1995 MERCEDES-BENZ (R129) SL500

This Mercedes-Benz SL500 is a stylish and sophisticated cruiser, presented in a handsome factory colour scheme, and in superb condition throughout. Under the bonnet is the 322bhp 5.0-litre DOHC V8 engine, driving the rear wheels via a five-speed automatic transmission. The odometer shows 82,008 miles.

First registered on 30 October 1995, this R129-generation SL has five previous keepers on the V5C, though it is understood to have six previous owners in total. The private vendor acquired the car six months ago, but it is not registered in his name as it was accepted in part exchange for a vehicle that he sold.

The vendor describes the bodywork as being in excellent condition, and with flush shut lines all around the car. Its Ruby Red metallic paint finish presents very well, with only a few small stone chips, and is generally in excellent shape considering its 25 years of age. It rides on the original 16-inch eight-hole alloys, which have no kerbing damage, and only slight lacquer blemishes around the wheel bolts. This SL500 also retains a factory hardtop, giving it enhanced year-round usability.

Stepping inside, the smart beige leather complements the Ruby Red exterior hue very well, and the upholstery remains in superb condition. The leather is still taut and with no rips or other damage, and there is only minor wear visible on the driver’s side outer bolster and very slight signs of aging elsewhere. In April 2019, both door cards and both A-pillar trims were renewed, and the original dashboard is in great shape. Burr walnut veneers add a classy touch to the cabin.

The hood tonneau cover behind the rear seats presents very well, and the black soft top itself is in excellent condition, with no damage or holes. The car also retains the original wind deflector, and the storage cover for it in the boot. Up front, there are electrically adjustable seats with memory settings for the driver and passenger, and other equipment includes automatic air-conditioning, cruise control, and a Blaupunkt Sevilla stereo head unit and CD player. The central locking is currently inoperative via the remote fob, but works perfectly using the key in the doors. Other than this, there are no other known faults or foibles.

Its last routine maintenance was carried out in September 2020 at 81,482 miles, when technicians at Mercedes-Benz specialist George Fraser Ltd carried out an engine oil and filter change. In September 2019, a brand-new Hella air-conditioning condenser was fitted, while in January 2019 the heater blower motor was replaced. Other notable work in the last few years includes a rebuild of the front suspension in April 2018, and fitment of new bonnet soundproofing.

The most recent MOT test was on 10 January 2020 at 81,306 miles, when it achieved a first-time pass with no advisories whatsoever. The wheels are shod in matching Pirelli Cinturato P7 tyres, which were all fitted within the last 1,000 miles.

Accompanying the car are all handbooks and the original stamped service book, plus a sheaf of invoices detailing various maintenance and repairs, totalling several thousand pounds. The car is supplied with a factory hardtop, plus the storage stand and cover. Three keys are also present.

This Mercedes-Benz SL500 is an excellent example of a sought-after modern classic, which the vendor reports has a comprehensive service history file. A ‘facelift’ car with the colour-coded bumpers and later five-speed transmission, this SL would make a very smart addition to any collection, and is ideally suited to being a stylish weekend tourer or long-distance road trip companion.

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. 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.