BF Exclusive: 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL 500

• Seller: Ralph S chmidt (Contact)
• Location: Oconomowoc, Wisconsin
• Mileage: 102,434 Shown
• Chassis #: WDBFA68F8XF173628
• Title Status: Clean
• Engine: 5.0-Liter V8
• Transmission: Automatic

This 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL 500 is an exceptionally tidy survivor that can still turn heads twenty-seven years after it left the showroom floor. The V8 under the hood delivers impressive performance, and its lack of exposure to snow and salt means it is rust-free. It is ideal for anyone seeking a luxurious wind-in-the-hair motoring experience. The owner feels the time is right for this German gem to find a new home. Therefore, he has listed it exclusively with us at Barn Finds with an asking price of $8,900.

The history of this Mercedes is reassuring for enthusiasts seeking a rock-solid classic. It spent its life in sunny Florida until 2018. Since then, it has called Wisconsin home. It has never seen snow or salt, spending its winter months snuggly tucked away in a garage heated to a constant fifty degrees. Therefore, it is unsurprising that it is rust-free. The Bright Silver paint is exceptionally good. It hasn’t developed patchiness, shining beautifully from every angle. Scrolling through the image gallery reveals a couple of minor imperfections that don’t detract from the car’s overall appearance. However, a reputable shop would have no trouble addressing those small imperfections. The panels are as straight as an arrow, and the deal includes a color-matched hardtop and a custom car cover. The owner confirms that they haven’t fitted the hardtop since 2018, because he prefers fresh-air motoring. It is in excellent condition and fits nicely on the included stand. The power top, in contrasting Black, is new. The owner recently rebuilt its hydraulic system, ensuring that it functions perfectly. It fits as tight as a drum, with no sagging or other shortcomings. The trim and glass are in good condition, as are the beautiful alloy wheels.

This Roadster is more than a pretty face because it possesses genuine performance credentials. Lifting the hood reveals a 5.0-liter V8 that generates 306hp. A five-speed automatic transmission handles shifting duties, while power steering and four-wheel power disc brakes with anti-lock are standard fare. Mercedes designed the SL 500 to handle long-distance, high-speed cruising on German autobahns, so cross-country adventures won’t pose any challenges. It would be equally comfortable in heavy city traffic, requiring little more than a light tickle of the gas pedal to keep pace with those around it. The owner replaced the tires, brakes, struts, and motor mounts. The car has only clocked 15,000 since the work was completed, and can be considered a turnkey proposition. It drives and handles superbly, with no fluid leaks or other problems. Considering the company’s well-earned reputation for mechanical reliability, it should serve its new owner faithfully for many years.

The interior is the only area where this Mercedes shows any age. However, it remains extremely presentable. Some surfaces, most notably the tops of the doors, show sun-related deterioration. The carpet is also discolored in areas, but it isn’t badly worn. The seat leather looks supple and inviting, and the woodgrain trim has a few small cracks, though it hasn’t waved the white flag from age or UV exposure. The interior isn’t pristine, but it won’t embarrass the buyer if they hit the road with the top lowered. Befitting a classic of this caliber, the interior features airbags, air conditioning, power windows, power locks, power seats, power mirrors, cruise controls, a tilt wheel, and an AM/FM stereo system.

If you have your heart set on spending the upcoming summer months behind the wheel of a classic Convertible, this 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL 500 is a worthy candidate. It offers potential buyers a lot for their money, from performance to looks, and luxury motoring. It has led a sheltered life, allowing the buyer to reap the benefits of the current owner’s devotion to this beauty. It is worth scrolling through the image gallery to appreciate how nice this Mercedes is. There is a good chance that doing so will motivate you to contact the owner, and I will understand if you do.