Highlights
- Originally owned by the famous politician Alastair Campbell
- Good history file with a fully stamped service booklet
- Desirable hardtop included
- Low mileage and low owners example
The Appeal
When it comes to luxurious grand tourers, the 500SL stands as an automotive gem. The seamless blend of elegance, cutting-edge technology and staggering performance is what continues to captivate enthusiasts and collectors alike.
This handsome example does show some signs of age, however it carries with it a tale, once owned by the famous British politician Alastair Campbell. The vehicle remains in original condition, and although presents some patina, it absolutely oozes with character and charisma from every corner. A proper, unmolested example that wears its scars with pride - and rightly so.
The History and Paperwork
- Originally registered on the 22nd of March 1988
- V5C present and up to date
- Sold brand new from Patons Mercedes in Carlisle, to the famous politician Mr Alastair Campbell
- The vehicle was then sold on to a Dr Matthews based in London
- After the ownership of Dr Matthews, the vehicle was sold to a reputable dealer Classic & Chrome in London
- Cobra Car Alarm receipt dated the 1st of July 1997
- The private plate was issued circa 2005, and retains a value of around £495
- The current keeper of the vehicle has had ownership since 2017
- Reportedly over £10,000 spent through Alan Day Mercedes from the first owner
- The vehicle is currently registered in the UK
- MOT shows as expired since 2016, with old MOT certificates present
- Fully stamped service booklet is present
- Two original sets of keys
- Original owners manual present
The Interior
- Original Pebble leather interior
- Brightwork appears in good condition
- Original Blaupunkt radio
- Hardtop roof lining appears excellent
Stepping inside of any 500SL is a treat by all means, you’re welcomed by a cabin that exudes luxury and refinement with handcrafted leather seats, fine wooden trim, and an undeniable attention to detail from the steady-handed designers.
Upon opening the driver side door, the Pebble leather seats show their signs of age with heavy use and some tears on the driver and passenger squab, as well as a tear on the driver side bolster as is usually the case. Regardless of the heavy use - it remains a sublime place to be. Directly ahead, the original steering wheel appears well presented with just some gentle signs of use, and the gauges behind all remain functional with no signs of fading or damage - and no unwelcome warning light in sight!
The dashboard appears to remain free from any cracks or damage, and all of the switchgear remains in place with good visibility of the screen printed diagrams on the buttons themselves. Moving down the centre console, there does show some slight delamination around the gear selector and the switches located just behind for the windows, and there appears to be some damage just to the left of the gear selector too.
All of the carpets are believed to be original and present themselves rather well, with just some staining present on the driver side under the mats due to the years of use. There doesn’t appear to be any damage, rips or tears throughout however which is a great sign!
Rear seats appear in good shape, which is to be somewhat expected due to the rather limited legroom - there are some small scratches and other signs of wear, but nothing as excessive as the front. Both front door cards also appear to be well kept, with just some scuffs on the door pockets as to be expected and excellent leather work, and well maintained brightwork.
The Exterior
- Nautical blue metallic paintwork
- Completely original bodywork
- Desirable hardtop is present
- Brightwork appears very well maintained
Timeless. A sleek, aerodynamic profile combined with elegant lines, it epitomises the classic grand touring aesthetic. The 500SL is a gem to look at from any angle, especially when presented in the lovely Nautical Blue Metallic such as this example here.
Starting at the front of the SL, all of the brightwork up here appears to be in well maintained condition with no apparent pitting or tarnishing to be noticed. Both front headlamps show themselves free from damage and fading, with the private registration sitting just below the three-pointed star. Just above the driver side headlamp on the wing, there is some bubbling noticed in the paintwork, and the owner states that the passenger side does present some bubbling also in places. It should also be noted that there appears to be a crack front and centre of the windscreen.
Around to the side of the opulent tourer, there are some signs of age - some door dents from careless neighbours, a slight dent on one of the rear panels, and some scratches present that should be able to be polished out. All four alloys are reported to be in reasonable shape, however would benefit from refurbishment to bring them back to life, and the tyres may need some attention too. More of the panel bubbling can be spotted on the driver side front wing just behind the front wheel, with some perforations forming. Some more bubbles appear to be present around the trim pieces on the door and on the rear quarters.
To the rear of the Mercedes, everything appears to be quite tidy - good brightwork across the bumper with no pitting or tarnishing, both rear lights are nicely presented with no damage, and the small spoiler lip on the boot lid remains present. There are some small age related markings however nothing that is worth shouting about. The owner does note that the electric aerial doesn’t appear to function anymore.
Both the hardtop and the convertible top are present, the hardtop appears in good shape with only some gentle marks, and some gentle rust spotted along the seam that would meet with the top of the windscreen; and the convertible top does show some signs of damage with a rip in the fabric and in the rear window which we’re told have had repairs carried out.
The Mechanics
- 4,973cc V8 petrol engine
- Automatic transmission
- Rear-wheel drive configuration
- Excellent mechanical health
The 500SL isn’t just a looker, it also packs a pretty powerful punch with a 5.0-litre V8.
The owner states that the vehicle remains in excellent mechanical order, driven weekly to ensure to keep things turning. The lump of a V8 engine sounds addicting, with no unwelcome noises present. The vehicle has a complete stamped service history, however the keeper does state that a fresh service would be advantageous for the car. The brakes are reported to be in excellent order, stopping the grand tourer on a dime, and the steering remains well balanced and responsive, easy to manoeuvre.
The gearbox is also believed to be in great mechanical health, retaining its smooth gear changes from the bottom to the top of the box, with no unwelcome jerks or grinds to be noticed, and the suspension remains as opulent as one would expect from such a luxurious cruiser.
Starting at the turn of a key, and eager to get on the open road, this 500SL appears a great candidate for anyone looking for a reliable, luxurious classic with some opportunity to make their own.
Summary
The pinnacle of German engineering of its era. The ownership of a 500SL means embracing all that it stands for, style, performance and unrivalled luxury. It reminds us of an era where craftsmanship was paramount. A true testament to the enduring legacy of Mercedes-Benz; this would make for a very welcome addition to anyone's home.
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