Vehicle Description
1999 Mercedes Benz SL500 Roadster
"There is something about the late 1990s Mercedes-Benz SL Class
that just screams Beverly Hills to me. The car was understated, yet
sophisticated. It was a status symbol for the elite and the
successful. Even today, a full 35 years since the generation
debuted, it commands attention and recognition." Classicars.com,
April 2024
For consignment, a 1999 Mercedes Benz SL500 roadster with a title
verified 48,199 actual miles. This was originally a California car
up until 2013 after which it was garage kept. It has the optional
panoramic roof and while exact production numbers are not
available, it is discussed in MB forums as being relatively
rare.
Exterior
Enveloped in Smoke Silver, a stunning platinum hue, the exterior of
this car looks like it just came from the showroom. Included is the
optional hardtop with panoramic roof, a wide swath of smoked glass
from end to end. While big sunroofs, dual sunroofs, and even
panoramic roofs are relatively common today, in 1999 it was a big
deal. Switch to the soft top and you have a tan canvas convertible
which remains sight unseen when folded electronically behind the
driver and passenger with new hydraulics installed at the beginning
of May 2025, and it's in nice shape. Integrated body matching
bumpers covers, aero inserted and smoothed headlights, a swept back
front glass, ribbed tail lights, and fender vents and we have a
luxury sports car with some beautiful lines. Mercedes 5 spoke
17-inch chrome wheels wear 45 series tires no older than early
2022. Some minor chin scuffs represent the only exterior
imperfections.
Interior
The quality Benz interior begins on the doors, lined with a
tasteful mixture of tan leather, molded vinyl, seat position
buttons, (in the shape of a seat, of course), and highly lacquered
burl. Step over the brushed nickel door sill and have a seat in
sumptuous tan leather bucket seats with more electrical adjustments
on the base. Other than some light compression on the driver's
side, both seats are in excellent condition and the storage area
behind the two bucket seats, as well as a wonderfully fully lined
trunk in light tan low pile carpet that feels like rabbit fur. An
understated steering wheel in brown leads to a matching instrument
cluster case and faceplate where black faced gauges are easy to
read with clear white graphics and orange needles. A burlwood
faceplate on the center stack houses the climate control panel and
AM/FM radio, then cascades down to the center console where the
shifter, window switches and more seat condition options can be
had. Flooding the floors is tan carpeting that is plush and clean
and protected by tan carpeted mats.
Drivetrain
A SOHC 5.0 liter V8 drinks from an electronically controlled fuel
injection system and produces 302hp. It is mated to a 5-speed
automatic transmission that sends power to the rear axle equipped
with a 2.65 final drive ratio with limited slip. Power disc brakes
are at all four corners.
Undercarriage
Clean underneath with the only moisture noted is on the splash
shield under the engine, and it looks residual rather than an
active leak. No surface rust to speak of and of course, no invasive
rust either. The dual exhaust becomes one midway through the car
and flows through an original equipment muffler before exiting
through a chrome tip that emerges from the contoured valance that
makes room for it. Independent coil spring suspension is utilized
in front and in back.
Drive-Ability
Despite the quality sound system on board, we chose to hear the
engine upon start up, which is mildly muscular and belies the car's
power. The car performed beautifully with acceleration on demand,
bias free stopping, and handling like a sports car should. With the
exception of the power passenger headrest adjustment, all other
features, and there are plenty, operate as they should. 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 of a low mileage 1999 Mercedes Benz that even at 26
years old, looks relevant and continues to conjure up thoughts of
Beverly Hills, or the fancy town in your neighborhood. Plenty of
options and conveniences adorn this car, and the color combination
with the complimenting Smoke Silver and the wonderful mixture of
materials all in the light tan/light brown color way for the
interior. Suddenly, Morgantown is on par with Beverly Hills, Del
Mar, Greenwich, and Palm Beach. That is, until you pick up this
car!
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
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!
