1999 Mercedes-Benz SL500 Roadster
"Time marches on. Fads come and go. But real substance stakes out its own territory and improves with each passing year. Witness the Mercedes-Benz SL Class coupe/roadsters for 1999. Each SL offers the privacy and security of a coupe, along with the stirring sensation of driving an open car. In these thoroughbred sports cars, the driving legend that began with the 1954 300 SL Gullwing coupe endures in a thoroughly modern form. Perhaps no other automobile carries such a rich heritage, yet still applies progress so intensely to its mission, to make the drive as exhilarating as the car." From the 1999 SL series sales brochure.
For consignment, a 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL500 roadster, a two top car in stunning black that comes to you with a dolly for the hardtop and the Moroney window sticker.
Exterior
Top on or top off, this generation of SL's are attractive and distinct. In keeping with the model's characteristics, the car is low, but not too low and strikes a nice balance between a sports car and an enclosed coupe and that stance translates to the ride, as we'll see. The nose leans back and in profile, the entire car seems to be shaped by the wind and the vertical tail sheds turbulence as you slice through it. A pair of fender vents add a bit of aggressiveness to the profile while the 17-inch wheels with their keystone shaped gaps, provide just the right level of sportiness. Out back, the Mercedes tail lights glow against the black paint and flat panels of the deck lid and rear panel and the rear black bumper creates a seamless continuation of the monochromatic coverage. The black canvas top and its glass window are in great shape having been replaced in 2020 and overall, the paint is in good condition. Imperfections include numerous scuffs around the perimeter, one deeper one with a small dent near a wheel opening, multiple scratches and rock chips, scuffs under the chin, paint chips, and missing parts of the lower grille.
Interior
Fine materials abound and begin with the gray door panels that share space in leather, plastic, and faux wood in a simple, flowing design that, on the driver's in particular, shows some usage patina. Inside, the gray leather bucket seats are accompanied by the seat belt anchor, attached to the side and it's on this component on which the headrest is connected, a unique design we don't often see. Both seats show some usage as expected for a well loved car, and the driver's seat demonstrates more usage as is typical, with creases and wear. In the back, a cargo area completely covered in gray carpet, showing wear but in good shape. The gauge cluster is behind plexiglass and houses stunning dials, clear, tasteful, and easy to read. Along the top of the gray dash is a series of vents and just below in the center stack, climate controls and an AM/FM/CD radio embedded in beautiful faux wood trim that cascades down to the center console where the shifter is situated, all in very decent condition. Plush gray carpet on the floor shows some age and is also found lining the trunk, showing usage but otherwise clean.
Drivetrain
A big plastic cover dominates the engine bay where a 5.0 liter SOHC V8 that is electronically fuel injected and rated at 302 horsepower resides. That's some decent giddy up that is set into motion via a 5-speed automatic transmission sending power to the rear wheels with 2.65 gears and limited slip. Power disc brakes are supplied front and back.
Undercarriage
Generally clean, driver quality underneath with minimal surface rust, no leaks, and a lack of grease and grime. The dual exhaust travels the center tunnel and meets original equipment mufflers before merging to form one tailpipe that exists out the back. Front and rear house independent suspension with a multi-link arrangement in the back.
Drive-Ability
We've said it before, the SL series over a span of decades presents some of the best cabin and driving experiences, well rounded in the categories of handling, tracking, acceleration, braking, and overall comfort. This car delivers those things despite the mileage and looks good doing it. We found that the soft top stops halfway up but all other functions onboard work. 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.
Well built with quality materials and attention to detail, these make great daily drivers or special weekend toys. We happen to love it in black even with all the love marks that come with this car. The potent 5.0 liter never disappoints and the SL's always exude an air of success. If this is the one for you, call the mall today!
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.
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