1998 Mercedes-Benz SL 500

This facelift example has the magnificent M119 quad-cam, 32V V8 engine in situ and comes with the ever-popular factory-fitted Panoramic hard-top roof and, of course, a soft-top.

It has had 3 owners from new and has just 85,000 miles under its various belts.

‘Brilliant Silver’ with a black leather interior, the car is in very decent condition both for its age and its mileage.

The vendor has owned the car since 2020 and he has dutifully carried on the tradition established by his predecessors – namely, sparse use of the car and regular, timely, no-expense-spared maintenance and servicing.

When we say sparse use, we mean it – the car’s odometer was showing 72,000 miles in 2006, meaning that it’s covered just 13,000 miles in 19 years.

The car presents well from every angle and its low, purposeful stance is straight and true.

The bodywork is free of any dinks, dents or other major aberrations, and the panel gaps and shut-lines are everything you should hope and expect to find on a car of this quality.

Refurbished in 2020, the wheels are decent but have the odd scuff here and there and a couple of small spots of nascent bubbling in places. The tyres look as if they have a decent amount of life in them.

The black fabric soft-top is in good order and goes up and down with a minimum of fuss or delay.

The Panoramic roof is fully functional and lifts on and off as it should, but there is some bubbling at the base of both ‘C’ pillars and some scuffs and paint chips on the black strip running along the bottom.

The glass is in good condition, although the VIN panel on the windscreen has some damage to it. 

There are scuff marks on both front wings near the bumper, and the odd scratch and crack to the paint around the headlights. 

We also found some scuffs, stone chips and scratches around the rear wheel-arches, along the rear bumper, and around the fuel filler cap. There is a patch of peeling lacquer on the boot lid.  

The lights, lenses, badging and other exterior fixtures and fittings appear to be in good condition.

The interior has endured the passage of time very well and appears to be in good order throughout.

The black leather upholstery has yet to earn more than a few insignificant creases, let alone any ingrained patina, and although there is a little light wear in evidence on the steering wheel and gear selector, it’s negligible and entirely commensurate with the car’s age and mileage. 

One switch inside the central storage cubby ooks a little mangled, but elsewhere the switches, dials, knobs, buttons and gauges all look fine and, as far as we’re aware, everything does what it’s meant to do. 

The carpets and mats are in good condition but would probably thank their next owner for a good clean. 

The wood and veneer inserts are intact throughout, but there are numerous scuffs and light scratches in evidence on the centre console and door inserts.

The roof lining and hood lining are both decent, as are the door cards, bar the odd scuff and scratch – particularly around the speaker grille on the driver’s door.

The small but useable boot is very decent.

The engine is reassuringly clean and dry, with everything in what seems to be its right and proper place. 

The undersides of the car look sound, solid and as you would hope expect to find on a car that’s been carefully curated throughout its life and, in 2021, was treated to nearly £700 worth of Dinitrol Corrosion protection. 

It has also had a new stainless stainless-steel exhaust and new shock absorbers recently.

The car comes with a stamped-service book featuring main dealer names up until 2020 and noted marque specialists thereafter.

It received a full service from Star Motor Services of Reading in September 2024.

It comes with its original owner’s manual and service book, plus print-outs of service schedules and maintenance work going back many years, full sets of keys, an HPI report and an MoT certificate, with no advisories whatsoever, that’s valid until 13/9/25. 

Any Mercedes-Benz carrying an SL suffix is a bit special. 

They seem to reserve their best work for cars thus badged and anything with an ‘S’ after its name.

This example is in first-class mechanical condition and has just a few pretty minor cosmetic jobs to consider before it returns to all, some or most of its considerable former glory.

We’re confident to offer this fine car for auction with an estimate of £7,000 - £10,000. 

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays between 10am - 12pm or 2pm - 4pm. To make a booking, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.