Vehicle Description
1999 Mercedes-Benz SL500 Roadster
"Time marches on. Fads come and go. But real substance stakes out
its own territory and improves with each passing year. Witness the
Mercedes-Benz SL Class coupe/roadsters for 1999. Each SL offers the
privacy and security of a coupe, along with the stirring sensation
of driving an open car. In these thoroughbred sports cars, the
driving legend that began with the 1954 300 SL Gullwing coupe
endures in a thoroughly modern form. Perhaps no other automobile
carries such a rich heritage, yet still applies progress so
intensely to its mission, to make the drive as exhilarating as the
car." From the 1999 SL series sales brochure.
For consignment, a 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL500 roadster, a two top car
in stunning black that comes to you with a dolly for the hardtop
and the Moroney window sticker.
Exterior
Top on or top off, this generation of SL's are attractive and
distinct. In keeping with the model's characteristics, the car is
low, but not too low and strikes a nice balance between a sports
car and an enclosed coupe and that stance translates to the ride,
as we'll see. The nose leans back and in profile, the entire car
seems to be shaped by the wind and the vertical tail sheds
turbulence as you slice through it. A pair of fender vents add a
bit of aggressiveness to the profile while the 17-inch wheels with
their keystone shaped gaps, provide just the right level of
sportiness. Out back, the Mercedes tail lights glow against the
black paint and flat panels of the deck lid and rear panel and the
rear black bumper creates a seamless continuation of the
monochromatic coverage. The black canvas top and its glass window
are in great shape having been replaced in 2020 and overall, the
paint is in good condition. Imperfections include numerous scuffs
around the perimeter, one deeper one with a small dent near a wheel
opening, multiple scratches and rock chips, scuffs under the chin,
paint chips, and missing parts of the lower grille.
Interior
Fine materials abound and begin with the gray door panels that
share space in leather, plastic, and faux wood in a simple, flowing
design that, on the driver's in particular, shows some usage
patina. Inside, the gray leather bucket seats are accompanied by
the seat belt anchor, attached to the side and it's on this
component on which the headrest is connected, a unique design we
don't often see. Both seats show some usage as expected for a well
loved car, and the driver's seat demonstrates more usage as is
typical, with creases and wear. In the back, a cargo area
completely covered in gray carpet, showing wear but in good shape.
The gauge cluster is behind plexiglass and houses stunning dials,
clear, tasteful, and easy to read. Along the top of the gray dash
is a series of vents and just below in the center stack, climate
controls and an AM/FM/CD radio embedded in beautiful faux wood trim
that cascades down to the center console where the shifter is
situated, all in very decent condition. Plush gray carpet on the
floor shows some age and is also found lining the trunk, showing
usage but otherwise clean.
Drivetrain
A big plastic cover dominates the engine bay where a 5.0 liter SOHC
V8 that is electronically fuel injected and rated at 302 horsepower
resides. That's some decent giddy up that is set into motion via a
5-speed automatic transmission sending power to the rear wheels
with 2.65 gears and limited slip. Power disc brakes are supplied
front and back.
Undercarriage
Generally clean, driver quality underneath with minimal surface
rust, no leaks, and a lack of grease and grime. The dual exhaust
travels the center tunnel and meets original equipment mufflers
before merging to form one tailpipe that exists out the back. Front
and rear house independent suspension with a multi-link arrangement
in the back.
Drive-Ability
We've said it before, the SL series over a span of decades presents
some of the best cabin and driving experiences, well rounded in the
categories of handling, tracking, acceleration, braking, and
overall comfort. This car delivers those things despite the mileage
and looks good doing it. We found that the soft top stops halfway
up but all other functions onboard work. While Classic Auto Mall
represents that these functions were working at the time of our
test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at
the time of your purchase.
Well built with quality materials and attention to detail, these
make great daily drivers or special weekend toys. We happen to love
it in black even with all the love marks that come with this car.
The potent 5.0 liter never disappoints and the SL's always exude an
air of success. If this is the one for you, call the mall
today!
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in
person.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
