1997 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

SL 500 Convertible

8 - Cyl.

Automatic

wdbfa67f8vf154933

Gasoline

1997 Mercedes Benz SL 500 Roadster in Memphis,Tn Rare 40th Anniversary model. One of 500 produced. -Something that won't fit under the tree! I am proud to offer the Ebaymotors community exclusively this 1997 Mercedes Benz SL500 roadster. This will be the 373rd vehicle , and the 40th SL that I have listed and sold in this forum. As with all of my ebay offerings, this vehicle is being sold without reserve price. I appreciate the continued success that I have enjoyed here on Ebaymotors.com . What began in 1998 with a 1974 450SL has now become a full time career! This is the seventeenth R129 roadster that I have purchased. The R129 series replaced the aging R107 560SL in 1989. Some readers here may ask "what, prey tell is the R129?". R129 refers to the chassis number designated by Mercedes to identify a series of cars produced on one platform. Mercedes tends to build several models within a chassis family. The r129 is the fourth generation of the SL. The R129 family consists of the SL models produced between fall 1989 and 2002.The North American models were comprised of the six cylinder 300SL, SL320, the eight cylinder 500SL, SL600 and the twelve cylinder models the 600SL and SL600. Mercedes nomenclature is easily deciphered. Generally the model number was a direct relation to the displacement of the engine. IE. SL 600 =6.0L (6000CC) SL =Super Leicht "super light" or "sports light". I have added well over 35 photographs to this auction. Please allow time for the photographs to load. I apologize in advance to dial-up users, but I assure you that it will be worth the wait...You may have to use the "reload" button on your browser for all of the pictures to display correctly. Please scan down to view all of the pictures. The 1994-2002 SL600 was a revision of the original R129 500SL introduced to the US in 1990. From 1994 forward the model was called SL 600 rather than 600SL. The change in the deck lid script was to denote that the models had been revised and improved, as is common in MB production to continually refine a model throughout the life span of the production run. The fourth generation SL is a drastic departure from the older 560SL models from the late 80's . The SL600 is a real sports car and is competitive with all of the offerings of Europe and America. The 48 valve V12 produces 375 horse power at the rear wheels ( a new Mustang GT produces 220 ). The top speed of the SL600 is electronically limited to 151 mph. The MSRP for the 1997 SL500 40th Anniversary model was a staggering $94,185 , more than the price of most first homes. With prices now beneath $20k , these cars are quite a bargain in today's market. The Anniversary SL is quite a rare bird. Only 500 were sold in North America. You may have seen my advertisements here on Ebaymotors.com . I have been a frequent advertiser here since May of 1999. I sold my first car here on Ebay in 1998. I live, breathe , and sleep cars. I love them, I hate them, and I own many of them. I try to do my best to accurately convey the condition of my merchandise to my audience. This will be tricky, but I think I can explain it. Wow! it has been a long time since I have had the pleasure of driving a well preserved R129! What a blast to drive.. This SL500 exibits all of the right mannerisms when driving down the road. It has lots of accelleration and drives fantastic. This is a great car for all seasons. Since the car comes with a removable carbon-fiber roof, it is a fantastic coupe for Winter, with the structural rigidity of a coupe, and the insulating properties as well. In Spring , Summer and Fall, it is a power operated soft top convertible. Yes, it's the best of both worlds! Dash shows no UV damage or cracks visible. Carpets are still quite nice. Only 81,000 miles since new. That's just 5,785 miles per year! View of the climate control panel. Notice the button that says "REST"? This is a function that utilizes residual engine heat and will maintain cabin tempurature for up to two hours when parked in cold weather. MB factory radio functions as it should. Both seats are electrically heated. Note, the SL 500 40th Anniversary is option laden... Special chestnut burlwood trim, is unique to the 40th anniversary model. The Crimson paint is also unique to the model. Interior leather is called "exclusive" and was the highest grade soft leather that MB had, it was only availbile in the Anniversary model. The model also has alloy wheels that are unique to it; as well as embroidered floormats as depicted here. Rear area is still quite nice. Depicted is the BOSE Beta sound system with ported sound chamber and factory amplifier. Convertible operation is accomplished with the mere touch of a button. Even a child..... Top frame hardware still appears as new. Plating is still brilliant. The soft top was replaced with a new top from GAHH. Inc in Hollywood,CA. The material is correct German canvas. GAHH produces the best quality tops availible. Even the original soft top headliner is still excellent. As with all 129 roadsters, this vehicle is equipped with an emergency roll over protection system, the roll bar deploys within 1/30th of 1 second if