This 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL500 is finished in Brilliant Silver Metallic (744) over Grey (248) leather and is powered by a 5.0-liter V8 paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. It was first registered in Houston, TX and has remained there throughout its entire life. Features include the desirable SL1 AMG Sport styling package, headlight wipers, a retractable black soft top, a wind deflector, glass panoramic hardtop, and air conditioning. Service in 2018 included the replacement of all hydraulic top cylinders, replacement of all cam oiler tubes, new timing chain tensioners and replacement of the valve cover gaskets. The front struts and ball joints were replaced in 2019.  This R129 shows just 70k miles from new and is offered by the current owner in Houston, Texas with a clean Carfax report and a clean Texas title.

The car is finished in Brilliant Silver Metallic (744) and features the desirable SL1 AMG Sport package which includes an AMG front spoiler, side skirts, and a rear apron along with factory 18” AMG Monoblock wheels. This example also features a black soft top, headlight wipers, fog lights, and a highly desirable and valuable panoramic hardtop. The front bumper has been repainted under current ownership but all other paint is believed to be original. The Carfax report gives no indication of prior accidents or damage.

Factory 18” AMG Monoblock wheels are wrapped in Pirelli Cinturato tires showing 2019 date codes in the front and 2020 date codes in the rear. The tires measure 245/40 up front and 275/35 in the rear. The wheels appear free of any significant rash, curbing or peeling - with minor wear showing on the front two wheels only. 

The cabin features seats trimmed in Grey (248) leather with a matching dashboard, gray carpets, and wood veneer accents on the center console and door panels. Amenities include power-adjustable front seats with position memory, a wind deflector, a factory cassette stereo, and an auto-dimming mirror. The seller has added a color-matched glass panoramic hardtop from another R129 with a tan headliner. All hydraulic top cylinders were replaced in 2018 and the convertible top works as intended with no hydraulic fluid leaks.

A leather-wrapped steering wheel frames a 160-mph speedometer, 7k-rpm tachometer, and clock, along with gauges for fuel level, instant economy, coolant temperature, and oil pressure. The digital odometer indicates just over 70k miles, approximately 1,200 of which were added by the seller over the last four years of ownership.

The 5.0-liter M119 V8 was factory-rated at 315 horsepower and 347 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a five-speed automatic transmission. Service in 2018 included the replacement of all hydraulic top cylinders, replacement of all cam oiler tubes, new timing chain tensioners and replacement of the valve cover gaskets. Service in 2019 included new front struts and ball joints. An engine oil service, brake fluid service, and A/C service were all performed in preparation for the sale.   

The June 2021 Carfax report shows no accidents or other damage and linear mileage updates throughout the car’s life in the Houston, TX area. Both cold start and driving videos of the car can be seen below.