1997 MERCEDES-BENZ (R129) SL500

KEY FACTS

• A powerful and refined modern classic roadster, offered in good cosmetic order and benefitting from a recent service.
• Under the bonnet is the sonorous 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8, sending 316bhp to the rear wheels via a five-speed automatic transmission.
• This SL500 is particularly well-equipped, and will be supplied with its colour-matched hardtop roof for enhanced year-round usability.

EQUIPMENT AND FEATURES

• This R129-generation example is finished in the timeless colour combination of Brilliant Silver Metallic over a light grey leather-trimmed cabin with a walnut veneer centre console.
• It is equipped with heated electric seats with three-position memory, cruise control, a wind deflector, climate control, rear seats, and an aftermarket Parrot radio with Bluetooth capability.
• The car rides on the correct set of 16-inch ‘Monkar’ alloy wheels.
• Its black soft top roof has recently been replaced.
• Included in the sale are the original owner’s book pack, service book, detachable hard top with stand and cover, toolkit, previous keeper details and paperwork detailing the car’s extensive maintenance history.

CONDITION

• There is no known bodywork damage.
• The front and rear bumpers were repainted by the car’s previous keeper to rectify some general scuff marks.
• Today, the Brilliant Silver Metallic paintwork presents well given its age, though there are various small marks and blemishes around the car, including slight bubbling around the nearside front wheel arch, a small scratch on the boot lid, a minor scuff on the nearside corner of the front bumper, and some light scrapes on the plastic trim behind the driver’s door. 
• All four alloy wheels are scuffed and scratched, and would benefit from refurbishment in due course.
• The vendor reports that there are some deep scratches on the detachable hardtop, caused by it being improperly stored.
• The recently replaced soft top is in excellent condition, with no visible rips, tears, scuffs or fading.
• Inside, the Light Grey leather-trimmed cabin is in good order, with some minor age-related fading on the seats, slight staining on the carpets, and a couple of modest signs of wear on the centre console and radio controls.
• There are no known mechanical or electrical faults.
• The car’s last MOT test was conducted on 14 September 2021 at 69,736 miles, resulting in a first-time pass. Advisories noted slight play in the steering box, both front suspension arm ball joints and nearside front wheel bearing, as well as corrosion to both rear brake pipes, corrosion to the offside rear vehicle structure, and that both front tyres were worn close to the legal limit.

SERVICE HISTORY

• This SL500 was last serviced in March 2021 at 69,515 miles by Phoenix Motor Centre, who renewed the spark plugs, filters, brake fluid, engine oil and transmission fluid. The battery and fog light lenses were replaced in February 2021, as well as one of the mirrors.
• Prior to this, the brake light wiring was repaired during a service in September 2019 at 65,634 miles, the coil pack was changed in May 2019 at 63,397 miles, and the air conditioning system was re-gassed in January 2019 at 63,194 miles.

SUMMARY

Offered in a highly original condition, this timeless R129-generation Mercedes-Benz SL500 is presented in a handsome factory colour scheme, and benefits from a recent service. While its next owner may wish to tend to some of its minor cosmetic and mechanical issues in due course, this potent modern classic should make a wonderful long-distance cruiser for many more miles to come, and is made all the more usable thanks to its included hardtop roof.

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. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.