the vehicle begins to lose control. The roll bar also may be electrically raised or lowered by a switch on the console. I operate my Ebaymotors.com business much like that of a mail order business. I send my cars all over the country. I deal only with 2 shippers and can efficiently send your vehicle ANYWHERE to you at minimal cost and hassle. My customers enjoy the convenience of buying from me. When you get your vehicle, it is ready to go. I change the oil and check all fluids before it leaves my office . You will receive a full tank of fuel and a temporary operation permit good for 30 days. Should you have any questions regarding this vehicle, please do not hesitate to call me. Herbert Phillips 800.310.8767 Here is the serial number for anyone who should need it. I have posted the history report to this auction as a convenience to you. Please follow the link below to view the report. 1997 Mercedes SL500 history report You will note that the vehicle has a clean title history and qualifies for the $5,000 guarantee. Removable roof is in excellent condition. Rear glass is electrically heated. Top is made of carbon fiber and aluminum and only weighs a scant 73lbs. The 32 valve M119 runs fantastic and has a whopping 315 horsepower and even more impressive 347lb/ft of torque... More powerful than a Ferrari 348. It employs varible valve timing to achieve nothing less than accelleration excellence! The A/C functions as it should. Transmission shifts well. It is nothing short of fantastic to drive. If you have any questions at all, call me @ 800-310-8767, and I will be happy to discuss the car at length with you.. Notice the bright cadmium plating on the iron exhaust manifold. All the bolts are still nice, no corrosion under the hood. Conforms to California and Canadian emissions standards. Special 40th Anniversary light alloy wheels are still quite nice. Tires are approximately 85 % tread. I have been around this star for my entire life. I grew up with both of my parents driving Mercedes-Benz automobiles. I was driven to school in one. At age 3, I even had the privilege of driving my parents 220SE through the kitchen of our home. I feel quite comfortable with these cars, and you will too! For those of you that are not familiar with the star, this represents MB's pursuit of excellence on Air, Land and Sea. In short, this is a BEAUTIFUL SL500 that someone needs to love. It was a $100,000 automobile in its day, and still is amazing to drive. I cannot stress what a bargain these cars are right now...I remember test driving a new 1997 SL500, it felt like $100k..Its really a neat automobile and someone out there will appreciate it. If I had the time, I would keep it myself...but I have sixty two cars right now, and unfortunately my time is limited. So rather than it sit any longer... I am selling it without reserve. Pricing As mentioned above, this vehicle is being auctioned without reserve. Based upon asking prices in sources such as Hemmings Motor News, and The Star magazine, and selling prices here on Ebaymotors, I believe the value of this vehicle to be approximately $18,900. This is a very nice SL500, it's not new , but will please a realistic buyer. Please bid whatever you consider to be a fair price to pay. Bidding shall start @ $19.97 TERMS By bidding on this vehicle, or by purchasing this vehicle, you are bound, and agree with the following terms- In addition to your winning bid, you will pay my dealership a $395 document processing fee. The winning bidder shall send 30% of the purchase price within 48 hours of auction close. This shall be in the form of certified funds via federal express or bank wire transfer. The balance is due within ten days or whenever the vehicle leaves my hands. I do not ship c.o.d. am a licensed automobile dealer in Memphis, Tennessee. TN residents shall add 7% sales tax. All others are exempt from TN sales tax. I reserve the right to end this auction at any time at my discretion, as I see fit. The alert will contact me. You must resolve all questions prior to bidding. My vehicles are sold as is, with out warranty. Please remember that this is a fourteen year old vehicle with over 80,000 miles. All of our vehicles are sold without any warranty implied or expressed .This vehicle will not be perfect .Please expect the vehicle to have defects, and or wear and tear appropriate from use and age. This sale shall be governed by the laws of Tennessee. The venue of sale is Memphis,Tennessee. I am always happy to discuss unusual cars,hence my biddername, please feel free to contact me at 800-310-8767, my name is Herbert Phillips. I do not allow bid retractions whatsoever, those violating this rule will be met with negative feedback.Make sure you are fully qualified to purchase. You are entering a legally binding contract. I will prosecute any non performing bidder to the fullest extent of the law. Once you are the winning high bidder at close of sale, You OWN the car! Just send the funds. No STALLING and NO QUESTIONS. Winning this auction is NOT an opportunity to come and inspect this vehicle. No refunds or returns will be given, sale is final. With that out of the way, good luck and happy bidding!!! PS- Shipping is available anywhere, for a nominal fee. Call me at 800-310-8767 for a quote.