1988 Mercedes-Benz 560SEL

1988 Mercedes-Benz 560SEL

What is the difference between S, SE and SEL on the older S Classes? S stands for S Class (Obviously), the E stands for the German word for Fuel Injection which is Einspritzung in German and finally SEL stands for the Long Wheelbase version of the S Class.

For consignment an original 3 owner long wheelbase Saloon sedan in the form of a 560SEL 4 door. Purchased by the current owner/consigner, to preserve what he calls the "epitome of comfort in its time and preserved as such". Now that's the statement from a proud owner, and further he goes on to say that he and the garage will miss this big Benz.

ExteriorAn all original car with that thick German steel and innovative construction we have what was the ultimate sedan of the time. All bathed in Silver, (what else is there?), with no rust, nicely minded gaps, and straight steel, a shiny grille and surround, wipers for the head lighting, and a second darker gray tone for the bumpers and rockers along with the lower parts of the car. On top is a sunroof, which leads rearward to a long trunk deck and room for all the passenger's belongings. On the back are the ribbed tail lighting and MB has a method to their madness with this design. It's self cleaning! Glass and trimmings surrounding it are all very good and nice and shiny. From the tri-pointed star atop the front cowl to the large badge on the center of the trunk, this is truly a beautifully preserved original example.

InteriorMolded gray plastic and vinyl combines with some gray broadcloth inserts with a small lighter gray checked design within. A German walnut burl veneer is nicely lacquered and houses the seat adjuster, and door handle. Moving to the passenger compartment, we see 2 pristine gray buckets with smooth bolsters and stitched tuck and roll inserts, along with a convenient headrest. In back is a passenger bench stretching from side to side, and a thickly padded armrest can be folded down between the buckets. The center console presents in gray and has a burl insert for the shifter lever housing surround. Various control toggles are located here and within the riser, also in burl, that houses the radio and climate control buttons. Above and below on the dash are gray vinyl panels and in-between is a burl accenting strip running from door to door. The instrument cluster is nice and clean and mileage shows as a mere 69,811 original documented miles. Above the headliner is a nice tight gray and wonderful thick pile carpeting that makes me want to take off my shoes and socks and rub my tootsies into it, all very clean and well cared for.

DrivetrainUnder the hood stuffed into the clean and slightly patina engine bay is a 5.6 liter SOHC V8. It is fed by EFI and produces a nice 227hp. A W4A028 4-speed automatic transmission is on back, and the rear axle weighs in at a gas saving 2.47 ratio. Service records are available for your review.

UndercarriageSome road dirt on top of formerly undercoated stamped steel is noted underneath. All structurally solid with no rust, a virtually new exhaust and mufflers, and plenty of ground effects smooth panels. Independent coil springs provide the suspension for all 4 corners, and Power disc brakes are also showing up on all 4's. All nicely preserved with some slight corrosion on aluminum parts beneath.

Drive-AbilityAhhhhhh to live large and enjoy the spoils of the wealthy, and now all with the passage of time within your reach, this car drove and performed beautifully. All functions save for the radio were working just perfectly.

A 3 owner car, all who cared for it, garaged it, and maintained it, now with some very low mileage, and looking the part. Go ahead, live large.

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.