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Highlights

Driven only for annual MOT tests during current ownership of approximately five years
Suspension, brakes and calipers renewed at the time of purchase
Wheels refurbished with four matching Goodyear tyres
Recently professionally detailed
Service book stamped up to date
New battery recently fitted

The Appeal

The R129-generation Mercedes-Benz 500 SL is widely regarded as one of the finest grand tourers of its era. This was a period when Mercedes-Benz were creating some of the best cars of all time, with market-leading build quality and a focus on quality executive-level comfort. As the range-topping V8 variant, the 500 SL offers effortless performance and remains a firm favourite among enthusiasts.

This 1996 example was purchased approximately five years ago from a local dealer as a gift. Since the acquisition, it has seen remarkably little use, driven only for its annual MOT tests after its intended driver found it a little too bulky and sporty for their needs. At the time of purchase, the car benefited from significant mechanical attention: the suspension was renewed, brakes were replaced, calipers were rebuilt, and the wheels were refurbished with four matching Goodyear tyres.

More recently, the car has been professionally detailed. The vendor states the interior presents well, with three panels of the driver's seat having been renewed in matching material. A new battery has just been fitted, and the car holds a valid MOT until August 2026. As a result, it's ready and waiting to meet its lucky new keeper.

Key Information

Mileage: 141,503 miles
Country of registration: United Kingdom
Technical inspection status: MOT valid until August 2026
Technical specs: 5.0-litre V8 petrol, 4-speed automatic
Paperwork: V5c, large collection of invoices, MOT certificates etc

The Detail

Plenty of work carried out upon purchase around five years ago, including:
- Suspension renewal
- Brakes renewed and calipers rebuilt
- Wheels refurbished and four matching Goodyear tyres fitted
- New battery fitted
Bodywork is clean and well-presented
Brightwork contrasts nicely
The vendor describes the car as being in very good mechanical order with no known faults
Three panels of the driver's seat renewed at some point in matching material
The vendor notes some small marks around the boot area
Minor rubbing on the edges where the soft top folds into the car in several places
The vendor states the interior presents well

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:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.