1989 Mercedes 560SL Hardtop Convertible Roadster Collectors Item

Description for Mercedes-Benz SL-Class 1989

I purchased this 1989 Mercedes 560SL a little over a year ago with plans to restore it like I had done previously to my 1976 BMW. Due to divorce, I no longer have the time or money to put into it and the car is not kid friendly. I have $10,000 into it. The previous owner kept it in a garage un-driven for at least 3 years. It has over 171,604 miles on the engine, yet it is sound and runs well. The car passed smog, and engine compression is good. It was never in a major wreck and body, chassis, bumpers, engine, interior and lights are all intact and original. Brakes are good, suspension and shocks are good. Chrome is excellent. Interior is in good shape for being as old as it is. There are no rips or tears on the seats, but leather is worn and cracked in places. The dash is in great shape with no cracks. All gages on dash work except for the clock and odometer. Both electric windows function.

Here's what I have done to the car so far: New rag top, new stereo with am/fm, cd, ipod, bluetooth (I saved the factory am/fm cassette player also), upper and lower throttle, body cleaning and gaskets, new air filter, intake manifold gaskets, intake intermediate seal rings, plenum gaskets, intake duct tube, valve cover gaskets, coolant reserve tank and cap, spark plugs, transmission service, transmission cooler hoses, fuel filter, fuel pump.

This car needs some work. Here's what I know needs to be fixed. The engine will need a new rear main engine seal and engine and transmission mounts. Needs an idle control air valve. Air conditioner and heater are not operational. Brights do not function. Windshield wipers work at one speed, automatic antenna does not work. Odometer is not operational and stopped at 171,604, interior clock doesn't work.

The previous owner dropped the top when removing it and there are three areas that are banged and slightly rusted along the top front (see pic). Also there is a small ding on the trunk lid (see pic). Otherwise there is no rust and body has never been damaged. California car. Paint is original and has oxidized in many places, and clear coat is worn. Body will need a respray. Wheels will need to be re-chromed. Leather interior needs restoration in spots, but not necessary overall.