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1995 MERCEDES-BENZ SL500 MILLE MIGLIA

This Mercedes-Benz SL500 Mille Miglia is a very smart example of a rare limited-edition model, accompanied by all of its original books and tools. It is powered by the 5.0-litre M119 DOHC V8 engine producing 322bhp, driven through the rear wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission. The digital odometer shows the car has covered 72,469 miles from new.

An R129-era SL is a desirable modern classic in its own right, but this Mille Miglia edition is one of an elusive special series. Built to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Stirling Moss’s legendary win in the 1955 Mille Miglia road race, it is understood that just 40 of these cars were made in right-hand drive SL500 guise for the UK market. The unique interior specification is enhanced by the attractive ‘Evo II’ six-spoke alloy wheels.

This particular SL500 Mille Miglia has had just two registered keepers from new. The first owner took delivery in August 1995 at the Lancaster Hertford main dealer, and kept the car for 10 years, only selling it on in January 2005 having covered around 43,000 miles. The second owner was evidently equally enamoured by the SL500’s comfort and performance, and he held onto the car for even longer, trading it in January 2020.

All examples of the Mille Miglia were finished in the same hue of Brilliant Silver Metallic, complete with chequered flag accents on the front wings. The paintwork of this car is very presentable, with only a few light scuffs around the corners of the bumpers, and some light stone chips around the nose. There is also some bubbling under the paint on the offside front corner of the hard top, which is likely the result of a galvanic reaction between the steel A-pillar and aluminium roof.

The bonnet and boot shuts, door jambs, and sills are all in superb, blemish-free condition. All of the light lenses are in equally good order, with no cracks or chips, and the rubber window seals are in great shape. The 17-inch ‘Evo II’ wheels present very well, with only a small kerbing dent on the nearside front wheel, and some lifting of the paint around the centre of the offside rear wheel in particular.

In the cabin, the seats are upholstered in a bespoke combination of black leather with red perforated leather centre panels. The trim is in excellent condition, with only some light wear to the driver’s seat side bolster. Under the hard top, the headlining looks pristine, and the rear seats appear to have been barely used. The original carbon-effect trim is present across the dashboard, centre console and door panels.

Factory-fitted equipment includes full electric adjustment and heating for the front seats, automatic climate control, and cruise control. A Pioneer CD stereo head unit is also installed. The R129 SL makes a fantastic touring car, with a very practical cabin. The rear seats fold down to provide a carpeted shelf for small bags, and there are also two central cubby boxes, a hidden storage area in the top of the dashboard, and covered door pockets.

At the back of the car, the carpet boot lining is in great shape, retaining the three clips for storing the wind deflector when not in use. The floor panel lifts up to reveal the full-size spare wheel and tyre, and the original tool kit and jack are still present, along with OEM spare bulb kits.

This SL500 is reported to be in very good mechanical order, though has seen only limited use over the last few years. The most recent scheduled maintenance on file was in March 2017 at 71,629 miles, when the distributor cap and rotor arms were renewed. The front brake pads and a rear tie rod were replaced around 8,000 miles ago.

Its last MOT test pass was on 26 February 2020 at 72,469 miles, which resulted in only a few advisories regarding non-excessive oil leaks from the rear differential and offside engine area, and some corrosion on the middle section of the exhaust. The wheels are fitted with 245/45 R17 tyres all round, date-coded to 2010 at the front and 2012 at the rear.

The car is accompanied by the original leather book wallet, housing the owner’s manual, guarantee and maintenance records, and other user guides. There are also three remote flip keys present, and a folder of various MOT and service history paperwork.

This Mercedes-Benz SL500 Mille Miglia is a rare special edition, presented in very good condition, and with only a few items to attend to in order to make it an excellent example. It is a stylish contemporary classic, and should prove to be a reliable, practical and enjoyable grand tourer for its next owner.

Summary of MOT history on file: