Winning bid
£9,900

1996 Mercedes SL500 Auto

Highlights

  • Excellent service and maintenance history with invoices
  • A host of previous MoT certificates verifying mileage
  • Complete with a colour-matched hard-top roof
  • MoT certificate valid until January 2024
  • Just 5 previous owners


The Appeal

Some say that the mid-90s were the best years for Mercedes build quality and design, and perhaps this SL500 is a testament to that. It is in good condition for its age and bears only the merest signs of wear and tear. Built with possibly one of Merc’s best engines, the 5 litre, 32 valve, V8. This particular car has been painstakingly cared for over its life and has a large folio of invoices as well as an original service book with dealer stamps and specialist outlets.

The History and Paperwork

  • This car has been lovingly maintained and has covered a mere 85,000 over 27 years
  • 5 previous owners
  • One previous owner kept the car for 10 years
  • It comes complete with an original book pack with a service record stamped by Mercedes and other specialist companies
  • There is a folio of invoices showing the frequency of maintenance and costs
  • A host of previous MoT certificates accompany the car which confirm the minimal mileage

The Interior

  • The interior is typical of the era
  • Grey leather powered seats show minimal wear and possess an agreeable level of patina
  • The front seats are electrically adjustable and are heated
  • The rear seats appear to have not been used as they are in excellent condition
  • The carpeting is in a good serviceable condition and is further protected by some monogrammed woven mats
  • The dashboard is clean and all the instruments appear clear and bright.
  • All the switchgear appears to be in full working order
  • An electrically operated hood is fitted and works as the factory intended
  • Both door cards are intact and show only minimal signs of use
  • The stereo system has not been checked

The Exterior

  • The car is finished in silver and has a decent level of shine
  • Some small areas of corrosion have begun to show through on the front wings at locations commonly found on Mercedes of this era
  • Factory fit alloy wheels are fitted and are in good condition without any apparent kerb damage
  • The electro-hydraulic roof operates as it should, and the car also comes with a separate hard-top, which is also in good order
  • The lighting appears to be bright and clear as does all the vehicle’s glass
  • The underside appears to be clean, with only minor surface corrosion in places

The Mechanics

  • Lusty 5-litre V8 that can generate more than 300hp
  • The engine bay is reasonably clean and is devoid of any obvious leaks
  • Excellent service history ensures that the car has been looked after 
  • 4-speed automatic transmission
  • Plenty of invoices show time and money spent on maintenance
  • Usual components replaced, such as shock absorbers, brakes, battery and tyres

Summary

Effortless cruising can be assured with this 90s SL500. The smooth power delivery from that 5-litre engine ensures there is plenty of power on tap when needed. Some say it was the best time for Mercedes build quality and with only some minor blisters appearing on the front wings, it would appear that the car has indeed survived the years well. It has obviously benefitted from a good maintenance regime and will undoubtedly have many more miles left. As a convertible, it will always look at its best with the roof down,  but should the sun fail to peep through, the fitment of the hard-top transforms the look of the car into an elegant coupe. Whichever you prefer this Merc is sure to deliver many miles and years of smooth cruising.

BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
✓VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check, to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery. 
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Auction Details

  • Year1996
  • MakeMercedes
  • ModelSL Class
  • ColourSilver
  • Odometer85,875 Miles
  • Engine size4973cc
  • Seller TypePrivate
  • CountyShropshire
  • CountryUnited Kingdom
  • Auction ends

Bidding history

30 Bids

Sital••••
Bid
£9,900
01/11/23
eddie58••••
Bid
£9,800
01/11/23
Sital••••
Bid
£9,700
01/11/23
eddie58••••
Bid
£9,600
01/11/23
Sital••••
Bid
£9,500
01/11/23
hunter.••••
Bid
£9,200
01/11/23
Sital••••
Bid
£9,000
01/11/23
richard••••
Bid
£8,200
01/11/23
Sital••••
Bid
£8,000
01/11/23
hunter.••••
Bid
£7,300
01/11/23

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