1998 Mercedes-Benz 500SL Convertible
The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is a grand touring car manufactured by Mercedes Benz since 1954. The designation SL derives from the German Sportlich-Leicht, which translates to lightweight sport. With unlimited speed limits prevalent in Europe, individuals who owned such cars could quickly travel from point A to point B. This is the true definition of grand touring, meaning traveling in luxury and style at high speed.
This 47,089 actual miles 1998 MB SL500 roadster for consignment is in very nice condition and very sporty. A hardtop, convertible top, and new mechanism electrically operated top down give the owner 3 different cars to choose from. All full of options including a hardtop carrier, a cover, plenty of power conveniences, and wrapped in red and saddle khaki leather.
Exterior
Enveloped in beautiful Imperial Red, the exterior of this car presents very nicely with a few scuffs on the neoprene bumpers and on the body, most likely due to being stored under a cover. The optional hardtop, again in Imperial Red, is included for those foul weather motoring days. We note the hardtop has been treated to a new headliner. The hard top is electronically released and relocked on with the touch of a button. Upon its removal, you have access to the black canvas convertible which remains sight unseen when folded electronically behind the driver and passenger secure under the saddle tonneau covering. We note the plastic windows in the top are slightly fogged. Integrated body matching red bumpers, aero inserted and smoothed headlights, a swept back front glass, ribbed taillights, (they're self-cleaning), and we have a Wolfsberg sports car in sheep's clothing. Sunburst 5 spoke 16-inch alloy wheels are on all 4 corners, and the exterior package is completed with simply stated elegance.
Interior
Khaki leather, with plush padding and stitching allow the bucket seated driver and passenger an almost endless array of recline, height, and stiffness options at the touch of a series of buttons on the door. These buckets have some cracking in the bolsters in their front sections and are now covered for further protection. There is a storage area behind the two bucket seats, as well as a wonderfully fully lined trunk in light tan velour. The doors are lined with a tasteful mixture of light khaki leather, molded vinyl, and highly lacquered burl. This burl can also be seen in the center console housing the AM/FM/Cassette player, window controls, top actuator as well as the shifter. The dash is a beautiful complimentary tan and brown leather and molded vinyl. Analog gauges keep you informed of all major functions and a leather wrapped sport steering wheel can be adjusted to ergonomic alignment for the driver, no matter what size they are. Manually moving the shifter or simple automatic shift modes can be chosen at the driver's will and a standard and winter/wet shifting mode can be had with the flip of a toggle. Tan carpeting is fairly clean and has protective tan carpeted mats on top.
Drivetrain
A 5.0 liter V8 drinks from an electronically controlled fuel injection system. The smooth as silk 5-speed Daimler Benz 5G Tronic automatic transmission can whisk you efficiently, or sporty down the highway all the while spinning a 2.65 limited slip geared rear axle.
Undercarriage
Independent front and rear suspension provide a ride that fools you into exactly how fast or slow you are really traveling. 4-wheel power disc brakes stop this luxury sports car on a dime. A peppering of road dirt and surface rust is seen on some bolts here and there, but overall clean rust-free stamped metal ground effects panels abound along with lightweight cast aluminum throughout.
Drive-Ability
Nice sounds not only from the engine compartment but also from the stereo system. However, I chose to listen to the engine which performed beautifully with lots of unlimited acceleration, bias free panic stopping, and handling like a sporty sedan should. I found the climate display splotchy, and the center of the steering column rotates when engaging the turn signal lever. 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.
A fine example from 1998 Mercedes-Benz engineering that has remained timeless. Plenty of options, and conveniences adorn this car, and the color combination with the contrast of the exterior Imperial Red and khaki leather and plastic molded parts. Sport luxury can be yours right here at the Classic Auto Mall. Rot und richtig Liebe!
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. There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee is not included in the advertised price.
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