Description
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PRINCIPAL FACTS:
We welcome some colour in the classifieds here, and this Ruby Metallic SL 500 brings that, all while retaining the refined classiness that defines Benz’s roadster. Purchased in 1998 this SL 500 spent the first few years of its life in Northampton, before moving to the south coast in the UK. From there it’s gone even further, across the channel, eventually ending up in Malaga, Spain, where it’s added around 8, 000 miles to the near 39, 000 miles it covered before heading to the sun. Evidently in fine condition before it left these shores, the dry climate in Spain’s treated it well, though it’s now been repatriated to be enjoyed by its next owner.
The interior is finished in Mushroom Leather, with the equipment being relatively standard for an SL 500, though the first owner did tick the option box for a panoramic glass hardtop roof.
CONDITION SYNOPSIS:
In the years it’s spent in the heat of southern Spain it’s clearly been garaged, because there’s no sign of sun damage to the interior trim, paint or rubber and plastics. The R129 is a handsome car in any colour, but the Ruby Metallic paint really suits it, and is in very good condition, with the history file highlighting a recent full detailing with ceramic coatings applied to the bodywork and glass. Under the bonnet it’s similarly sparkling, with very little of the surface corrosion that most cars of this age would have, while the interior’s clearly been looked after, too. At first glance the alloy wheels look good, their faces fine, though around the rims there’s a little bit of surface degradation, it more notable on the front wheels where brake dust will have compounded that.
HISTORY FILE:
There’s precious little history prior to this car’s expat exploits besides a stamped service book up to 38, 000 miles. To understand what paperwork follows you’ll need Google Translate or a working knowledge in Spanish. What’s clear is there is paperwork attesting to its maintenance, and from it we can see money’s been spent, regularly, and there’s documentation for the Spanish MOT equivalent, too. Crucially, there’s also paperwork from HMRC outlining that all taxes and duties have been paid when this car was repatriated. That the previous owner’s taken the time to catalogue all the recent paperwork into sleeves in leather-bound case speaks volumes of careful ownership, and, really, the condition of the car underlines that.
SLSHOP SUMMARY:
SL 500s are enjoyable to drive and look good, this one being slightly unusual because it deviates away from the silvers and blacks we’d usually see on the R129. That’s appealing. So too is the fact it’s presented so nicely, with the bodywork straight, the paint deep and full of lustre and the interior also showing little wear over this cars’ 47, 000 miles. We’d spend some money having the wheels refurbished, but other than that it’s in great overall condition.
