1988 Mercedes Benz 500SL |

Sold

1988 Mercedes Benz 500SL

Sold Price

£20,935

Mileage~94,368
TransmissionAutomatic
Engine5.0L
LocationGreat Missenden

SOLD

1988 Mercedes Benz 500SL

I WANT ONE

Introduction

Darren Rungasamy

Automotive Editor, Photographer and Consigner

There are not many other cars that offer the same build quality in such an elegant package.

Launched in 1971, the R107 Mercedes SL has become one of the ultimate open-top classic cars. Deceptively quick, the SL encompassed all of Mercedes Benz’s traditional values, combining practicality, driving experience and elegance. There’s a bit more substance than just the SL’s V8 power though, the very mention of an open-top Mercedes is perpetually connected with decadence and luxury. The SL’s interior is simple but intuitive, the driving experience of the SL is one of understated elegance. It will glide you along any road with comfort, the unstressed V8 often reminding you that you have plenty of power and low down torque on tap. This is a reason why the R107 cars, particularly the 500 SL are safe bets on the market.

Bill's 1988 Mercedes 500 SL is a genuine UK late "facelift" model, which has been well maintained throughout its life. Sold new with several non-standard options including an automatic antenna, front lamps, rear bench seat stops, cruise control, bumper guards and the useful cold weather start equipment. Finished in "Midnight Blue" with grey leather, this facelift November 1988 example of a 500 SL has a huge file of paperwork and receipts and has spent all of the last two decades undercover in a garage.

This auction listing was written from information supplied by Darren Rungasamy after meeting Bill the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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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.

Meet the owner

I've always liked the looks of the Mercedes SL, it's a respectable sports car too.

Bill has owned the car for over 15 years, having bought it following many years of working abroad. He's always liked the look of the Mercedes SL and sought out a decent example as a treat for himself. The power, while useful is not the motivation, the build quality combined with the enjoyment of open-top motor in the summer months being the main appeal. However, it's hardly seen the road in recent years, covering only 2,000 or so miles in the last 10 years. This lack of inactivity doesn't mean the car has been neglected though, as Bill has kept on top of the MOT's and servicing during this period but ultimately, this lack of use is the regretable reason for its sale.

Bill

Vehicle Owner

Bill saved £3,600* when they
sold their Mercedes with us.

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EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

The quality and care of ownership have really helped to preserve this 500 SL.

Wheels and Tyres

Being a late facelift example from '88, the car features the later 15" alloy wheel design. The alloys wheels have been looked after, there are the expected signs of the ageing process here and there but are in decent condition. The tyres show well above minimal legal tread.

Bodywork

A very clean example would be an accurate summary of this R107, the body lines are very straight, with no rippling or significant dents - only a handful of tiny dings here and there we spotted.

The panel gaps are excellent, the doors open with no sagging. With the car being stored in a garage it looks to be rust free, only a tiny spec in places (windscreen washer area) that we saw and certainly not enough to distract you. The underside is in very good condition, sills, valances and under-bonnet/boot areas look good. There is a corrosion spot in the boot where the spare wheel is kept.

Paint

The paint finish is very good throughout, the lustre is deep and shows evidence of garage storage. There are no significant stone or door chips just a couple of age-related issues, the main ones being a light scratches on either side of the rear wings - both can be sorted out easily with a buff and polish we feel.

Glass and Trim

The SL has a lot of external fittings, a combination of chrome, plastic and rubber adorns the car. As a whole, the trim is in good condition, although the rear bumper looks like it has seen a light knock and the off-side piece of the front bumper has the lightest of damage. There is evidence of the edge of a door side protector trim being lifted loose, but again hardly noticeable. The chrome work has retained its quality and there is no rust or pitting. The glass is in very good condition with no major scratches or chips.

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INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

The interior has been remarkably well-preserved, thanks to its build quality and careful ownership

Seats and Carpets

Finished in a smart grey leather, the interior is generally reflective of a well-built car of its age and mileage having worn its years well. The seat springs still offer the support needed. The driver's seat has wear on the bolster but other than that nothing to report.

The carpets are in decent condition, the light colour doing their best to disguise wear and tear. The passenger side and rear footwells have mats, which are in good condition. The boot carpet is also in good condition, with no signs of heavy use. The car has been at the local mechanics, in preparation for this listing and was left outside the premises during some particularly heavy downpours, this seems to have caused some damp behind the drivers seat as a result of a damaged rubber seal on the glass rather than the hood or under the car.

Dashboard

The dashboard is in generally good condition, the padded leather and walnut embellishments are intact, there are the usual signs of age but show no damage asides from the top of the facia which has a crack in the centre where the demist vents are positioned, typical for an R107. All of the dials and controls are in good condition and are all functional. The stereo system was fitted in 2013. The door cards are in good condition but show signs of the leather rippling. The headlining is unripped and in good condition with no signs of water ingress.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The steering is an aftermarket item, replaced to allow better access in and out of the car but the original steering wheel also comes with the sale as pictured. It is in decent condition. The gear level and handbrake show light age-related wear but are in generally good undamaged condition.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

An understated car with many talents, the subtle V8 power is the 500 SL's ultimate party trick.

