1993 MERCEDES-BENZ (R129) SL500

This Mercedes-Benz SL500 is an excellent example of a refined and powerful modern classic, presented with low mileage, a comprehensive maintenance history and a desirable colour scheme. It is powered by a 322bhp 5.0-litre V8 engine, coupled with a four-speed automatic gearbox. The odometer currently indicates 66,089 miles from new.

This SL500 was first registered in August 1993 and has been with its current keeper for two years. Prior to this, it was often used in Spain by its previous owner of 20 years – though never exported or taken off its UK plates – and has four previous registered keepers on the log book.

The bodywork remains in superb condition, with flush shut lines and no evidence of any accident damage. The vendor states that the Almandine Red paintwork presents beautifully, having recently benefitted from a £1,000 detailing session with a ceramic coating application. The soft top roof is reported to be working as it should, and still presents in neat and tidy condition, with no evidence of any scuffs or scrapes. It rides on 16-inch Mercedes-Benz alloy wheels, which have some minor bubbling in the paint and a few small nicks and scuffs, but which otherwise present well.

In the cabin, the front and back seats are upholstered with beige leather featuring perforated centre panels. The upholstery presents with some light creases, though it is believed to be entirely original. There is some very minor discoloration on the seatbelts, but in general the interior looks superb, and the carpets have kept their plush appearance. The centre console features a walnut finish, which has the odd superficial scratch, but the gear lever and switches remain in good order with no electrical faults reported, and no warning lights present on the dashboard.

The last service was undertaken by Bolton Motor Works at 65,732 miles, where technicians changed the engine oil and filter. There is an extensive file of paperwork, which the vendor states contains virtually every receipt for any money spent on the car. The original service book is stamped up to 58,378 miles in November 2002, and there are invoices and online MOT records evidencing the mileage thereafter. The vendor reports that it starts, runs and drives without fault.

The most recent MOT test was on 15 June 2020 at 65,334 miles, which resulted in a pass with an advisory to monitor signs of perishing on all tyres. However, the vendor states that the issue has since been rectified, with new tyres on all four corners.

Accompanying this SL500 are the original owner’s manual, workshop directory and service booklet, along with two files containing extensive detail of the vehicle’s prior maintenance. Notably, it also comes with the original colour-coded hard top, which presents in excellent condition.

This Mercedes-Benz SL500 is a superb modern classic roadster, with a desirable colour scheme and a comprehensive maintenance history. It is presented in very good cosmetic order, and is reported to be in fine mechanical health. Ideal for top-down drives in the warm summer months, and comfortable and practical enough for longer distance tours, this well-appointed cruiser would make a brilliant addition to any collection.

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence through HPI checks and MOT history. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

All UK-registered 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.