Mercedes Benz SL 500

Why would you want to spend more than 10 times the cost of a Holden SL Commodore top of the range car in 1985?  Why would you want to travel the other side of the world to take delivery of your new car? The answer would probably be because you couldn’t get one in Australia; you appreciated German motor vehicle technology, you wanted the best two-door roadster that money could buy and you could afford it!

Collected by the original owner from the Munich Daimler Benz factory on the 24^th June 1985 this RHD version travelled through Europe with its first service in Paris. From there it was driven to the UK where the pride and joy vehicle was shipped to Papua & New Guinea. What an experience that would have been for the business owner who later imported the car with their return to Australia in 2007. From 2014 two collector enthusiast owners have realised the collectability of this high-end luxury and performance classic and had driven the car really for maintenance purposes only.

The original invoice describes the “roadster hardtop fitted with a 5000cc fuel injection petrol engine matched to an automatic transmission, finished in champagne metallic paint with MB Tex Leatherette Trim”. Options are exhaustive and include Becker Mexico Radio Cassette, limited-slip differential, anti-lock braking system, sump guard, left exterior mirror electric adjust, paint set, glove lock, electric aerial, rear seat with 2 belts MB Tex, air conditioning, tinted glass, alloy wheels, tropical battery high capacity and fire extinguisher.

Capable of 220 kph, this gem was ordered at a time when the only Australian delivered SL Mercedes convertible was the smaller 280 SL six-cylinder or smaller V8 380 SL litre version with a top speed of 195 kph and 205 kph respectively. SL stands for Super Light and the lighter aluminium boot lid and bonnet contributed to the weight being retained at only 1540 kg. Later years saw the 560 SL produced which was also made available for Australian delivery. Despite it having a larger capacity due to a slightly longer stroke it was detuned for emissions and was less powerful than the 500 SL.

The car has had a very protected and sheltered life demonstrated by the excellent condition of its original paint, glass, and trim. It is a true survivor with its documentation and books. It is one of a kind pagoda with a removable hardtop and soft-top convertible. If you are ever questioned about why these cars are so expensive you should be aware that when the top comes down the price goes up!