1996 Mercedes-Benz SL 500 / U.S. 500 Ltd. Edition

“Goooooooooood morning Vietnam!”

Have you guessed who it is yet?

Yes, the late, great Robin Williams was the first owner of this car, which was delivered new to him by a Beverly Hills Mercedes-Benz dealership.

It was transferred by Robin into the sole ownership of his wife, Marsha, in 2010 after they divorced.

It was bought by the London-based current owner and vendor at a New York auction of Robin Williams’ art collection and other artefacts in 2018.

At that time the mileage was 41,809 miles and the car had spent all of its well-documented and decidedly pampered life on the sunny, salt-free roads of California.

So, it should come as no surprise to learn that it is in particularly splendid condition.

Today, the mileage has increased to a paltry 43,210, with the bulk of those additional miles accounted for by a trip to and from the vendor’s house in Cannes.

When it wasn’t being stored and kept warm and dry in Cannes, it was being stored and kept warm and dry in London.

This car wouldn’t recognise snow or rain if you showed it pictures of them and sent it on a meteorology course.

It has retained all of the fabulous build quality for which these cars were rightly famed.

It starts on the button and has the responsiveness, pace and agility of a car that’s yet to breech the 45,000-mile mark and has had no expense spared in its upkeep.

As far as we and the vendor are aware, everything works.

At present, the soft-top roof is a little reluctant to operate unless the battery is on a trickle charger to keep it fully charged.

A lasting solution to that minor foible is no doubt both simple and quick, although you may need to take advice on that.

The car presents very impressively from every angle and there are no dents, creases, ripples or folds of any significance than we can see anywhere on the bodywork.

The shut-lines and panel gaps are crisp and consistent, and the doors close with all the heft and precision you would hope and expect to find on a car of this cost and quality.

The hard-top fits snugly and the fixtures and fittings for it are in very good order.

The soft top has a few creases to show for being tucked away for some time, but it is fundamentally sound and ready for action.

The gleaming white paintwork is the star of the show and you’d be forgiven for thinking that it had been freshly applied just a few months ago.

Even standard stone chips and light scratches are rather more notable for their absence than their presence.

The upright ends of the metal frame surrounding the mesh grille behind the front number plate have snapped in two.

The striking 18” AMG Monoblock alloys are very good, with the exception of the o/s/f wheel, which has some kerbing in evidence and some missing lacquer.

That wheel is shod with a Continental Premium Contact 6 tyre, the other wheels wear Continental Conti Sport Contact 3 tyres.

The lights, lenses and other exterior fixtures and fittings have withstood the passage of time with commendable resolve, as has the car’s badging, including the US*500 badges on the car’s flanks.

All in all, it’s a very good-looking car and its condition is far more a reflection of its low mileage and exemplary curation than its age.

The interior is following the same script as its exterior counterpart.

In other words, it’s really very good indeed.

We spotted just two faults worthy of a mention.

Firstly, the headlining on the hard-top has detached itself at the leading edge of the roof and is hanging down.

Secondly, there are some cracks to the lacquer on the wood sections of the steering wheel.

That’s it.

Everything else looks pretty much minty fresh and squeaky clean.

The grey leather upholstery on the seats has barely earned a crease, let alone any ingrained patina, and aside from a slight scuff on the passenger seat bolster there are no real signs of wear anywhere.

The carpets are good throughout.

The mats and the headrests are distinguished by US*500 branding.

The door cards are in fine fettle, as is the dashboard and centre console.

The wood veneers have resisted the usual temptations to crack or shed their lacquer.

As far as we and the vendor are aware, all knobs, switches, toggles, levers, dials and instruments do what they’re supposed to do without delay or complaint.

The boot is in good condition and contains a car cover, wind deflector and a roll of what looks like some spare mat material.

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

The undersides of the car look like those you would expect to find on a car that’s lived most of its life in California, in the South of France, or indoors.

Everything looks to have a decent amount of structural integrity.

Nothing we’ve seen has given us any cause to tut or raise an eyebrow.

The car comes with a big, thick history file that’s bristling with maintenance and service invoices covering its life in the US and beyond.

There are various documents, deeds and titles attesting to its ownership by Robin and Marsha Williams.

It comes with a full pack of manuals, two sets of keys, an MoT (with no advisories) that’s valid until 16th October 2025, and a clear HPI report.

This car is very, very special in three different ways.

Firstly, it is one of just 40 US*500 models ever made.

Secondly, it is in outstanding condition and has a very low number of miles under its belts.

Thirdly, it was owned, driven and enjoyed by the legend that is Robin Williams.

How best should we describe the unique opportunity presented by this glorious car?

One phrase immediately springs to mind – “Carpe diem”.

Well, what are you waiting for?

We are happy to offer this car for auction with an estimate in the range of £20,000 - £25,000.

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 Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.