"In 1989, we saw the release of the fourth generation SL-Class
roadster with a 5.0 liter V-8 powering the 500SL and a 3.0 liter
straight six powering the 300SL. The new larger and heavier
SL-Class was more contemporary and handsome in design. With
technology that includes electronic stability control, anti lock
brakes, adaptive damping shock absorbers, and front airbags, the
SL-Class was one of the most sophisticated cars on the market. When
Mercedes-Benz changed its nomenclature in 1994, the letters were
now put before the numbers in the model name, now making the
variations SL320, SL500, and SL600. The six cylinder SL models were
dropped from the U.S. market in 1998, leaving only the SL500 and
SL600." Thx MotorTrend
For consignment, a 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL500 roadster with a title
verified 52,552 actual miles. This two top car has been garage kept
and according to our consignor, has never been in the rain.
Exterior
You could drive a black Kia and it'll look classy, so when you put
Brilliant Black on a Mercedes, it ups the class factor to extreme
levels and looks great on the sport touring roadster whether you're
riding with the top down, the canvas top up, or the matching black
accessory top on. This fiberglass top features rear quarter windows
so if you do choose to drive in the rain, you'll have decent
visibility as well. Flush headlights with their own wipers bookend
the classic grille with a large Mercedes star up front, one of the
most desired marques in the history of cars. With the top down, the
straight shoulder line is not interrupted as a flat tonneau covers
the stowed top and keeps a smooth line over the decklid. The
17-inch wide spoked wheels look great and would benefit from a
detail or repaint. The only other imperfections on this black
beauty are the chin scrape on the front air dam.
Interior
The interior of the car features dark wood accenting that starts
with a band of trim on the door panels with a dark grained burl
wood that picks up on the black materials well. Over the wide door
sill, we find robust black leather bucket seats with side pillars
that take in the seat belt and a handle which can be used to move
the seat backs forward to reveal a plush carpeted package shelf. Up
front, a thick steering wheel leads to a clean instrument cluster
and by clean, we mean easy to read in a simple layout with bright
digits and orange needles, including the hands of the analog clock.
The center stack is backed by the burlwood and houses charcoal
instrumentation such as the AM/FM/CD radio and the A/C panel, each
with a gray backed digital readout. Cascading to the center console
is the plastic wood, taking in the shifter and some switchgear
along the way and showing a few little scratches as well. On the
floor, the toes deep gray carpet is protected by carpeted mats that
are just and have absorbed all the use since 1999. The trunk is
neatly finished in gray cloth panels and presents cleanly and
original.
Drivetrain
Covered in plastic shrouds, the bay houses a clean looking 5.0
liter SOHC V8 with 302 horsepower and a 5-speed automatic
transmission that routes power to the rear axle with 2.65 gears and
limited slip.
Undercarriage
Down we go, to where the rubber meets the road, to find a very
clean underside and a dirt free environment. We note just a touch
of residual oil on the splash guard and the rear differential, but
no visible leaks and only the most minimal surface rust on normal
components. The dual exhaust traverses the center tunnel, then
comes together to form a single pipe into an original muffler,
exiting out back through an oval tip. Independent coil spring
suspension is employed front and rear and power disc brakes are at
each corner.
Drive-Ability
This grand car starts quickly and moves solidly onto the test loop
and we find SL's surefooted and grounded, instilling confidence and
the feeling you're wrapped in something protective and strong. It's
got the power to back up the brawn and a wide track that handles
turns like a champ. Long straight drives or twisties around the
suburbs would be equally satisfying in these leather thrones. We
note the brake pedal is a bit soft but the car still stops on
point. All other functions operate as they should on this personal
sports tourer. 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.
Here's a well kept, relatively low mileage SL500 that still looks
good in 2025 and will gladly oblige to make an impression, if
that's your thing. If you just want a quality, well balanced car
and the ability to go topless, this one will also fulfill that need
and do so in the classiest color available.
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!
Vehicle Details
1999 Mercedes-Benz SL500
Listing ID:CC-2000053
Price:$24,000
Location:Morgantown, Pennsylvania
Year:1999
Make:Mercedes-Benz
Model:SL500
Exterior Color:Black
Interior Color:Black
Transmission:Automatic
Odometer:52552
Stock Number:7811
VIN:WDBFA68F1XF175267
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