1999 Mercedes-Benz SL500

The Mercedes was purchased by the current owner through a passion for these cars. The owner searched for the best example they could find with the intention to fix the car back up to the highest standard. This was going to be a forever car but unfortunately the changing rules around major cities and the introduction of ULEZ has forced the sale. The car was originally brought over from Jersey to Mercedes-Benz in Dartford. The car’s previous owners have been high up members of the Mercedes-Benz enthusiast club where it was even purchased to be included in a collection of high-quality examples. The current owner came to purchase the car on the recommendation of a friend as it was being sold out of the collection and then it was given the full works by the current owner to get the car back to Mercedes-Benz high build standard. As a result, the car now wants for nothing and is just looking for an owner who can store and run the car as the current owner intended.

The Obsidian black metallic paintwork is just as good as the name sounds and it’s in near new condition. The car has both a black hard top with the rare optional Panoramic glass and a burgundy mohair soft top with headlining, with the black hard top the car has a menacing and purposeful presence on the road and with the burgundy mohair soft top, the car has an added elegance which is perfect for the easier summer months. The silver 18” AMG style alloys match the darker exterior style perfectly benefitting from a timeless colour combination to highlight the chrome touches around the body. All electricals work on the car including the headlight washers and the shut lines around the car are uniform and tight.

The interior of the Mercedes is near immaculate, the beige leather is a nice contrast to the deep black exterior. The walnut veneer touches in the cabin are all in great condition with no lacquer peeling or cracks. The grey plastic and leather trim around the dash and steering wheel are all in good condition also giving the car an executive feel. The dials, stereo and interior switches are all in good condition too and all work as intended. The seats have recently been retrimmed since being in the current owners care so are in fantastic condition with no rips, tears, fraying or staining. The hardtop has the optional Panoramic large glass panel in the roof which gives the cabin a much roomier feel, the burgundy soft top has a beige headlining which matches the interior perfectly.

Under the bonnet, the 5.0L V8 engine looks to be in fantastic condition and as shown in the paperwork has had work done during the current owner’s time with the car to keep it performing to its best. The engine wants for nothing now other than the usual scheduled maintenance; all rubber components look to be in good condition with no dry or cracking pipes. The same goes for the electrical components and wiring with the bay looking very presentable and not showing anywhere near the wear and tear you’d expect from a 23-year-old car.

Looking underneath the car and it is again a nice surprise to see how clean the floor plan is. The suspension components are all in good condition also with very little surface corrosion at all, a testament to how well Mercedes built these cars back in the 90’s. The exhaust looks to be in good condition and the owner reports that it is not blowing and sounds fantastic. The rear passenger side back box has been replaced recently too. The brakes have been adjusted and uprated with braided hoses to ensure you can stop as effectively as you can accelerate. The springs and shocks all round look to be in great condition and serve as a good indication to the handling prospects of this SL.

This car has quite a comprehensive history file due to being owned mostly by enthusiasts in the past. It’s been kept in fantastic condition and the only MOT fails it has had have been related to the number plate and headlights. The car has had work done to make it the best example it can be, details of which are summarised below.

- Water pump replaced, washer pump replaced, various service items replaced, and little bits tidied up – Jacksons Mercedes-Benz – 11/04/2008

- New steering damper replaced; rear brake hoses replaced; track rod end bushes and glovebox electrical plug, drag link and idler arm bushes replaced, seat heater replaced– 05/03/2010

- Wheel bearing end float checked and adjusted, new rear antiroll bar drop links – Mercedes-Benz Guildford, maintenance carried out – 21/09/2011

- Fan belt and radiator fan replaced; new front damper bolt replaced – SS Motors – 19/03/2012

- Rust repair to n/s/r wing with repaint, repair and repaint front bumper, front number plate holder painted body colour – Multi-Tech – 02/03/2013

- Hardtop lifting system – Special Vehicle Services Limited – 04/04/2014

- New central locking pump – Independent Mercedes-Benz specialist – 09/08/2020

- Full intensive service including brake fluid and hub adjustment, transmission service, washer system refresh, new rear tyres, aircon service as well as electrical systems and in car temp sensor, suspension track rod assembly, cam covers, gaskets and breather hoses, car key replacement, instrument clusters and replacement bulbs, replacement boot vacuum release solenoid, radio and speakers replaced due to them being missing, centre console gas strut replacement, reglued internal mirror cover trims - Independent Mercedes-Benz specialist – 27/05/2020

- Driver’s seat back rest and electricals repaired, seats reupholstered, front passenger wheel refurbed, back bumper centre fixing kit applied, driver’s side heated seat - Independent Mercedes-Benz specialist – 05/11/2020

- Supply and fit Burgundy Mohair Soft top & headliner – Car Hood Warehouse LTD – 18/08/2021

- Repair and paint boot lid, N/S roof pillar, O/S roof pillar and rear section of roof – Revamp Autoworks – 21/05/2021

This is a fantastic example of a highly desirable car, perhaps one of the best examples on the market today. Black on beige on red is a fantastic colour combination and one that will stand the test of time even for another 23 years.

This Merc wants for very little in terms of mechanical or body work and just needs to be driven and enjoyed. The current owner has done a fantastic job of bringing this already good example up to an exceptional standard ready for its next custodian.

Our estimate for this car is £13,000 - £18,000.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this car is located at our headquarters near Abingdon; we are open weekdays between 9am-5pm, so to arrange an appointment please use the ‘Contact Seller’ button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.