Highlights
- Factory standard example
- Smart Signal Red paintwork
- Convertible with removable hard top
- Reported to have always been garaged
- Advisory-free MOT until April 2026
The Appeal
The 1986 Mercedes-Benz SL500 is part of the much-loved R107 generation – a model that defined Mercedes luxury and style throughout the 1980s. Powered by a 4,973cc V8 producing around 245bhp and paired with a smooth four-speed automatic transmission, it offered the perfect blend of effortless performance and grand-touring comfort. Today, the SL500 remains a sought-after classic for its timeless looks, solid engineering and refined driving experience.
This particular example, finished in Signal Red with a black leather interior, presents very nicely. The seller describes it as “in lovely condition”, with paintwork that shows minimal marks or scrapes and front grilles that remain intact. The chrome trims could benefit from a little attention, but overall the car makes a strong impression. It sits on its original 15-inch Gullideckel alloy wheels with four Avon tyres.
Being a convertible with a removable hard top, it offers both open-air enjoyment and coupe comfort. Inside, the black leather seats and carpets appear in good order for the car’s age, with the front seats showing little wear and the rear seats showing slightly heavier blemishes. The switchgear and instruments are original, joined by a Pioneer stereo and CD holder in the boot.
The seller reports that it “starts and runs correctly with no faults known” and describes it as “a lovely comfortable drive” that “commands the road and is a stunning head-turner.” With its classic colour combination, tidy presentation and strong mechanicals, this SL500 offers plenty of appeal for anyone seeking a usable and stylish R107 to enjoy and cherish.
The History & Paperwork
- First registered in August 1986
- Last V5C issued in March 2022
- It’s believed the car has been in the existing ownership for around 15 years
- The photos indicate an odometer reading of 122,704 miles
- 11 former keepers
- Original Owner’s Manual and service booklet are present
- Extensive service history and MOT certificates
- The vendor notes “no major work has been undertaken”
- We’re told the car has “always been garaged”
- Advisory-free MOT until April 2026
“This extremely reliable vehicle has been well cared for”, says the seller.
The Condition
- Finished in Signal Red with black leather interior
- The existing keeper describes the vehicle as being “in lovely condition”
- The paintwork presents particularly well with minimal visible marks or scrapes
- Chrome trims around the car could benefit from some TLC
- Front grilles present as intact
- Glasses and windows appear in good condition
- Convertible with removable hard top
- 15 inch Gullideckel wheels with 4 Avon tyres could benefit from a light refurb
- Underside of the vehicle appears straight and tidy
- Black leather seats and door cards
- The carpets throughout appear smart with little sign of damage
- The front seats present particularly well with minimal signs of rips or tears
- There is some visible wear to the rear seats including a rip on the bottom corner of the nearside rear seat
- For a car of its age the interior is in good condition with usage-related imperfections throughout
- Headlining presents well
- Standard switchgear and instrument cluster
- Single din Pioneer stereo with Pioneer CD holder in the boot
- Cruise control
- Spare wheel and safety triangle can be located in the boot
The Mechanics
- 4973cc (5.0L) 8-cylinder petrol engine
- 4-speed automatic transmission
- Approximately 242–245 hp
- The seller reports the car “starts and runs correctly with no faults known”
“This vehicle is a lovely comfortable drive, it commands the road and is a stunning headturner”, says the vendor.
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..
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✓ 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.
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