Pick of the Day: 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL500 Sport

There is something about the late 1990s Mercedes-Benz SL-Class that just screams “Beverly Hills” to me. The car was understated, yet sophisticated. It was a status symbol for the elite and the successful. Even today – a full 35 years since the generation debuted – it commands attention and recognition.

The Pick of the Day is a 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL500 listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Shelton, Washington. (Click the link to view the listing)

“Beautiful red SL500 convertible in excellent condition,” the listing begins. The car has just 86,793 miles on the odometer, and while the listing is brief in its description, the car’s condition speaks for itself in the photos. “Has been well cared for an always stored inside,” the seller says. A closer inspection reveals the “Sport” badging on the front fenders. Included in this equipment package were 18-inch five-spoke wheels, unique side skirts, and contoured front and rear aprons.

The SL-Class’ history dates back an impressive 70 years. The car was first launched as a grand-touring sports car in 1954. Originally developed for racing applications, the first-street-legal version was dubbed the 300SL and came with eye-catching gullwing doors. Generations later, the example we see in today’s featured example was called the “R129” and it was introduced in 1989. It was the first Mercedes-Benz vehicle to have an automatic convertible top, and most came with an accompanying removable hardtop. A cosmetic facelift took place in 1998 that brought revised taillights, standard 17-inch wheels, body-colored door handles, and other changes inside the well-appointed cabin.

Production of this platform ran through 2001 with engineering updates were applied along the way as technology advanced. One area of vast diversity in the engineering of the R129 was its engine offerings. In the dozen or so years that the car was in production, the available powerplants ranged all the way from a 2.8-liter inline-six all the way to a massive 7.3-liter AMG-tuned V12. Powerhouse!

“Runs great, new battery, ready for spring,” the seller says. And in Magma Red paint such as this, you’re bound to catch a few glances for all the right reasons.

The asking price is $13,750, which includes the color-matched removable hardtop and its carrying stand. When new, this car had a shocking sticker price of $82,695. So, here’s your chance at a relative bargain!

To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, visit Pick of the Day.