Engine and Gearbox

The engine fired up with no issues at all, its garaged status going some way to show its mechanical durability. The engine condensation disappeared quickly, take a look at the video to hear the engine in action. There was slight blowing from the manifold, but nothing major.

The gear shift was slick and effortless. The under-bonnet area could do with a clean but it is clear to see that it has not been neglected. The bonnet insulation will need replacing.

Suspension and Brakes

The brakes are in good condition, with no uneven wear or scoring on the discs. There was no evidence of knocking or noises in operation. While the brake functions were good, the last MOT advisory flagged up hose corrosion (likely due to lack of use) which may need attention at some point.

The Drive

It's all about the experience when driving an open-top 500 SL. The car is remarkably capable for modern driving conditions, these mechanically hardy cars have been proven dependable for almost 50 years. The 500 SL is the most desirable R107 model sold, and as a result, demand has been steady. What is the appeal then? Well, the impressive handling combined with the thoughtfully designed cabin, finished off with the svelte compact body styling ticks many boxes for those who would like a classic car, but not willing to sacrifice comfort and mechanical durability.

Electrics and Other

The lights and other electrics are said to be completely functional, the off-side front indicator has slight scraped damage but not a major issue. The electric windows function as expected. The folding roof is in excellent condition, with no rips or damage both inside or out. The function is good too, with all of the attachments and clips in working order. The car also comes with a midnight blue hardtop, which has a stand and cover.

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History and Paperwork

A late facelift 500 SL, finished in a lovely Midnight Blue and coming with over 20 years of documentation.

There cannot be anything more pleasing than a file full of receipts and documentation when buying a classic car, and this is very much the case for this 500SL. The car has seen regular attention and maintenance over the years, with a radiator, tyres and cosmetic touch-ups seen the documentation.

In addition, the car has seen some recent boot lid repair due to age-related corrosion, with repairs to the soft-top, a new front exhaust box carried out prior to Bill's ownership. There is also evidence of the last 20 years of service history and MOT invoices for the car. All in all, this a lovely package if you're in the market for the R107 SL.

We've actioned checks on the following; Seller ID, V5, HPi clear.

Service History

Date	Type	Mileage
12-10-2020	MOT	94,611
11-09-2019	MOT	94,499
11-09-2018	MOT	94,428
17-05-2017	MOT	94,268
02-06-2016	MOT	94,032
26-05-2016	Service
03-06-2015	MOT	93,574
28-05-2014	MOT	93,374
18-04-2013	Service
16-04-2013	MOT	92,840
06-07-2012	MOT	92,616
05-07-2012	Service
23-06-2011	Service
21-06-2011	MOT	92,233
17-12-2009	MOT	92,185
07-01-2009	MOT	91,859
03-01-2008	MOT	91,556
04-01-2007	MOT	91,163
31-01-2006	Service
11-01-2006	MOT	89,620
04-01-2005	MOT	88,358
30-09-2004	Service
24-07-2003	MOT	77,790
28-05-2003	Service	77,424
03-01-2003	MOT	76,110
13-09-2002	Service	75,017
06-06-2001	Service	69,634
26-03-2001	MOT	68,669
23-03-2000	Service	63,051
26-01-2000	MOT	62,059
26-02-1999	MOT	58,736

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Key Details

Model500 SL
TransmissionAutomatic
Reg. Date1988
CC4973
Mileage~94,368
HistoryGood
ColourMidnight blue (904)
Interior ColourGrey (278)
Interior TrimLeather
Chassis #WDB1070462A063509
Engine #11796422002635
Last Service26-05-2016
MOT11-10-2021
MOT ExemptNo
Road Tax ExemptNo
Former Keepers8
LHD or RHDRHD
VisitedYes
Sale TypePrivate
Owned15 years
Key FeatureOriginality with careful ownership

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Ask Questions

Seller : Bill P Sale Date 25.01.2021

Post a comment or ask the owner a question about the car.

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Member

Boris2008

Bill Seems I won the car, please give me your number and I will call you. Regards, Trevor *******

Guest

Bill P

Well done and congratulations.

My telephone number is 01494864059.

I need see what Trade classics want me to do next.

I will phone you tomorrow .

What time will suit you?

Thank you

Bill

Admin

Adam - Trade Classics

RESERVE MET

Guest

Azhar Ghafoor

Hi Bill
I need some more information about your car
How may owners has your car had?
Can you supply more pictures of the hardtop?
Do you have a stand for the hardtop?
What condition is the hardtop in?

