Mercedes-Benz SL500

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The R129 series replaced the long-running R107 in 1989 and was to continue the SL line until it was finally updated in 2001. How the rest of the industry envied Mercedes-Benz’ ability to keep a model so successful for so long!

The brilliance of the electric hood, the snug fitting hard top which effectively turned it into a proper coupe and its rock solid build quality were all part of the package that caught the attention of Lady Diana, Princess of Wales. She traded her Jaguar XJS for a 500SL in 1991, much to the consternation of the press. It was the first time a member of the Royal Family had bought a foreign car and it didn’t go down very well with the tabloids, so much so that she handed it back to Mercedes-Benz who had the forethought to keep it, the car now being displayed in their museum in Stuttgart.

Brim-full of technology, it employed a brilliant flip-up roll-over bar which remained hidden until a few micro-seconds before it was needed, enough air bags to start a hot air balloon convention and the most amazing Bose Acoustimass sound system that helped entertain its passengers on those long distance inter-continental trips for which the SL was so well suited.

This top of the range 1995 SL500 comes in striking Tourmaline Green and spent the first three years of its life in Guernsey before moving to the UK in 1998. It has had just three former keepers in the UK, its current owner purchasing the car about 18 months ago. The arrival of a rescue Cocker Spaniel who is somewhat reluctant to leave his company, combined with the SL’s general lack of use since purchase, has encouraged the vendor to offer the car for sale.

Its comprehensive history file retains its original book pack and service book which contains 11 stamps, the last dating back to 2010 just 4,000 miles ago. The odometer reads just 79,000 miles, a mere walk in the park for one of these supremely engineered machines. At some point a Thatcham Category 1 alarm and immobiliser has been added (which actually works) and the car is MOTd until March 2015. The original hard top and wind deflector are also included and a new soft top has recently been fitted.

Costing a fortune when new, these SLs are great to drive, offer towering performance and feel like they have been hewn from solid granite – there will never be a better time to buy!