Bid for your chance to own this 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560SL on The MB Market. Finished in Black (040) over Palomino Leather (274), this example is powered by a 5.5-liter M117 V8 paired with a 722.3 automatic four-speed transmission and shows 114k original miles.
tpalmer said:
@Praj84 Please message me so that we can go from here. Thanks, Tony
@Praj84 Congrats. Thank you to everyone that bid and commented. This was a real fun auction. We are looking forward to being back here soon with another 560SL!
Just an update on a few things. The used air recirculation switch arrived today. The new switch from the UK will arrive on Tuesday or Wednesday of next week. While the air is blowing cold, it is not blowing super strong and was making somewhat of a loud noise. Easy diagnosis. I am replacing the blower motor and the blower motor gasket and cover. Finally, the antenna motor would not go all the way down. It’s under warranty and is being replaced on Monday. I’ve been driving the car for a few days just to make sure there are no issues and everything is OK. Thanks Tony
@MasonmCalled a guy I know who ships a lot of cars to the UK and other international destinations. I'll try to get a quote within the next 2-3 hours.
@MasonmCheers. I can set up the shipping but cannot cover the cost. It would ship out of the Port of Miami or Port Everglades (30 minutes north of Miami in Fort Lauderdale) and ... Bob's your uncle! I learned that last time I was in the UK LOL.. A few people have shown up at auto shows driving right hand drive cars. I always thought, that must feel strange. Maybe not. I assume you'd be driving this on the left side of the road.
@dapper165 Where are you in New York?
@dapper165 I can give you a ballpark figure. We had a BMW shipped from Vermont to South Florida. This was a couple years ago and it was $650. I’m going to guess that figure would be $750 – $800 now. That was on an open truck. A closed transporter would probably be $1000-$1100. Another option is for me to drive it from South Florida up to Sanford Florida, put it on the Amtrak auto train which would drop me in Lorton Virginia, and drive it the rest of the way to you. But please let me think about that one.
Last day of the auction. Thank you to everyone for your bids, comments and questions. If anyone has anything to add or any questions, I am here all day / for the duration.
On another note, while shopping for the switch mentioned below, I also bought 3 meters of the dashboard felt strip this goes at the base of the windshield, between the windshield and the dash. Picture #115 shows how its degraded. This will not cause a leak since the portion that is degraded is inside the car. Dealing with SLs, this is a common problem. It is an easy fix BUT you have to remove the windshield. I am loath to pull the original windshield out of a 38 year old car. I would burst into tears if I anything happened. Probably nothing would happen but I DO NOT want a replacement windshield in there. I am including the material with the car. It takes no more than about 1 meter + but good to have a bunch in case the cutting goes haywire. Any questions, please ask. Thanks Tony
Good morning to all! Well the air circulation (or air recirculation) switch failed. Of course it did since it may be the only switch I did not replace. I have ordered a working used switch from a guy I have bought and sold with before in California as a temporary measure. I have also ordered a new switch from The SL Shoppe in the UK. They are a great go to for new parts if anyone ever needs a new part. If there is an OEM that is NLA, they may have it or know someone who does, They have also been known to start reproductions to Mercedes specs when there is demand. They are great to deal with. Only thing is it can take 10 days or 2 weeks to arrive. The prices are only slightly higher relatively speaking. I will install the used working part and then pull it and install the new part when it arrives. T-
@Praj84 Sure. My neighbor, Jim, who we bought the car from, said someone backed into the side, requiring repair of the door and front quarter panel. He said it was not bad but could not remember whether it required either panel to be replaced. Jim is pretty sharp. That being said, how do I say this? - I can now qualify for AARP discounts and Jim has 30+ years on me. I hope my mind is still as sharp as his in 30 years, I took a paint meter to the car and all readings came back within original paint thickness limits except for the door and quarter panel. The beeper went off and the numbers were certainly thicker than original. The paint does shine throughout and there is no discernable different at all. The pictures are very accurate as far as the paint is concerned.
