Vehicle Description
1998 Mercedes-Benz 500SL Convertible
The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is a grand touring car manufactured by
Mercedes Benz since 1954. The designation SL derives from the
German Sportlich-Leicht, which translates to lightweight sport.
With unlimited speed limits prevalent in Europe, individuals who
owned such cars could quickly travel from point A to point B. This
is the true definition of grand touring, meaning traveling in
luxury and style at high speed.
This 47,089 actual miles 1998 MB SL500 roadster for consignment is
in very nice condition and very sporty. A hardtop, convertible top,
and new mechanism electrically operated top down give the owner 3
different cars to choose from. All full of options including a
hardtop carrier, a cover, plenty of power conveniences, and wrapped
in red and saddle khaki leather.
Exterior
Enveloped in beautiful Imperial Red, the exterior of this car
presents very nicely with a few scuffs on the neoprene bumpers and
on the body, most likely due to being stored under a cover. The
optional hardtop, again in Imperial Red, is included for those foul
weather motoring days. We note the hardtop has been treated to a
new headliner. The hard top is electronically released and relocked
on with the touch of a button. Upon its removal, you have access to
the black canvas convertible which remains sight unseen when folded
electronically behind the driver and passenger secure under the
saddle tonneau covering. We note the plastic windows in the top are
slightly fogged. Integrated body matching red bumpers, aero
inserted and smoothed headlights, a swept back front glass, ribbed
taillights, (they're self-cleaning), and we have a Wolfsberg sports
car in sheep's clothing. Sunburst 5 spoke 16-inch alloy wheels are
on all 4 corners, and the exterior package is completed with simply
stated elegance.
Interior
Khaki leather, with plush padding and stitching allow the bucket
seated driver and passenger an almost endless array of recline,
height, and stiffness options at the touch of a series of buttons
on the door. These buckets have some cracking in the bolsters in
their front sections and are now covered for further protection.
There is a storage area behind the two bucket seats, as well as a
wonderfully fully lined trunk in light tan velour. The doors are
lined with a tasteful mixture of light khaki leather, molded vinyl,
and highly lacquered burl. This burl can also be seen in the center
console housing the AM/FM/Cassette player, window controls, top
actuator as well as the shifter. The dash is a beautiful
complimentary tan and brown leather and molded vinyl. Analog gauges
keep you informed of all major functions and a leather wrapped
sport steering wheel can be adjusted to ergonomic alignment for the
driver, no matter what size they are. Manually moving the shifter
or simple automatic shift modes can be chosen at the driver's will
and a standard and winter/wet shifting mode can be had with the
flip of a toggle. Tan carpeting is fairly clean and has protective
tan carpeted mats on top.
Drivetrain
A 5.0 liter V8 drinks from an electronically controlled fuel
injection system. The smooth as silk 5-speed Daimler Benz 5G Tronic
automatic transmission can whisk you efficiently, or sporty down
the highway all the while spinning a 2.65 limited slip geared rear
axle.
Undercarriage
Independent front and rear suspension provide a ride that fools you
into exactly how fast or slow you are really traveling. 4-wheel
power disc brakes stop this luxury sports car on a dime. A
peppering of road dirt and surface rust is seen on some bolts here
and there, but overall clean rust-free stamped metal ground effects
panels abound along with lightweight cast aluminum throughout.
Drive-Ability
Nice sounds not only from the engine compartment but also from the
stereo system. However, I chose to listen to the engine which
performed beautifully with lots of unlimited acceleration, bias
free panic stopping, and handling like a sporty sedan should. I
found the climate display splotchy, and the center of the steering
column rotates when engaging the turn signal lever. 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.
A fine example from 1998 Mercedes-Benz engineering that has
remained timeless. Plenty of options, and conveniences adorn this
car, and the color combination with the contrast of the exterior
Imperial Red and khaki leather and plastic molded parts. Sport
luxury can be yours right here at the Classic Auto Mall. Rot und
richtig Liebe!
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.
There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee
is not included in the advertised price.
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
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