1990 Mercedes-Benz SL 500 (R129)
***Vendor supplied images***
Highlights
- Highly original modern classic in Almandine Red
- Original beige leather interior
- Complete with original brown soft top and colour-matched hard top
The Appeal
One of the most enduring of Mercedes-Benz’ modern classics, the SL500 continues to be an icon for the company’s repertoire. Top-notch build quality and a perfect fusion of both old and new design elements came together to make a fitting tribute to the Mercs of old, while casting an eye to the needs of the modern driver. Evolution, not revolution - in its best possible form.
This example, originally built for the US Market, is highly original, with all of that early-90s period character fully intact.
The History and Paperwork
- Built in 1990 at Mercedes-Benz’ Stuttgart factory
- Originally built for the USA
- Reportedly only two owners from new
- Since 1990 the car lived in Spain
- By 2022 the car moved to Italy, where it’s now based
- Carries an Italian registration
- All VAT and import duties were paid upon import to the EU
- The car indicates 50,363 miles, which we believe is an authentic mileage
- Paperwork file includes:
- Original manual and service book
- Manual for the radio unit and restrain system
- Service instruction guide
- A selection of invoices
- Decoded VIN printout
The Interior
- Original beige interior
- Attractive period dashboard with original equipment
- Impressive wood veneers
This SL500 is a very nicely presented vehicle with its period interior intact. The beige leather is in rare order, with no rips or tears and only the slightest signs of age-commensurate sagging. This extends to the carpets and door cards, which lack any substantial signs of wear or fault.
The dashboard is in excellent order, with tactile instruments and all of its period features intact. We can’t spot any obvious faults, with every feature looking in clean, well-presented order. The period music player is a particular highlight, with its push-button system really capturing the car’s 90s character. We’ve not been informed of any issues throughout.
The array is completed with pleasant wood veneers, which carry odd light scratches, though these are very light and do not detract from the car’s overall feeling of luxury and comfort.
The headlining of the soft top and hard top all present well with no major signs of wear, and round the back, the boot is in exceptional order with a toolkit, warning triangle and spare wheel stowed away within.
The Exterior
- Impressive Almandine Red paintwork
- Highly original throughout with no known modifications
- Original Mercedes-Benz wheels
- Supplied with both hard top and soft top
With tight-knit bodywork and that beautiful colour scheme, this SL500 makes for a very beguiling car. The iconic shape, with its subtle curves and eye-catching grille, really is unmistakable, and continues to act as a blueprint for every model the company have released since.
This example appears to be free of dents and dings, with the paintwork in excellent condition. We can’t spot any significant signs of corrosion, cracking or peel, and the chromework, too, presents very nicely.
The glasswork and lenses look in good order, as does the Mercedes-Benz branding, and the car is supplied with both a brown fabric soft top and a colour-matched hard top, both of which appear to be in excellent order.
The car is sitting on its factory-supplied wheels, which are shod in a full set of Avon tyres - which have plenty of tread and are showing no signs of perishing. From what we can see, the wheel arches are solid and present nicely.
The Mechanics
- Impressive 5.0L V8 powerplant
- 4-speed automatic transmission
- Last serviced in March 2022
Popping open the bonnet of this car reveals a trusty piece of Mercedes-Benz machinery, with the engine bay presenting well and proudly carrying the German company’s iconic branding. From what we can see, it’s all in fine fettle, and we can’t spot any tell-tale signs of significant wear.
We’ve no reports of leaks, knocks, bangs or smoke, and the car was last inspected in March 2022 - with very little mileage covered since. From what we can tell the car should present zero issues for even the most discerning motorist - and should make for an excellent daily driver as much as it will a cossetted modern classic.
Summary
Beautifully presented both inside and out, this is a superb ambassador to Stuttgart’s expertise when it comes to solid all-round motoring. We’ve no doubt one in such excellent condition will attract plenty of interest.
BEFORE YOU BUY
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes. On request, Car & Classic may refer you to a third-party shipping company. For more details, email [email protected]. Prices start at €150+VAT within the same country or €400+VAT for moves across borders.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1990
- Make Mercedes
- Model SL Class SL500
- Colour Dark red
- Odometer 50,363 Miles
- Engine size 5000
Listing Details
- Seller Type Trade
- Town Ragusa
- Location International
- Country Italy
The Gallery
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