1985 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

500SL Convertible

8 - Cyl.

Automatic

00000000000000000

Gasoline

You are bidding on a rare 1985 500SL Euro Mercedes-Benz Roadster PLEASE READ ALL OF THE DESCRIPTION SO THERE WILL BE NO MISUNDERSTANDING AS TO THE CONDITION AND TERMS OF THE SALE OF THIS CAR. IF YOU NEED MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE EMAIL ME AND I WILL DO MY BEST TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS. THIS IS A " PROJECT CAR" ONLY because it is too nice a vehicle to part out.It is not in running condition and is sold "AS IS". I will do my best to describe it accurately.The powerful 500 SL with 5.0 liter engine, produced from 1980-1989, was not available in the US through Mercedes-Benz and was popular in "gray market" import. It is recorded as being the fastest production 107 produced. The car is extremely well built and collectible. It was the first V8 powered two-seater to be built at the Stuttgart, Germany factory.Since this Mercedes is imported the European VIN number is not recognized by eBay. The correct VIN# for the car is WDB1070461A020424 and has factory stamping on the front radiator support and on the inside driver side door frame. It comes with an Urban Legend which I haven't been able to verify.The auto dealer in Florida said the original owner was a member of the Gotti crime family in New York and later moved to Miami. There is a "Jockey Club of Miami" sticker on the windshield. Interesting and fun story anyway. Condition and History:The body is in excellent condition, solid and straight and rust free. Chrome is in very good condition except for one small missing piece (see photo). All doors, hood, and trunk are operating with ease, and everything lines up properly. The paint has very fine scratches in some areas (from dog) but can easily be buffed out.It is equipped with both hard top and the soft top. The previous owner never removed the hard top and so the condition of the soft top is unknown. The hard top is in great condition and the headliner is clean and free of any rips or tears.Minor exterior damage: Broken amber light on passenger side (photo) Tires are good and a spare in trunk...not original. Interior: The leather interior upholstery shows wear appropriate to its age and should eventually be re-done. The drivers seat has a small tear (photo). The side panels are in excellent condition, clean with no rips or tears. Leather on top of dash has crack. Has original floor mats, first aid kit (in German) and tools in trunk.There are stero speakers on the bench behind the seats but I think the radio/CD player needs to be replaced.ENGINE: The previous owner had a minor engine fire caused when a leaking fuel hose dripped gas onto manifold. I have photo of engine but we removed the air cleaner to get a better look. I do have all of the parts and pieces. There was no battery in it and Mechanic said someone had pulled the wiring harness loose. Since we have no Mercedes mechanics in our area I have not been able to determine what the cost would be to replace the wiring. I was advised that an investment of about $5,000 to restore the car interior and engine would translate into a value of approximately $30,000. Since I am not a car collector or enthusiast I cannot speculate as to the truth of his statement. The NADA pricing has low retail for this model as $18,200 and high retail at $31,300. I took the car in lieu of payment for services but I do not want to restore it myself since I am 70 years old.Please do not bid unless you understand that car cannot be driven now and must be towed or trailered at buyers expense. See shipping instructions.Thank you for looking and Happy Bidding!