That was fun. Congrats to both @Bevanlowe and @bshemela Both parties should be pleased. T-
@bshemelaThat's ok. Sometimes people like the timing chains changed sooner but it can be done at 175K miles. Plus there will be slack and sound when they're getting close. Most important thing is its had regular and scheduled maintenance and service, which you have done over the last 6 years.
A steal at the current bid. Next 5 and a half hours should be good. @bshemela You have partial service records. Do you know if the timing chain, tensioners and guide rails have been replaced? I've done these before and its not a big deal but if its been done that is a plus. Any other major items addressed in the records? This would also push this one. Very nice job on the interior. Beautiful, well cared for example. I love it.
Videos are posted. Thank you guys!
I just sent a video of the working Becker stereo with added Bluetooth which the guys will post today.
A cold start video has been sent to the guys and will be posted tomorrow.
I should add that the car also comes with an Auto Chic car cover
@Praj84My pleasure
@Praj84Just sent two pics to the guys. Should be posted sometime this afternoon.
@Praj84You're right. I don't have a picture posted. I am correcting that now. There are 3 speakers in the back deck that provide great sound. I talked to my audio guy I use for all audio related stuff. He had an idea that involved forming a 3 sided frame and install the seat on that, leaving the front of the frame open. The idea being to leave the speakers where they are and essentially raise the seat about 4 inches above the speakers. He said if the sound is bad we would just remove the frame. I've got enough Mercedes material laying around to cover it. Then I said no. Just a bridge too far. I guess it could work although there would be an issue with "bass in the bottom" so to speak. Of course, these never came with rear speakers. The sound is measurably better with them. Its a personal choice. If I had kids at home I might have installed it but I chose to not to.
second half of my post below. ....along with a 1973 Saab 96, a one owner 77 Jag, a 1977 450SEL and a 1977 Mercedes 6.9. Fun fun fun.
@Pfuller33Thank you. My favorite color combination too. Of all our cars(my brothers and I), this is the one that my wife is saddest to see go. We're working on an 86 Red SL and an 80 BWM 323i (gray market). I've committed to letting her keep one.
Thank you and welcome to our auction. Just to add some detail, clarification and back story to the listing, this car came on our radar in 2008. The prior owner, my neighbor Jim, bought the car in New York. Subsequently, he and his wife moved to South Florida in 2002 and brought the car down here. I am in a cul-de-sac and Jim lives 3 houses away on the corner. Jim had and has a number of cars. When I moved to my current home in 2009, the car was sitting covered in his garage with the hardtop hoisted to the ceiling (the hoist was garbage and we did not keep it). He drove the car every few months for a few miles and that was about it. He changed the oil once a year but nothing else was done to the car. My brother and I have cars down here and in Philadelphia in various stages of repair and restoration. My brother has come down once every 4 months to help me with the herd down here. For 9 years we wanted to buy and save this one. Every time Jim said no. As all of you know well, the story was always, "I'm going to do something with the car." Finally, after 9 years, Jim caved and we bought the car in February of 2017. Since then we have performed all deferred maintenance, repaired anything that was found to be either broken, not functioning or even questionable. The paint is original with a few very minor blemishes. There is no rust or corrosion in the undercarriage. This one can be driven and enjoyed for many years to come. If anyone has any questions at all, please let me know and I will respond either the same day or, if its late, the next morning. I will get a cold start video, a video of the working stereo, an A/C video and a short driving video up in the next 2-3 days. Thank you all again for your interest! Tony
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1986 Mercedes-Benz 560SL
tpalmer said:
@Praj84 Please message me so that we can go from here. Thanks, Tony1986 Mercedes-Benz 560SL
tpalmer said:
@Praj84 Congrats. Thank you to everyone that bid and commented. This was a real fun auction. We are looking forward to being back here soon with another 560SL!1986 Mercedes-Benz 560SL
tpalmer said:
