This 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL500 is 1 of only 500 40th Anniversary models produced and comes finished in Crimson Metallic (019) over Parchment (265) Exquisite leather interior. This roadster was sold new by Smail Mercedes-Benz of Greensburg, PA for $91,795 on New Year’s Day of 1997 and power comes from a 5.0-liter M119 V8 paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. Equipment includes a Black convertible top, removable hardtop, 17″ Sport Evo II wheels, power-adjustable and heated seats, and a factory stereo with a trunk-mounted OEM six-CD changer. The car was first registered in Pennsylvania and remained there through 2019 before moving to Ohio where it currently resides with the selling dealer. Recent service includes the addition of H&R lowering springs, a new A/C temperature switch and recharge, rebuilt top hydraulics, replacement of the convertible top module, new shifter linkage bushings, new serpentine belts, oil and filter service, a new center console slider button and release spring, and numerous other minor interior refurbishments. This R129 now shows only 60k miles and is offered by the selling dealer in Ohio with the original window sticker, a body-color removable hardtop, original 40^th Anniversary floormats, manufacturer’s literature, inspection report, recent service records, two keys, a clean Carfax report, and a clean Ohio title.

The 40th Anniversary Edition SL was offered in two colors, with this example being 1 of 500 finished in Crimson Metallic. Exterior features include fog lights, headlight wipers, fender vents, and a single windshield wiper. The paint is believed to be all original and shows only very minor imperfections throughout. Close-up images of the exterior are provided in the photo gallery below.

The 17″ Sport Evo II wheels were part of the 40th Anniversary Package equipment and show almost no wear or rash on the faces or lips with the exception of a small area on the front left wheel. All four wheels are wrapped in Michelin 245/45 tires showing 2012 date codes. The car is fitted with H&R springs which provide a sportier driving experience and slightly lower ride height. 

The body-colored hardtop reportedly needs a new seal and has minor blemishes from prior removal/installation. Photos of the hard top are shown in the gallery along with the Black convertible soft top. Some of the top hydraulics have been rebuilt by TopHydraulics in Oregon and the convertible top operation is said to operate flawlessly.

The cabin features power-adjustable and heated seats upholstered in Parchment (265) Exquisite leather, while chestnut wood trim accents the center console, steering wheel, and door panels. A new center console slider button and release spring was recently installed and works as intended. Equipment includes automatic climate control, a factory stereo with a trunk-mounted six-CD changer, cruise control, and a deployable roll bar. The seller states that the passenger vanity mirror cover is loose and the dash compartment that previously contained the now-removed OEM phone system does not open properly.

The instrument cluster contains a 160-mph speedometer, a 7k-rpm tachometer, and an analog clock along with gauges for fuel level, coolant temperature, oil pressure, and instant economy. The digital odometer indicates 60,544 miles.

The 5.0-liter M119 V8 was rated at 315 horsepower and 347 lb-ft of torque when new and is paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. A general inspection was conducted in preparation for the sale and the car reportedly has no outstanding mechanical needs that can be determined. Recent mechanical service includes the installation of a new A/C temperature switch, an A/C system recharge, new shifter linkage bushings, new serpentine belts, and oil and filter service and a new convertible top control module.  A recent mechanical inspection report as well as receipts for recent services are viewable in the gallery below. 

The Carfax report shows linear mileage updates, no accidents or other damage, and lists registration history in Pennsylvania and Ohio through its most recent entry in September 2021.