Two-tone Astral Silver metallic paintwork (735), Grey leather upholstery (278A), 15-inch 15-hole alloy wheels, Electric folding soft-top in black (740), Removable hardtop in Astral Silver metallic, 5-litre V8 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission, Electrically-adjustable front seats with memory (241/242), Air conditioning (580), Cruise control (440), Blaupunkt Verona cassette radio, Electric steering column, Rear view mirror with memory (246), Rear seats (565), Wind deflector (283), Heat-insulating glass all-around with heated rear window (593), Headlight wash/wipe (600), Model designation delete (260), Infrared remote central locking (880), Anti-theft warning system (551), Self-leveling suspension all-around with adaptive damping system (ADS) (216), Acceleration Slip Regulation (ASR) (471), Non-catalyst (828), Cassette storage, Warning triangle, Alloy spare wheel, Spare remote key, Mercedes-Benz overmats in grey, Factory data card, Hardtop stand.
Finished in classic two-tone Astral Silver this lovely V8 SL looks fantastic beneath our studio lights. We love the angular pre-facelift design of the early R129s, with original features such as the large amber indicators and satin lower body elements really adding to the sense of occasion. The car is very well presented with clear and unmarked headlights, arrow-straight flanks, and uniform panel gaps. The original 15-hole wheels are also pristine with matching Michelin rubber at each corner. The removable hardtop is just as clean as the rest of the car and the electric soft-top is excellent with no damage to the fabric or rear windows.
Trimmed in complementing light grey the SL’s interior feels light and airy even with the hood up. The seats are well preserved with only the lightest of wear to the bolsters, the leather is still notable soft, and the electric adjustments all work correctly. Glancing across the dash everything looks nice and crisp; the glossy walnut trim has a deep shine and the spectacle glovebox opens without fuss. The switchgear is also reassuringly solid to operate and everything works as it should including the air conditioning, folding roof, and roll over bar. A period-correct Blaupunkt Verona tape deck is fitted, and in the centre console there’s plenty of storage for all your favorite cassettes.
This SL is equipped with the desirable Mercedes-Benz 5-litre V8 producing an impressive 322hp. Lifting the bonnet the engine bay is particularly clean and tidy with no signs of any damage or previous poor repair. Unsurprisingly the car performs really well on test; the engine feels strong and the gearbox is very smooth indeed. For the new keeper’s peace of mind, a full mechanical inspection has just been completed by our trusted local workshop who also carried out 4-wheel alignment and an MOT test.
This lovely 500SL was originally supplied by Caffyns Mercedes-Benz in September 1990. Now 34 years old the car has driven only 56k miles in the hands of 6 owners. The original Mercedes document wallet and handbooks are all present in the History File along with the service book and accompanying invoices, MOT certificates, a spare remote key, and the current V5 registration document showing only 5 former keepers. A breakdown of the car’s service history is below.