1985 MERCEDES-BENZ (R107) 500 SL

This 1985 Mercedes-Benz 500 SL is a refined classic cruiser, with elegant bodywork and a smart interior, and which has been kept in good mechanical condition. Under the bonnet sits the 5.0-litre V8 engine, coupled with a smooth automatic transmission. The odometer currently indicates 90,392 miles from new.

First registered in January 1985, this 500 SL has been in the hands of its current keeper for approaching one year.

The car’s sophisticated bodywork is in good shape, and its white paintwork also looks smart. Some age-related stone chips and scuffs can be seen on the plastic front bumper trim, while the white finish beneath has suffered some discolouration. Some very slight bubbling can be seen around the rear wheel arches, though the vendor has been told that the sills have previously been refurbished, and the chrome body trims all appear to be in good shape. The vehicle rides on a set of 14-inch ‘Baroque’ alloy wheels, which have a few small nicks around the rims.

Inside, the blue upholstery is in good shape, featuring leather bolsters and headrests, with chequered cloth centre panels. The driver’s seat base has some age-related fraying with a basic repair, while both front seats present with few small creases. A couple of light marks can be seen on the driver’s door pocket, though the door cards and their fabric inserts both present well. Some small scratches and discolouration are visible on the wood veneer inlays. An aftermarket Sony stereo has been installed, featuring Bluetooth and USB connectivity, and no electrical faults have been detected with any of the switchgear or instruments.

The last routine maintenance was undertaken in August 2020 at 90,345 miles, where technicians at The SL Shop in Drayton carried out a Mercedes Service C, changing the fluids and brake lines, before replacing the power steering unit. Prior to this, similar routine maintenance took place in June 2019 at 88,584 miles, which included a brake fluid replacement. The car has a fantastic history file documenting regular servicing throughout its life, as pictured in the photo gallery.

The most recent MOT test was on 4 June 2020 at 89,825 miles, which resulted in a clean pass with no advisories or defects. The wheels come wrapped with Dunlop tyres, all with at least 5mm of tread remaining.

Accompanying the vehicle are the original owner’s manual and stamped service book, alongside a raft of maintenance invoices and MOT certificates. There are also two sets of keys, the original tool roll and jack.

This Mercedes-Benz 500 SL is a stylish classic, which makes a great cruiser or road trip car. While it could be improved with some minor cosmetic work in places, this is evidently a well-maintained example, and could be a great entry point to classic Mercedes ownership.

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All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.