Just an update on a few things. The used air recirculation switch arrived today. The new switch from the UK will arrive on Tuesday or Wednesday of next week. While the air is blowing cold, it is not blowing super strong and was making somewhat of a loud noise. Easy diagnosis. I am replacing the blower motor and the blower motor gasket and cover. Finally, the antenna motor would not go all the way down. It’s under warranty and is being replaced on Monday. I’ve been driving the car for a few days just to make sure there are no issues and everything is OK. Thanks Tony1986 Mercedes-Benz 560SL
tpalmer said:
@MasonmCalled a guy I know who ships a lot of cars to the UK and other international destinations. I'll try to get a quote within the next 2-3 hours.1986 Mercedes-Benz 560SL
tpalmer said:
@MasonmCheers. I can set up the shipping but cannot cover the cost. It would ship out of the Port of Miami or Port Everglades (30 minutes north of Miami in Fort Lauderdale) and ... Bob's your uncle! I learned that last time I was in the UK LOL.. A few people have shown up at auto shows driving right hand drive cars. I always thought, that must feel strange. Maybe not. I assume you'd be driving this on the left side of the road.1986 Mercedes-Benz 560SL
tpalmer said:
@dapper165 Where are you in New York?1986 Mercedes-Benz 560SL
tpalmer said:
@dapper165 I can give you a ballpark figure. We had a BMW shipped from Vermont to South Florida. This was a couple years ago and it was $650. I’m going to guess that figure would be $750 – $800 now. That was on an open truck. A closed transporter would probably be $1000-$1100. Another option is for me to drive it from South Florida up to Sanford Florida, put it on the Amtrak auto train which would drop me in Lorton Virginia, and drive it the rest of the way to you. But please let me think about that one.1986 Mercedes-Benz 560SL
tpalmer said:
Last day of the auction. Thank you to everyone for your bids, comments and questions. If anyone has anything to add or any questions, I am here all day / for the duration.1986 Mercedes-Benz 560SL
tpalmer said:
On another note, while shopping for the switch mentioned below, I also bought 3 meters of the dashboard felt strip this goes at the base of the windshield, between the windshield and the dash. Picture #115 shows how its degraded. This will not cause a leak since the portion that is degraded is inside the car. Dealing with SLs, this is a common problem. It is an easy fix BUT you have to remove the windshield. I am loath to pull the original windshield out of a 38 year old car. I would burst into tears if I anything happened. Probably nothing would happen but I DO NOT want a replacement windshield in there. I am including the material with the car. It takes no more than about 1 meter + but good to have a bunch in case the cutting goes haywire. Any questions, please ask. Thanks Tony1986 Mercedes-Benz 560SL
tpalmer said:
Good morning to all! Well the air circulation (or air recirculation) switch failed. Of course it did since it may be the only switch I did not replace. I have ordered a working used switch from a guy I have bought and sold with before in California as a temporary measure. I have also ordered a new switch from The SL Shoppe in the UK. They are a great go to for new parts if anyone ever needs a new part. If there is an OEM that is NLA, they may have it or know someone who does, They have also been known to start reproductions to Mercedes specs when there is demand. They are great to deal with. Only thing is it can take 10 days or 2 weeks to arrive. The prices are only slightly higher relatively speaking. I will install the used working part and then pull it and install the new part when it arrives. T-1986 Mercedes-Benz 560SL
tpalmer said:
@Praj84 Sure. My neighbor, Jim, who we bought the car from, said someone backed into the side, requiring repair of the door and front quarter panel. He said it was not bad but could not remember whether it required either panel to be replaced. Jim is pretty sharp. That being said, how do I say this? - I can now qualify for AARP discounts and Jim has 30+ years on me. I hope my mind is still as sharp as his in 30 years, I took a paint meter to the car and all readings came back within original paint thickness limits except for the door and quarter panel. The beeper went off and the numbers were certainly thicker than original. The paint does shine throughout and there is no discernable different at all. The pictures are very accurate as far as the paint is concerned.1989 Mercedes-Benz 560SL
tpalmer said:
