Two-Owner 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL 500

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

Unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1989, the Mercedes-Benz 129 series SL marked a bold new chapter for the brand’s legendary roadster lineup. This generation introduced the 300 SL, 300 SL-24, and the flagship 500 SL, blending classic SL styling with cutting-edge innovation. 

Safety took a major leap forward with the debut of the world’s first automatic rollover bar, which deployed in just 0.3 seconds during a rollover and could also be activated manually. The body structure was fortified with high-strength materials, while a lightweight aluminum hardtop helped reduce weight despite its expanded glass area. 

The SL also featured a standard electro-hydraulic roof system that opened or closed in just 30 seconds, automatically adjusting the windows and rollover bar for a smooth transition. At the heart of the 500 SL was a powerful 5.0-liter four-valve V8 engine, making it the most potent SL to date. 

In June 1993, Mercedes-Benz introduced a new naming convention, transforming the 500 SL into the SL 500 to align with the updated C-Class system. As Car and Driver concluded, “The SL 500 delivers a commanding presence with its muscular V8 and impeccable road manners. It’s not just a convertible—it’s a statement.” 

Highlights 

• Retain by its second and current owner for the past 27 years 

• Finished in Brilliant Emerald (269) over a Parchment leather interior  

• Color keyed Brilliant Emerald factory hardtop 

• Powered by a 5.0-liter “M119” V8 rated at 315 horsepower  

• Five-speed automatic transmission  

• Black, power folding convertible soft top 

• Clean CARFAX Vehicle History Report 

Features 

• The car is equipped with the following option codes:  

  • 241 – Front left seat electric adjustment with memory  

  • 242 – Front right seat electric adjustment with memory  

  • 249 – Automatic dimming interior rear view mirror  

  • 251 – Radio MB Exquisit  

  • 309 – Cup holder  

  • 501 – Outside rear view mirror, right, heated  

  • 551 – Anti-theft/anti-break-in warning system  

  • 600 – Headlamp wiper/washer  

  • 810 – Sound system Features 

• Slightly larger cup holder made to fit where originally went 

• Driver’s seat bolster was replaced a few miles ago, looks new  

• Wood grain shift knob replaced original leather wrapped one (still have original)  

• Other items replaced:  

• Radio 

• Antenna 

• Battery  

• Hydraulic cylinders that control soft top 

• Relay for windshield wiper 

Known Imperfections 

• A few light scratches around driver’s door handle and trunk  

• Deteriorated hood pad  

• Damaged lower front valance 

• Slight dent in rear passenger side panel just forward of taillight  

Included 

• Color-keyed hard top  

• Hard top stand  

• Service records  

• Cloth car cover 

• Tools  

• Owner’s manual  

• Original first aid kit 

 Ownership History 

The CARFAX Vehicle History Report for this 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL 500 shows that the car was initially sold in the Vero Beach area of Florida in January 1996. Under the original owner’s care, the car moved to Georgia where it was purchased by the current owner and consignor in 1998. It shows 72,571 miles from new.  

The consignor states, “The car has been meticulously maintained. Always garaged with a cover on it. Car is in excellent condition and has a complete folder of work done over the years. A pure joy to drive, especially on sunny days.”