- Just 59,158 miles from new
- One of the few 500SL models imported to North America
- Attractive red over buckskin leather
- 16-inch chrome wheels
LOT 180
Addendum: Please Note: Due to age of the vehicle, mileage is not stated on the title.
Selling on Friday
1985 Mercedes-Benz 500SL Roadster
OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE
In 1971, Mercedes-Benz replaced the 280SL with an all-new flagship sports car, known internally as the R107. This new SL was designed in-house at Sindelfingen by Karl Wilfert and his team, who produced an understated yet highly sophisticated design. Mercedes-Benz's obsession with safety led to a significant number of subtle design features that spoke to the intense level of detail the designers paid to every square inch of the car. This new Mercedes SL sports car was the strongest, safest, most thoughtfully engineered grand touring car money could buy. Mechanically, the R107 took a page from its predecessor, riding on a unique platform while sharing engines and suspension components with its sedan counterparts. The engine bay was designed to accept an array of engines ranging from a 2.8-litre inline-six to a series of powerful V-8s, all of which featuring Bosch fuel injection.
Luxuriously equipped and superbly finished in the best traditions of Mercedes-Benz's top-of-the-range models, the 500SL convertible and 500SLC coupe were introduced at the Geneva Salon in March 1980 alongside the outwardly similar 380SL/SLC. The '500' featured the all-alloy overhead-camshaft V-8 engine that had debuted in the 450 SLC 5.0 of 1977; more powerful yet less thirsty than the existing V-8, this new 5.0-litre unit produced 240bhp at 5,000rpm, an output sufficient to propel the 500SL to 225km/h (140mph). Although shorter in the wheelbase than the 450, the newcomer retained its predecessor's attractive and long-established body style, which now featured front and rear spoilers. The state-of-the-art running gear too remained essentially unchanged, though improvements were made to the all-independent suspension and to the brakes. Four-speed automatic transmission was standard. In the gray market surge of the 1980s, Mercedes' R107 convertible was one of the most popular cars to be whisked through various ports of call with its pretty Euro features still attached. One of the most desirable specimens were cars like this 1985 Mercedes-Benz 500SL, which offered a more powerful V-8 engine than U.S. models at the time.
This being a 1985 model meant it was available before the 560SL showed up stateside. If you were an R107 shopper in late 1984 and knew Europe had a V-8 model with about 50 more horsepower than the next closest offering at your local dealer, and if you had the right connections, gray market was the way to go. It is worth mentioning the 500SL was still quicker than the later 560SL, thanks to the lack of emissions equipment. The European-market 500SL features slim and elegant tight-fitting bumpers, flush-glass headlights, front spoiler, and a black rear spoiler that are also specific to the Euro models. Additionally, this Mercedes is fitted with period accessory chrome wheel opening moldings and attractive 16-inch chrome wheels with gold Mercedes-Benz logo center caps and quality Michelin Pilot P225/50R16 performance radial tires that enhance the sporty elegance of this iconic SL.
Finished handsomely in red with buckskin leather, this car is in remarkably clean condition with only 59,158 miles on the odometer, showing pride of ownership with an uncracked dashboard and leather seating surfaces that remain tear-free and clean. Music for touring is provided by a period-correct Blaupunkt Seattle SQR 27 AM/FM/cassette player. Also with the car is the original factory tool roll. Rare, powerful, and elegant, this European spec 500SL presents an exciting opportunity to acquire an exceptional Mercedes-Benz that is seldom seen in America.
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