That was fun. Congrats to both @Bevanlowe and @bshemela Both parties should be pleased. T-1989 Mercedes-Benz 560SL
tpalmer said:
@bshemelaThat's ok. Sometimes people like the timing chains changed sooner but it can be done at 175K miles. Plus there will be slack and sound when they're getting close. Most important thing is its had regular and scheduled maintenance and service, which you have done over the last 6 years.1989 Mercedes-Benz 560SL
tpalmer said:
A steal at the current bid. Next 5 and a half hours should be good. @bshemela You have partial service records. Do you know if the timing chain, tensioners and guide rails have been replaced? I've done these before and its not a big deal but if its been done that is a plus. Any other major items addressed in the records? This would also push this one. Very nice job on the interior. Beautiful, well cared for example. I love it.1986 Mercedes-Benz 560SL
tpalmer said:
Videos are posted. Thank you guys!1986 Mercedes-Benz 560SL
tpalmer said:
I just sent a video of the working Becker stereo with added Bluetooth which the guys will post today.1986 Mercedes-Benz 560SL
tpalmer said:
A cold start video has been sent to the guys and will be posted tomorrow.1986 Mercedes-Benz 560SL
tpalmer said:
I should add that the car also comes with an Auto Chic car cover1986 Mercedes-Benz 560SL
tpalmer said:
@Praj84My pleasure1986 Mercedes-Benz 560SL
tpalmer said:
@Praj84Just sent two pics to the guys. Should be posted sometime this afternoon.1986 Mercedes-Benz 560SL
tpalmer said:
@Praj84You're right. I don't have a picture posted. I am correcting that now. There are 3 speakers in the back deck that provide great sound. I talked to my audio guy I use for all audio related stuff. He had an idea that involved forming a 3 sided frame and install the seat on that, leaving the front of the frame open. The idea being to leave the speakers where they are and essentially raise the seat about 4 inches above the speakers. He said if the sound is bad we would just remove the frame. I've got enough Mercedes material laying around to cover it. Then I said no. Just a bridge too far. I guess it could work although there would be an issue with "bass in the bottom" so to speak. Of course, these never came with rear speakers. The sound is measurably better with them. Its a personal choice. If I had kids at home I might have installed it but I chose to not to.1986 Mercedes-Benz 560SL
tpalmer said:
second half of my post below. ....along with a 1973 Saab 96, a one owner 77 Jag, a 1977 450SEL and a 1977 Mercedes 6.9. Fun fun fun.1986 Mercedes-Benz 560SL
tpalmer said:
@Pfuller33Thank you. My favorite color combination too. Of all our cars(my brothers and I), this is the one that my wife is saddest to see go. We're working on an 86 Red SL and an 80 BWM 323i (gray market). I've committed to letting her keep one.1986 Mercedes-Benz 560SL
tpalmer said:
Thank you and welcome to our auction. Just to add some detail, clarification and back story to the listing, this car came on our radar in 2008. The prior owner, my neighbor Jim, bought the car in New York. Subsequently, he and his wife moved to South Florida in 2002 and brought the car down here. I am in a cul-de-sac and Jim lives 3 houses away on the corner. Jim had and has a number of cars. When I moved to my current home in 2009, the car was sitting covered in his garage with the hardtop hoisted to the ceiling (the hoist was garbage and we did not keep it). He drove the car every few months for a few miles and that was about it. He changed the oil once a year but nothing else was done to the car. My brother and I have cars down here and in Philadelphia in various stages of repair and restoration. My brother has come down once every 4 months to help me with the herd down here. For 9 years we wanted to buy and save this one. Every time Jim said no. As all of you know well, the story was always, "I'm going to do something with the car." Finally, after 9 years, Jim caved and we bought the car in February of 2017. Since then we have performed all deferred maintenance, repaired anything that was found to be either broken, not functioning or even questionable. The paint is original with a few very minor blemishes. There is no rust or corrosion in the undercarriage. This one can be driven and enjoyed for many years to come. If anyone has any questions at all, please let me know and I will respond either the same day or, if its late, the next morning. I will get a cold start video, a video of the working stereo, an A/C video and a short driving video up in the next 2-3 days. Thank you all again for your interest! Tony