This R129-generation Mercedes-Benz 500SL is a very well-preserved example of the refined modern classic roadster, which is offered with low mileage from new. Under the bonnet sits a naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8, delivering around 240kW to the rear wheels via a five-speed ‘5G-Tronic’ automatic transmission. This Japanese-market 500SL was exported to New Zealand in 2010 as a dealer's private vehicle. Since then, it is reported to have had four owners, and one of them relocated to Australia. The 500SL is now located in Australia, where it has been with the seller for around 18 months. The odometer shows a modest 54,751 Kms from new. This 500SL is finished in the refined shade of Brilliant Silver Metallic with a matching hard-top and a black convertible roof, over a black leather-trimmed interior, punctuated by handsome wood veneer trim. It rides on a newly machined set of 16-inch ‘8-hole’ alloy wheels, which are shod in Continental UltraContact UC6 tyres. Equipment includes headlamp washers, Anti-Slip Regulation, automatic air conditioning, cruise control, and electrically adjustable seats with three-position memory. This example has been fitted with a 600SL-specification steering wheel and gear knob, as well as an Alpine stereo with Bluetooth connectivity and USB input. The car comes with a first aid kit, the tool roll, a warning triangle, a spare wheel, the CD multichanger, two working central locking keys, the original stereo unit, all of the original Japanese owner’s manuals, the Japanese service booklet, and two folders of maintenance invoices (46 pages) going back to when the car had 3,462 Kms on the odometer. Please refer to the photo gallery to assess the exterior and interior condition. Specific notes from the seller include: some very minor stone chips. The car’s last roadworthiness test was conducted in September 2023, which is reported to have resulted in a clean pass with no advisories. This 500SL’s most recent routine maintenance was carried out in September 2023 at 54,346 Kms by Star Garage Mona Vale, which consisted of an engine oil and filter change, coolant and brake fluid changes, and the brakes, suspension and all fluids being checked. Mercedes-Benz technicians carried out a transmission fluid and filter change at around 44,000 Kms, alongside replacing the oil pan gasket, fitting a new transmission pilot bushing, and replacing the engine and transmission mounts. An ‘A’ service was carried out at around 42,000 Kms, which included an engine oil and filter change, the air filter cleaned, all the fluid levels checked and topped-up as required, all the lights checked, the brakes, suspension and tyre conditions checked, all control units reset, both left- and right-hand rear sway bar links replaced, both front top shock absorbers replaced, all four mounting bushes on the front lower suspension control arms replaced, and new ball joints fitted. Other notable maintenance includes the alloy wheels being machined and clear coated, a new battery fitted in February 2022, and a wheel alignment, tyre rotation and balancing in September 2023. This R129-generation Mercedes-Benz 500SL is a timelessly specified and very well-preserved example of the handsome modern classic roadster, offered with low mileage from new. Presented with an elegant colour scheme, and boasting a potent yet smooth V8 engine coupled to a slick-shifting automatic transmission, it would make a stylish companion for retro daily driving, weekend drives, and car show visits alike. The description of this consignment 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, potential buyers must independently satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description. Potential buyers should view or arrange inspections as well as conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to bid or buy. Please note that it is not uncommon for classic or collectible vehicles to have received cosmetic repairs in the past, either to rectify damage or refresh appearance, and this work may be undetectable even upon visual inspection. Unless there is an explicit statement by the seller to the contrary, please assume that any vehicle could have had bodywork or paintwork during its life. Furthermore, photographs may not reflect the true colour or full condition of the vehicle. It is a bidder’s responsibility to satisfy themselves of the colour and condition of a vehicle, including its interior and the existence of any remedial bodywork or paintwork, before committing to bid or buy. This includes by raising enquiries with the seller in the comments section. For vehicles, unless otherwise stated, potential buyers should also assume that any cherished registration may be retained by the seller. 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.