In 1997, Mercedes offered a special 40th Anniversary Edition to celebrate this milestone in the production of the legendary SL roadster. Production of this special edition SL500 was limited to just 500 cars worldwide, with only 150 offered in RHD, making this both a highly desirable and extremely rare car. This SL500, propelled by the most powerful variant of the M119 5.0 litre V8, developing 322 bhp and mated to a 5-speed auto, is the most sought after engine and transmission combination, for SL500 R129 enthusiasts.
First registered in 1998, this particular car spent the first six years of its life in Jersey, contributing to its overall low mileage. Special features include a Panoramic glass hardtop, Designo Vario Blue/Green paintwork and extra soft luxury leather seats.
As part of the pre-sale preparation, the car was fitted with a brand new OEM specification soft top.
The car comes with FSH and an extensive history file, containing numerous parts and service invoices, past MOT certificates and the original leather bound dealer pack containing owner’s manuals and service book. The car will be sold with a fresh MOT.
Finished in Designo Vario Colour 1 Blue/Green, this is one of the most striking paint options offered for the R129 series. Its stunning metallic finish changes subtly from deep ocean blue to aquamarine, depending on how the light catches it. The condition of all the paintwork is immaculate, as is the panoramic hard top, which comes with its own cover and heavy duty stand.
The hard top featuring a large tinted glass roof, transforms the car into an airy coupe for the winter months.
Special features for the 40th Anniversary Edition, in addition to the extra soft luxury leather seats were: cruise control; climate control; anti-glare rear view mirror: electric memory seats, door mirrors and steering column; rear child seats; wood and leather steering wheel; wood and leather gear knob; Xenon headlights; headlight wiper/washer; rain sensor; walnut wood trim; wind-deflector; Mercedes special radio; boot-mounted CD changer; 18″ AMG Monobloc alloy wheels and four airbags.
In their press release for this special addition, Mercedes Benz stated that the “40th Anniversary SL Roadsters feature what may be the highest-quality, softest leather upholstery in the world, called “Exquisite”. The seats are superbly comfortable and in excellent condition, with just the slightest sign of wear beginning to show on the driver’s seat bolster. The woodwork on the inside of the cabin still presents as dark and rich, with no signs of fading. The original carpets and over mats are also in excellent condition.
All electrics and gauges work as they should, including powered seats, radio cassette, CD player and climate control.
Finally, as part of the pre-sale preparation, it was fitted with a brand new OEM specification soft top, in the correct dark blue, which lowers and raises as it should.
As evidenced by a service history with 13 stamps (8 Mercedes Benz dealers and 5 independent specialists), the car has been very well maintained.
As part of the pre-sale preparation, the car was given a comprehensive service in July, which in addition to new fluids, filters and belts, also included new spark plugs. Prior to that, new front anti-roll bar bushes have also been fitted.
The car is an event to drive, simply because of the serene calmness experienced when you drive. The engine and auto box are a perfect combination, the ride is pillow soft, gear changes smooth and the control interfaces such as steering and brakes are refined and effortless. Finally, as to be expected from a car so well engineered by Mercedes, there is no scuttle shake or knocks or bangs from the suspension.
Fantastic as a cruiser, however, open the taps on the V8 and all that torque provides for seriously quick progress, accompanied by a cultured, but delightful snarl.
The car sits on attractive AMG Monobloc 18 x 8 inch alloys wheels, which were part of the special edition package. All are in fantastic, unmarked condition and wear the correctly sized 245 x 40 R18 tyres, which fitted in 2018, show only minimal use.
The brakes which are servo assisted discs all round (ventilated at the front) are powerful and operate as they should. As part of the pre-sale preparation new front discs and pads were fitted.
As can be seen from the photos the car has an exceptionally clean underside.
The original underseal is in excellent order. On top of that and for the suspension, brakes and other componentry susceptible to corrosion, “Lanoguard Motospay” treatment has been applied (see link: https://www.lanoguard.co.uk/collections/moto/products/lanoguard-moto-spray). This provides for a further level of corrosion resistance to those areas, which is long lasting and jet wash proof. This all adds up to a car that has outstanding protection from corrosion typically unavoidable, for cars driven on UK roads all year round.
The history file contains the current V5C and unusually, the original build sheet that was supplied with the car from Mercedes-Benz, as well as the car’s original German “Certificate of Conformity”, authenticating the model, type and version.
There is a detailed file of maintenance and parts invoices spanning three decades. The car comes with a FSH with the service book containing 13 stamps (8 Mercedes main dealers and 5 from independent specialists). There is also a collection of MOT certificates from 2021 dating back to 2008.
The history file also includes the original leather bound dealer pack which contains the service book, all owner’s manuals and radio code card. The car comes with two sets of keys and a wind deflector, which is stored in the boot.
Whilst every effort has been taken to ensure accuracy of the vehicle descriptions and information, some inaccuracies may occur. It is important that you do not rely on this information but check with Montpellier Motor Cars Limited about any items which may affect your decision to buy this vehicle, as well as examine the vehicle and check the accuracy of the information before purchasing any vehicle. We cannot accept any liability arising from any errors in the data provided.
Whilst every effort is made to represent details accurately on our Web Site, variations or errors may occur and so the information contained herewith does not constitute an offer for sale of any particular vehicle, accessory or specification.
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