Highlights
- Interior in near mint condition
- Well maintained, low mileage
- 5-litre 315bhp V8 engine
- Car has been serviced, within the last 25 miles (as seen in the invoice below)
The Appeal
Mercedes launched their new R129 model in 1989 to great acclaim. It was offered in a wide range of specifications, with the SL 500 sitting right near the top of the tree. Any car sold new in Britain with a 5-litre V8 engine is going to be special, and this Mercedes is quite something.
This particular low mileage example has been well looked-after throughout its life, with service history from Mercedes-Benz and independent specialists. It has benefited from long-term ownership, with one owner keeping and looking after this car for 18 years.
A car of this quality, level of performance, and pedigree is sure to provide its next owner with reliable service and a fantastic driving experience.
The History and Paperwork
- Originally sold by Normand of Mayfair
- Previous owner for 18 years
- Many servicing invoices – main dealer and independent
- Personalised registration not included in sale
- Spent much of its life on the Isle of Man
The Interior
- An immaculately well-kept interior
- Exceptionally clean leather
- Glass-roofed hardtop
First impressions count, and this SL 500’s interior makes the kind of first impression we like to see. It is obvious from just a cursory glance that this car has been carefully cared for and treated with the respect it deserves. And when you delve a little deeper, you can see all the little details which support this claim.
The leather seats look like they have hardly been sat in, especially considering that they are a very pale colour which has remained beautifully clean. The carpets and door cards are equally pristine and the whole interior looks to have been handled with respect.
Of course, we had to find something to report fault with: there is a very small rip in the trim where the passenger door closes and the rev counter has rotated itself a few degrees off centre.
The dashboard appears to be immaculate, with its highly polished walnut veneer retaining its deep sheen and almost no perceptible wear to the transfers on the switches and dials.
A glass-roofed hardtop is provided, which turns this open roadster into a very civilised coupé, while retaining the feeling of bright spaciousness.
The Exterior
- Black metallic paintwork in great condition
- Fabric hood ‘as new’
The deep black metallic paintwork worn by this SL 500 remains very sound and presentable, it certainly looks younger than its years. A full polish would bring the paint up to a higher standard, but it remains perfectly usable as it is.
The alloy wheels are in very presentable condition, with only a couple of small scratches to the rims which the next owner could see to, as a finishing touch. Underneath, there are no obvious surprise, but the usual surface corrosion is present, as you would expect on a car of this age.
In addition to the glass hardtop, the car’s fabric hood is said to be in as-new condition and a wind deflector is also fitted.
The Mechanics
- Well maintained, with service stamps
- Powerful 315bhp V8 engine
- Drives as it should do
The 5-litre V8 produces a more than respectable 315bhp, which pushes the car decisively and provides a great soundtrack. The engine bay appears clean and tidy.
This car comes with a reassuringly well-stamped service book, and invoices. It is said to have spent a long time in storage, which is reflected in its low mileage.
The vendor reports that the car drives very nicely, with no unusual quirks, accelerating smoothly and stopping straight and true.
Summary
A fantastic opportunity to acquire an SL 500 which has been well looked after and remains in amazingly good condition. This car is a very smart example of Mercedes' V8 roadster, which in its time was a high-end vehicle.
You would not look out of place arriving in this car at any event or occasion – its iconic design has certainly stood the test of time.
