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PRINCIPLE FACTS

A beautiful, vibrant in Signal Red 500SL with barely-broken-in mileage that's had copious care concentrated on it recently. A classic combination that still works wonders, this red SL boasts supple and supportive black leather seats, with the optional rear seats in the same. The fronts are also heated, which we can't imagine was a common option ticked for Cyprus-bound SLs. The driver gets the armrest option too, for even greater cruising comfort.

The car's been in the UK since at least 2006, that's as far back as the test history shows. It's also reassuring to see that the car achieved a first-time pass at every one of those 17 tests. Its condition today reflects what must have been a charmed life, as both body and interior present very well indeed, showing little sign of the car's three-decade vintage.

OVERVIEW & EQUIPMENT

A hot climate car, this SL's first owner specified the rarely seen outside temperature indicator in the central dash vent and the much more common heat-insulated glass all round. Touring relaxation is aided by cruise control, while poor weather and night-time visibility is made easier due to optional headlamp wipers and washers.

A fancy new-fangled Pioneer flip-front stereo with Bluetooth, Apple Radio and Spotify has been added, but the previous owner wisely retained the car's original Blaupunkt Freiburg radio cassette deck in the boot, if you prefer originality over modern creature comforts.

CONDITION SYNOPSIS

With the 'paintwork preservation' option ticked from the factory and a top-up GTechniq preservation session carried out in 2016, the exterior of this SL remains resplendent. Although it presents exceptionally well, we did notice the boot lid carries some mild micro blistering and shallow swirl marks, which should improve further with the aid of a focussed detailing session. Looking down the flanks we saw arrow straight gaps and no signs of previous dents or repairs.

The leather was also given a good going over in 2016, with GTechniq leather food used to bring the seats back to their best. It's worked a treat too, they remain supple, comfortable and highly presentable. There's merely some mild patina on the driver's outer bolster. 

Underneath, this SL looks as straight and solid as its bodywork, with no signs of previous repairs or a need for any in the future. The engine bay hasn't been detailed but still gives off an impression of care and originality. The plastics all remain free from cracks or damage and neat new under-bonnet insulation frames the mighty V8 nicely.

HISTORY FILE

This exceptionally low mileage SL has lived a cosseted life, with low ownership succession & continuous servicing.

Ordered by its first owner Mr Geoffrey Warren of Guildford, London from Mercedes Benz Cyprus with a UK spec. Mr Warren had a holiday home on the island & would have enjoyed a significant financial saving on the UK list price by purchasing overseas. One month later with a mere 139-miles on the clock Mr Warren’s 500SL was delivered by transporter to his London address & serviced by Hadleigh’s on 21-Sept (1989). After twelve months ownership the SL passed to its second owner Mr Eric Wild of Harrogate, Yorkshire [July 1990] with 259-miles on the clock. Eric & his wife would own the SL for a further 10yrs covering a further c11, 000-miles and would maintain a meticulous log of mileage, servicing & expenditure over that period on the back of a GUS Stores shareholder circular no less(!) which accompanies the service history to this day. The SL was briefly registered to Eric’s wife (Barbara) in August-99 to enable a probate sale to its fourth registered keeper Karen Castleton, also of Harrogate, in January 2000 with 11, 658-miles on the clock.

The SL was to continue residence in North Yorkshire when Mr Tim Fell of Tadcaster, became the fifth custodian in May-01, with 13, 199-miles on the clock. Tim would continue Eric Wild’s meticulous log of mileage & servicing through to June 2014 when with 16, 578-miles on the clock the SL Shop was entrusted with its sale to a Dr Chris Seifert from Hampshire. Mr Seifert kept the SL in storage for much of his ownership with few miles covered, before the current owner from London acquired the car in January 2017 with c17, 300 miles. There you have it: a very exclusive SL indeed: exceptional condition, low ownership & a full log of its modest 19, 974-miles.


SLSHOP SUMMARY

This 500SL has been painted in a perennially popular shade, contrasted perfectly by its black leather interior and black boot spoiler, which makes for one seriously head-turning SL. Its condition and mileage speak volumes, but if that's not enough, its desirable options and the addition of modern convenience should.