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Curated Auction

1992 Mercedes 500 SL Convertible

At a Glance

Point A | Point B | Point C

  • Mileage~24,933 On the clock
  • TransmissionAutomatic
  • Engine5.0-L
  • LocationPeterborough

Curated Auction

We’ve visited this car, taken the images and written the description below - we’ve also verified the seller’s ID and actioned a HPi report - learn more

Curated Auction

We’ve visited this car, taken the images and written the description below - we’ve also verified the seller’s ID and actioned a HPi report - learn more

CURATED AUCTION

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CURRENT BID£0
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ENDS IN: 56 Days 12 Hr 51 Min 51 Sec

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Video #2

Introduction

Paul Wright
Professional Consigner

Because nothing says 'I’ve made it' like a V8 convertible with more tech than most in 1992.

What is the most thoroughly engineered convertible on the classic car scene today? Well, we think the R129 has got to be up there on that list. The SL500 is the flagship model, featuring the bombproof M119 5.0L V8 engine—it had more power than some of the Ferraris on sale at the same time.

The SL500 was also one of the safest cars ever built at the time, equipped with its ‘Wunderbar’ (an automatic roll bar), which deploys within milliseconds if the car flips over. Even to this day, it’s considered an extremely safe sports car to own.

This 1992 500 SL is a stunning low-mileage example, carefully looked after by the same family for the past 18 years.

This listing was written from information supplied by Paul after meeting Paul the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Video #2

Meet the owner

"When I spotted the car, it looked immaculate—it was just a matter of convincing my wife we ‘needed’ a classic convertible."

Eighteen years ago, Paul was driving past a small local car dealer when he spotted this 500 SL sitting on the forecourt, looking very impressive. Immediately taken by its condition, Paul took a closer look and was instantly drawn to its superb looks, performance, and, of course, the technology, which was very advanced for Mercedes at the time.

Paul became the second owner and kept the car for several years before passing it on to his mum, who owned it for some time. When she stopped driving, Paul took it back, and throughout those 18 years, the car has remained garaged and well serviced.

Paul
Vehicle Owner

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CONTACT OWNER
Video #2

Exterior

By summer, the roof can be dropped at the touch of a button; in winter, fit the hardtop and enjoy the best of both worlds.

Wheels and Tyres

Fitted with the original eight-hole alloy wheels, these are in superb condition, with no damage or corrosion to the faces. The tyres are a matching set of Avon ZV5s, which are in near-new condition.

Please see the image gallery for more detailed images.

Bodywork

The bodywork on this Mercedes is excellent. The panel gaps align well, and there are no dings or dents visible. There is some minor blistering on the driver’s wing, just in front of the wheel arch, and also a tiny amount on the driver’s rear arch—both of which could easily be repaired to prevent further deterioration. Paul had planned to address these if he kept the car.

We've provided high-resolution images and videos detailing our observations, so please take the time to review all media files for a comprehensive view of the car’s condition.

Paint

Finished in stunning Nautical Blue Metallic, the paintwork is in excellent condition, with only minimal stone chips to mention.

Images have been taken from various angles to present the car as you would see it in person. Please take the time to fully assess these high-resolution images and videos to form your own opinion on the paint’s condition.

Glass and Trim

All windows are in good order, with no noticeable scratches, and the seals are also in good condition.

The fabric roof is in excellent conditon and works corectly going both up and down

The removable hardtop is excellent inside and out. Paul pointed out a minor blister on the bottom passenger-side corner, but again, this would not be difficult for someone to repaint. Also included is the hardtop stand.

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Video #2

Interior

Luxurious and advanced—even the rear-view mirror has memory settings.

Seats and Carpets

Finished in beige leather, the electric memory seats are in excellent condition, with just a light amount of patina on the driver’s seat in keeping with the mileage.

The beige carpets throughout the car are in excellent condition, with no signs of excessive wear. The spare wheel is in place, along with the original tool kit and warning triangle.

Dashboard

The dashboard is in excellent condition and free from any splits or cracks. All of the instruments present well and are working correctly. The odometer shows a reading of ~24,933 miles.

A new instrument cluster was fitted by Paul, but he still has the old unit, which shows 28,525 miles, giving a total mileage of ~53,458 miles.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The original steering wheel and gear knob show no signs of excessive use. The wooden trim surround is in good order, with no splits or cracks.

Please see the interior gallery for more images.

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Video #2

Mechanics

The 5.0-litre V8 is as smooth as a pussycat—but if you dare to hit the kick-down and awaken the beast, it won’t disappoint.

Engine and Gearbox

Fitted with the reliable 5.0-litre V8, this is the most desirable engine for this luxury convertible, and it’s easy to see why.

Starting without hesitation, the Mercedes fires up and comes to a smooth, almost silent idle. Paul reports no issues with the car’s running.

The gear changes are smooth through the range, and the kick-down operates correctly, pushing you back in your seat—up to the national speed limit, of course.

