1990 MERCEDES-BENZ (R129) 500SL

A diligently maintained, tastefully specified and well cared-for example of a wonderful modern classic cruiser, this 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500SL is finished in Schwarz Black and Alto Grey with a beige leather interior. The odometer shows 137,756 miles from new, which is backed up by a remarkably comprehensive service history.

A very early example of the R129 variant, these vehicles are consummate grand tourers thanks to the M119 5.0-litre DOHC V8 engine paired with a smooth four-speed automatic gearbox and luxurious cabin. Having been cared for by main dealers and specialists since new, this 500SL is a great example.

First registered on 2 April 1990, the car was supplied by Mercedes-Benz Dorchester where it was then taken for routine servicing for the first 18 years of life. The car has had only three previous keepers, and has been owned by the vendor for around one year.

The two-tone Schwarz Black and Alto Grey paintwork presents well, with crisp shut lines and a high gloss. Internal painted areas such as door shuts are in great condition, as is the original metal hard top included in the sale. The vendor has been very open and reported that the car has very slight swirling to the paintwork, a hairline scratch near a tail light cluster, minor stone chips to the front of the car including wing mirrors, and a small blister to the paintwork at the base of the hardtop. Overall, the car presents very well and is believed to be finished in the original paint. The 18-inch AMG ‘Monoblock’ alloy wheels are in excellent condition, having been refurbished during the vendor’s ownership.

Moving inside, the beige leather interior is a fine contrast with the exterior and is in generally good condition, though does have some wear and tear in line with the mileage. There is a small split in the base of the driver’s seat, and a worn side bolster – though the foam itself remains in good shape, so a repair should be straightforward. Under close scrutiny, the hinge on the driver’s door storage bin is slightly misaligned but this is hard to notice. The rear seats show minimal wear, and the car boasts an upgraded Pioneer head unit with iPod connectivity through the glovebox.

The car is sold with the desirable metal hardtop, and with the rare hardtop stand. As shown in the gallery, the headlining of the hardtop is sagging. The car is also sold with three original keys including spare valet keys, original tool kit, first aid kit, ‘running-in’ hanging card, spare wheel, an original and unused Mercedes-Benz leather key holder, and a workshop directory – alongside all MOT certificates, the stamped service book and many maintenance invoices.

The car has a comprehensive and well-documented service history, which is summarised below, with the most recent service carried out by Mercedes-Benz and BMW specialist Rob Jones in June 2020 at 137,687 miles. Prior to this oil and filter service, the car received a spark plug service in January 2019 and an oil and filter service in June 2018 – both at specialist Casterbridge Motor Company.

The car was MOT tested on 15 May 2019 at 136,684 miles with no advisories, and due to the Covid-19 extension this now expires on 12 December 2020. The car is wearing Falken tyres all round with approximately 5mm tread on the fronts and 6mm tread on the rears.

With a remarkable maintenance history, stacks of documentation, countless original items retained, and in impressive condition overall, this Mercedes-Benz 500SL is a fine example of the breed. It is presented in a smart colour combination, and is ready to enjoy on the road.

Summary of service history:

• March 1990 - Mercedes-Benz Dorchester - Pre-delivery
• June 1990 - Mercedes-Benz Dorchester - 1,227 miles
• January 1991 - Mercedes-Benz Dorchester - 2,867 miles
• October 1991 - Mercedes-Benz Dorchester - 6,786 miles
• June 1992 - Mercedes-Benz Dorchester - 9,629 miles
• March 1993 - Mercedes-Benz Dorchester - 12,382 miles
• October 1993 - Mercedes-Benz Dorchester - 15,771 miles
• March 1994 - Mercedes-Benz Dorchester - 16,731 miles
• October 1994 - Mercedes-Benz Dorchester - 18,335 miles
• March 1995 - Mercedes-Benz Dorchester - 20,703 miles
• October 1995 - Mercedes-Benz Dorchester - 22,412 miles
• August 1996 - Mercedes-Benz Dorchester - 24,884 miles
• March 1997 - Mercedes-Benz Dorchester - 30,435 miles
• September 1997 - Mercedes-Benz Dorchester - 32,968 miles
• March 1998 - Mercedes-Benz Dorchester - 36,522 miles
• June 1999 - Mercedes-Benz Dorchester - 44,972 miles
• April 2000 - Mercedes-Benz Dorchester - 47,969 miles
• March 2001 - Mercedes-Benz Dorchester - 53,981 miles
• March 2002 - Mercedes-Benz Dorchester - 59,726 miles
• July 2003 - Mercedes-Benz Dorchester - 66,884 miles
• August 2004 - Mercedes-Benz Dorchester - 75,102 miles
• April 2006 - Mercedes-Benz Southampton - 90,225 miles
• June 2007 - Mercedes-Benz Dorchester - 98,715 miles
• July 2008 - Mercedes-Benz Dorchester - 106,984 miles
• June 2009 - Pentangle Mercedes-Benz Ltd - 112,883 miles
• June 2010 - Casterbridge Motor Company (Mercedes-Benz specialist) - 119,032 miles
• May 2011 - Casterbridge Motor Company - 122,176 miles
• May 2012 - Casterbridge Motor Company - 123,539 miles
• June 2013 - Casterbridge Motor Company - 125,617 miles
• May 2014 - Casterbridge Motor Company - 127,878 miles
• June 2015 - Casterbridge Motor Company - 129,801 miles
• June 2016 - Casterbridge Motor Company - 131,918 miles
• June 2017 - Casterbridge Motor Company - 133,806 miles 
• June 2018 - Casterbridge Motor Company - 135,727 miles
• June 2020 - Rob Jones Mercedes-Benz and BMW specialist - 137,687 miles

All cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.