have any questions regarding our titling policy.

Vehicle Shipping ...

I can assist with shipping. Storage fees will apply if the car stays with me after 7 days of the auction close, unless otherwise agreed upon.

Buyer Inspections ...

Every effort has been made to accurately and fairly describe this vehicle to you. I have tried to disclose all information known about this vehicle for you to make an informed decision. I have posted many pictures, especially those that show flaws. Please be advised that used vehicles will have typical scratches and dings inherent for their year and mechanical parts are subject to fail. I welcome and recommends a buyer's inspection. If you plan to have a buyers inspection, please make sure you inspect the vehicle prior to the auction ending. Buyer is responsible for any inspection charges and fees. Buyers Inspections MUST be completed prior to 24 hours before the end of auction.

Warranty Information and Extended Service Contracts ...

Unless otherwise stated in the vehicle description, this vehicle is being sold "as is". No representations or warranties are made by seller, nor are any representations or warranties relied upon by bidders in making bids.

Notice to Bidders ...

I reserve the right to cancel all bids and end an auction early should the vehicle no longer be available for sale. It is agreed by all parties in relation to any transaction involving this vehicle that the proper venue for any legal proceedings will be conducted in the state of Illinois. Miles posted in this listing may vary slightly due to local test driving, in-transit repairs, or road testing. Vehicles that are older than 10 years and/or have more than 100,000 miles will be sold as miles exempt. These are pre-owned vehicles and they are sold as 'As Is' condition.

The buyer is responsible for ALL SHIPPING COSTs.

Vehicle Condition ...

This car is NOT brand new. It is personally owned by me. Please expect a certain amount of wear, use, and flaws, as is standard on ANY pre-owned vehicle that has been driven. All pre-owned vehicles including this one may have dings, nicks, chips, scratches and any other marks that are associated with use consistent with age and mileage of the vehicle. Any known obvious defects that are not normal wear and tear will be noted in the listing.

If you have any questions in regards to this, please do not hesitate to call. We will be happy to answer any of your questions.

Bid Retractions ...

Bid retractions are not allowed nor will be recognized within 12 hours of auctions end. Seller will not be obligated to sell in the event of a late retraction.

Negative or ..0.. Feedback Bidders ...

I do not allow bidding from negative feedback bidders. New bidders with zero feedback rating should email us or call us prior to bidding.

Successful Bidder ...

The winning bidder will be contacted via email after the auction closes or he/she must contact me. within 24 hours to proceed with payment and delivery arrangements.

Non-Paying Bidder ...

If your deposit is not received within 1 Day of the close of auction or if the balance is not paid in full within 7 days following the close of auction, we reserve the right to re-list the vehicle or sell the vehicle to the next highest bidder or another qualified buyer. Venue for any legal action such as claims, motions, litigation, settlements, or any legal action associated with this sale from either the buyer or seller is to take place in the State of Illinois. Placing your bid on this auction constitutes your agreement and acceptance of these terms and conditions. In addition, all non paying bidders will be held liable for a $500 re-listing fee that if not paid, WILL be filed with all 3 major credit bureaus. You are entering into a Legal Purchase that should not be taken lightly. No-Excuses of any kind will be accepted for non payment