Mercedes-Benz
500SL

ABOUT THIS CAR

Delivered new on 14th August 1991 through Mercedes-Benz Riverdale Brighton, originally supplied to Guernsey. Two owners from new, just over 53,000 miles.

Colour & Trim

• Almandine Red over Mushroom leather — a classic R129 combination, and as it happens the same spec as Princess Diana's
• Black folding hood
• Matching factory hardtop included

Factory Specification (key options)

• Adaptive damping system with self-levelling suspension front and rear (ADS)
• Dual electric seats with memory, mirror memory
• Acceleration slip regulation (ASR)
• Rear cross seats (2 occasional rear seats in place of parcel shelf)
• Headlamp wipers
• Cruise control
• Infrared remote central locking
• Heat-insulating glass with windshield band filter
• Draft deflector (Windschott)
• Factory anti-theft alarm
• Right-hand drive, English instruments

Mechanical

• Full recommission by the SL Shop in 2023, following forensic inspection — work totalling over £20,000
• Comprehensive service history throughout

Wheels & Tyres

• Currently on fully refurbished AMG Aero 3-style alloys with near-new Michelin Pilot Sport tyres
• Included in the sale: full set of 16" Mercedes Monkar alloys with as-new Michelin Primacy 4 tyres

History & Documentation

• Original sales materials and dealer brochures
• Paint and interior sample brochures
• Complete book pack and all service manuals
• Original warranty card
• Original factory build data sheet
• Two main key fobs plus the original chunky early key fob

As a pre-1993 car, this 500 SL benefits from the early wiring loom — the later biodegradable insulation used after 1993 is a well-documented headache on R129s, and not something that applies here. Under the bonnet is the original 32-valve 5.0-litre M119 V8 with variable inlet cam timing — the most powerful naturally aspirated version of the engine fitted to the R129, and by most accounts the most characterful. In many respects, this is the one to have.