Guest

Bill P

I believe that I am the third owner.Yes but not until tomorrow.The hardtop is stored on a stand and has a cover.You will be able to see the condition from the photos.I will send the photos to Kulraj so he can post them on the site.

Guest

Bill P

Because of the snow ,the garage will not be able to help me fit the hard top until this evening.It has been stored on a stand with a soft cover to keep it safe.I have taken some photos and have asked Kukraj to post them for you. The hard top is in good condition.

Admin

Kulraj Salh

Hi, we’ve added another picture https://www.tradeclassics.com/auctions/mercedes/1988-mercedes-benz-500sl/#gallery1-226 It’s hard for Bill to take more as it is on it’s stand, and they are very heavy hard tops. It looks in tip top condition in line with the rest of the car, and as pictured, is kept in a special protective cover too, not just on the stand bare. Best, Kulraj – Trade Classics

Guest

Bill P

The hard top is now in place and I can see that it is very good condition.Regrettably it is now too dark to take any photographs.

Admin

Kulraj Salh

No worries Bill, I think you can tell given the condition of the hard top headlining, and the finish on the exterior picture you sent through today that it’s in good condition.

Good luck with the bidding to all those involved this evening.

Best, Kulraj – Trade Classics

Member

Janet1973

Bill, an I go back to the question on the bulkhead as a specialist told me on Friday it is an 8k repair. Did the person from TC look at this – apparently there is a panel at the back of the engine bay that can be unscrewed to inspect.

Admin

Kulraj Salh

Hi Janet1973, the bulkhead is something that we don’t check when we visit. However a key point to note is the general condition of the car, and the fact that some water got in to the back of the car probably due to a loose seal near the window when it was out at the mechanics in some very very heavy rain, the front footwells were dry. When the bulkhead has corroded, water gets in to cabin of the car this way, and deposits on the front footwell but we didn’t observe any water in the front footwells. Hope that… Read more »

Member

Janet1973

Thanks v helpful

Guest

Paul

The bulkhead is the biggest virtually untreated weakpoint, as ive been lead to believe by an expert in R107’s. It is an expensive fix, and the only real way to check is via an endoscope.

Guest

Harvi Hunjan

Hi. Please can I view the car on Sunday 24th Jan. I am in Chalfont St Peter and can view anytime before the auction end.

Guest

Bill P

If this helps you to make a bid you may come and see the vehicle today.I will be unable to bargain with you as the auction is still in progress.What about 14.00 hours to day.Phone me to confirm on 01494864059.

Member

lahos72

Hi Bill, Do you have the OEM stereo?

Author

Bill P

It does not have an Original Equipment Manufacturer stereo.The Stereo was installed later and works very well.

Guest

Jeremy

Hi Bill I am interested in speaking to you regarding your Mercedes could you give me a call please on 07860212919

Author

Bill P

OK 01494864059

Guest

Trevor Welch

Hello Bill, I have has several SLs and wonderful car.
Does your car have factory fitted A/C and rear seats.
Also are there more photos that I could view.
Many thanks, Trevor Welch 079876 788157

Author

Bill P

Hi Trevor, It has the usual cooling /heating system but not A/C.It has rear seats.There are many photos posted on this listing by the TradeClassics inspector.Is there a particular image you require, please le me know and I will take a photo and can email it to you.Cheers Bill

Guest

Trevor Welch

Thanks Bill, Do you have the hard top? Regards, Trevor.

Author

Bill P

Hi Trevor, I do have the hard top.It has been on a stand in my garage for a number of year and is covered to protect it.The stand and cover are included in the sale.I understand that Tradeclassics have put photographic evidence on this site.Cheers Bill

Guest

Trevor Welch

Thx Bill, I motived after I had sent the message that the hard top was there. Best regards, Trevor.

Member

Janet1973

Hi and also does the car have a hard top

Author

Bill P

Yes-the hard top has been stored on a stand in my garage for many years. The hard top also has a protective cover.All of these are included in the sale.

Admin

Kulraj Salh

Hi Janet1973, yes the car does come with the matching hardtop, a special cover for storage (the whole hard top goes in to this soft cover), and the stand. Bill has sent through some pictures of it and we’ve uploaded, you can see here; https://www.tradeclassics.com/auctions/mercedes/1988-mercedes-benz-500sl/#gallery8-222

Best,

Kulraj – Trade Classics

Member

Janet1973

Is the colour metallic?

Author

Bill P

I do not believe it is metallic.

Guest

Nick Milnes

Hi
Can you tell me if the baulkhead has been checked as this can be a problem area for corrosion?
Many Thanks

Author

Bill P

Darren Rungasamy the author of the description for Trade Classics,was extremely thorough in his visit to inspect the car.He was with me for over 2 hours and I believe he has inspected all areas of the vehicle.

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Great Missenden

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