Highlights
• Good service history
• 5 litre V8 automatic
• Full leather upholstery with colour coded matching hardtop
The Background
The Mercedes-Benz SL was brought up to date in 1989, sharp styling and design and a technically superior car over its predecessor. The SL came with multi-linked rear suspension and optional electronic adaptive damping. It also included a built-in automatically raised rollover bar as a safety feature.
With the addition of an optional panoramic glass hardtop the car had two distinctive and stylish looks, with the 500SL having the 32 valve quad-cam M119 V8 fitted it produced 326 bhp and was noted for being a refined and stylish addition to the Benz lineup.
The History
This low mileage 500 SL has only had four owners from new, the current one having taken ownership back in October 2011. The majority of service history is with Mercedes dealerships and specialists, the owner is reluctantly selling the vehicle to free up some room at his home.
The cars smooth automatic gearbox linked to the 5 litre V8 engine is the perfect combination and has been enjoyed by the owner for the last decade.
The Paperwork
The car has a comprehensive service history with a stamped service booklet, a huge number of receipts along with the original book pack and manuals.
Two sets of keys are supplied, and also a Mercedes-Benz magazine with a buyers guide to the SL model.
Two sets of keys are supplied, and also a Mercedes-Benz magazine with a buyers guide to the SL model.
The Interior
The full beige leather upholstery has stood up well over the last thirty years, with some scuff marks on the drivers bolster, to be expected with the cars age.
All door cards are in very good condition and clear of any major scratches and scuffs. The leather steering wheel is in good order along with the column stalks, radio and climate controls. The canvas roof is in good condition as well.
All door cards are in very good condition and clear of any major scratches and scuffs. The leather steering wheel is in good order along with the column stalks, radio and climate controls. The canvas roof is in good condition as well.
The cars electrics all work and the owner in late November had the hard top taken off of the vehicle for his garage to lubricate the electric operated canvas roof, this is to our knowledge all in good working order. The headlining of the hardtop on the drivers side is loose and shown in the photographs.
The rear seats and storage areas are clean and show very little use at all. An original Mercedes-Benz had unit with radio and CD is fitted and all working.
The Exterior
The cars paintwork is in good order, all bumper corners are clean, along with the door mirror casings. Glasswork is free of any marks inside and out, and the matching hard top is immaculate on the exterior.
The notable areas of rust are on the two front wings, there is bubbling around each side indicator lenses, wheel arches are clean and devoid of rust.
All four alloy wheels do require refurbishment. In the last two years the car has had a set of Pirelli tyres fitted to it, these are as to be expected in good order and with plenty of tread to them.
All four alloy wheels do require refurbishment. In the last two years the car has had a set of Pirelli tyres fitted to it, these are as to be expected in good order and with plenty of tread to them.
The inside of the bonnet lid has had the soundproofing removed, this has left residue adhesive and just needs cleaning up, there is no damage to this area.
The Mechanics
The car comes with a good record of its service history in the form of a stamped book and receipts. The car's last MOT was carried out September this year with a first time pass and no advisories. Service is due soon.
The gearbox oil and differential oil were changed two years ago and the owner has replaced the springs and wishbones at the front of the vehicle. With the vehicle covering just a few miles after this.
The Appeal
Finished in the classy Smoke Silver metallic with matching hardtop make this SL Convertible an appealing and classy cruiser for any destination, with a comprehensive service history this car mechanically has been lovingly looked after by its current owner affectionately over the last decade.
A superbly built and attractive V8 convertible with practicality and effortless performance from the 5 litre V8 make this a good all round classic, or a GT style cruiser for the weekend driver.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.