With late model Mercedes-Benz R107 SL prices on the move, the next logical choice for collectors on a budget to move towards would be that car’s predecessor, the R129 SL that debuted in 1990. These SLs were a major step forward in terms of luxury, technology and safety after near two decade production run of its predecessor. The model range saw a change in naming language in 1994 and a refresh in 1998. This 1997 SL500 falls squarely in the middle of the production run, with the popular 5.0 liter V8 under the hood and painted in the rather uncommon hue of Moonstone Gray Pearl.
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL500 on eBay
Year: 1997
Model: SL500
Engine: 5.0 liter V8
Transmission: 5-speed automatic
Mileage: 57,186 mi
Price: Reserve auction
1997 Mercedes SL500 Low Miles One Owner
Exterior
Body and paint are overall in good shape, there are some scrapes and scratches throughout from use. The paint is scuffed along the edge of the drivers front fender. Lower bumper piece has some damage in the paint, areas are cracking and a spot of paint has flaked off. AMG wheels have suffered some curb damage. Both hard top and soft top are in good shape. No damage found to lights, lenses or glass. Drivers side driving light is loose on one side of housing.
Interior
Interior is clean and aside from some light scuffs on door speaker panels, no other damage found. Interior shows very light use. Mirror adjustment knob has come loose from button stem but still operates mirrors as it should.
Mechanical
Engine starts easily and runs well. No problems found with any of the mechanical or electrical systems on the car. Hard top and soft top operate as they should. Transmission shifts well and brakes are working fine. No errant noises from the suspension. This Mercedes is surprisingly quiet at freeway speeds with the hard top on the car. A smog check was recently performed on the car and passed with no issues.
This is a well maintained, one owner low mileage car, it is in great condition.
This SL is far from a perfect example, but with a little bit of TLC, it would certainly be a car I’d be proud to pilot. I owned a 1998 C230 sedan in Moonstone Gray, and it was a marvelous color. Depending on the lighting, it might look like a rather standard gray metallic or perhaps a lighter silver with mauve overtones. It’s not the most flashy color for a roadster, but it’s unique in this application, nonetheless. While the mileage is on the low side, the car does need a little bit of work to revive it. Considering everything, this one will probably hover in the $12,000 to $15,000 range.
-Paul
