This Mercedes-Benz (R129) 500 SL is a solid and largely original example of the marque’s refined open-top grand tourer, presented in an appealing factory colour scheme. Under the bonnet sits a naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8, delivering 322bhp to the rear wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission. The odometer displays 168,304 kilometres (104,579 miles) from new. This example has been with its current owner for 12 years, and the seller notes that it has been kept in storage for the last four years. The vehicle is reported to run and drive, but may require some light recommissioning work to get it running at its best. This 500 SL is finished in the handsome hue of Almandine Red Metallic with a matching removable hardtop roof and a black convertible hood, over an Anthracite leather-trimmed cabin offset by burr walnut veneers on the centre console and interior door handle surround. It rides on a set of non-standard 17-inch five spoke AMG alloy wheels, shod in Nankang tyres. The factory specification includes heated and electrically adjustable front seats with three-position memory, electric windows, cruise control, basic climate control, a retractable roll bar, and a heated rear screen. The car is also fitted with an aftermarket Motorola mobile phone cradle and an Alpine radio CD player. It will be supplied with the detachable hardtop roof, the original owner’s book back, a selection of paperwork and maintenance invoices, the original tool kit, two key fobs, and a master key. The seller is not aware of any bodywork damage. The Almandine Red Metallic paintwork is noted by the seller as being original and in generally good condition, showing a scuff on nearside lower door protector on the front of the door, another scuff on the nearside rear, some lacquer peel and general scuffing on the front bumper. There is also stone chipping on the front end and the door mirror covers, and some general scuffs and scratches expected from a car of this age. The tow point cover is missing from the front bumper. Inside, there is creasing on the leather upholstery and some wear on the driver’s outer bolsters, and the seller notes that the Iight switch plastic has crumbled, the head lining on the hard top roof has come loose, and that the glove box sometimes pops open and needs to be pushed closed. Elsewhere, there is significant scuffing on the driver’s-side door card and scuffing on the wood trims. The seller notes the windscreen wiper sometimes does not properly locate in its resting position, the heater fan operates erratically, the ASR light shows intermittently, and there is occasionally a knocking noise from the rear of the car when under hard acceleration. When the car was removed from storage after four years, the hardtop roof was hard to clip into place, and they cannot guarantee that the soft top roof operates correctly. The remote central locking fob also works intermittently, but it can be locked and unlocked using the physical key without a problem. This 500 SL’s latest service was carried out in April 2017 at 163,618 km by Lastys Automotive in Geelong. The work comprised of an engine oil and filter change, and replacement of the expansion tank, radiator cap, front brake pads, coolant and brake fluid. Prior to this, the car was serviced in March 2016 at 158,429 km, which was a routine service with a transmission service and replacement of the water pump, two front air cells, brake fluid, antenna seal, and the battery. The seller notes that the transmission was rebuilt during March 2017 at 162,693 km by DTM Automatic Transmissions in Geelong with an invoice present. This is a solid example of the refined R129-era Mercedes-Benz 500 SL, finished in a handsome metallic red hue. Accompanied by the desirable detachable hard top, this stylish roadster should prove to be e a potent yet elegant companion for many more top-down journeys, and a smart addition to any collection of sought-after modern classics. The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details. This vehicle’s VIN has been checked against the Australian Personal Property Securities Register, and there is no security interest or other registration kind logged against the serial number. This vehicle has been checked through the Austroads NEVDIS system, and there are no markers under the written-off or stolen databases.