Suspension and Brakes

For a car from 1992, the ride quality is superb, soaking up bumps with ease to provide a smooth experience, with no knocks or bangs heard from anywhere on the car.

The car comes to a stop in a straight line, with no juddering through the pedal, as seen in our on-the-road video.

The Drive

We asked Paul what he thought about driving his beloved Mercedes 500 SL, to which he replied. "It’s still one of the smoothest cars I’ve ever owned. Long journeys are a pleasure, and although it’s at its best cruising, when you need the performance, it’s incredibly rapid. The acceleration reminds me of being in a fast train or an aircraft taking off—the speed just keeps piling on in a smooth but unrelenting fashion.

We still don’t own a car where the memory settings include not only the seats but also the rear-view mirrors, the steering column, and even the centre rear-view mirror. There are two-stage heated seats for the driver and passenger, plus individual temperature settings. When you lock the car with the remote, not only does the central locking control the doors and boot, but every compartment within the cabin is secured—even if you leave the car with the roof down.
I could go on, but it really is a technological tour de force, and everything still works just as it did when it left the factory in 1991."

Electrics and Other

As Paul mentioned, everything is working correctly in the car, including the air conditioning. Paul has fitted an upgraded Pioneer head unit, allowing for mobile phone connectivity and hands-free calling.

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Video #2

History and Paperwork

An impressive 19 service stamps have been accumulated over ~53,458 miles.

If originality is what you seek, you’ve come to the right place! The Mercedes comes with all the owner’s manuals, the service book (with 19 service stamps plus additional stamps for brake and coolant changes), and the original key holder with both remote keys and three valet keys.

As mentioned, the instrument cluster was replaced, and the old unit is included. There is also a full workshop manual and a diagnostic tool for the blink test, with Paul also including the manual for it.

For anyone looking for an original, low-mileage example, they don’t come more authentic than this stunning 1992 500 SL. Cherished by the same family for 18 years, whoever takes over ownership should be interviewed to ensure it will be well looked after! Luckily, that won’t be necessary, as we know Trade Classics bidders are all like-minded enthusiasts.

We’ve conducted our usual seller checks, including photo ID, V5, and have also actioned a history check on the vehicle. This is a professional check by HPI that highlights whether the car has been previously stolen, recorded as being in an accident, or has any outstanding finance. Please note: This does not include a mileage history check.

We've summarised our view of the car based on information from the seller above. As you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in high-resolution detail – this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. Please sit back, have a cuppa, and take your time to review everything in this listing to assess the vehicle's condition.
Viewings are also welcomed for all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time – we just need to speak to you first and receive valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you’re unsure about, no matter how small, please ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bids, as bids can’t be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car – just like in a traditional auction house.

Service History
Date Type Mileage
28.08.2024 MOT/Service 24,899
10.10.2023 MOT 23,687
20.10.2022 Service 21,085
21.10.2021 MOT 19,773
14.10.2020 MOT/Service 18,648
23.04.2019 MOT/Service 15,182
19.04.2018 MOT 12,607
19.04.2017 MOT 9,181
06.05.2016 Service 7,014
27.04.2016 MOT 6,992
28.06.2014 MOT 5,846
14.06.2013 MOT 5,361
26.06.2012 MOT/Service 4,287
21.07.2011 MOT 3,256
03.08.2010 MOT 2,183
17.02.2010 Service 1,700
11.08.2009 MOT 1,022
05.08.2008 MOT 589
13.04.2007 Service 5,566
09.08.2006 MOT 28,517
02.08.2005 MOT 28,460
20.07.2003 Service 28,143
10.08.2000 Service 27,737
09.12.1999 Service 25,252
11.10.1998 Service 24,012
18.09.1997 Service 21,599
10.10.1996 Service 19,624
02.11.1995 Service 17,857
07.05.1994 Service
06.05.1993 Service 10,158
09.10.1992 Service 3,380
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Key Details
  • Model 500SL Convertible
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Reg. Date 05.08.1992
  • CC 4973
  • Mileage ~24,933 On the clock
  • Colour Nautical Blue Metallic
  • Interior Colour Beige
  • Interior Trim Leather
  • Chassis # WDB1290662F064679
  • Engine # 11996022035821
  • Last Service 27.08.2024
  • MOT Exp: 27.08.2025
  • HPi Clear Yes
  • Former Keepers 3
  • LHD or RHD RHD`
  • Visited Yes
  • Sale Type Private
  • Owned Family owned for 18 years
  • Key Feature Lovley original example
  • Auction ID 2589
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Video #2

All Images

Exterior

Interior

Mechanics

History and Paperwork



Vehicle Location

Peterborough

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    Insurance Quote


    Average annual insurance premium for a like this is via our trusted partner ClassicLine.
    GET AN INSURANCE QUOTEAnd get 10% off when you mention us.

    *Quote is based on a garaged vehicle in CV32 5QY (Leamington Spa), travelling 3,000 miles per year, 1 driver who is 45 years of age and is free on accidents and convictions – valid .

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    Vehicle Location

    Peterborough

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