1983 Mercedes-benz 500sl on 2040-cars

The power brakes all work, with plenty of pad life left.  The rotors aren’t warped, and there’s no vibration in the pedal.  The rotors are a unique helical pattern. The wheels have a few nicks in the paint.  

The engine has great oil pressure, warms up quick and maintains temperature without overheating. The transmission shifts smooth, but really shifts best once it’s had time to warm up. There is a little play in the steering wheel but I believe it can be adjusted out.  

None of the warning lights on the dash are on. The car still has the Bosch headlights and fog lights. The taillights each have small cracks in the corner orange, but are not shattered. The radio and speakers work, the tape deck does not.  

The hard top in is in great condition.  The soft top mechanicals are in great shape and all the pivot points just received lubrication. The soft top needs replacing. The paint is largely in great shape, but has a blemish in the clear coat on the driver’s side left fender (near the headlight) and another on the hood by the passenger’s side mirror.

Some borrowed text regarding the 500SL:

The R107 bodied SL was one of Mercedes-Benz' most successful models in terms of production. But while a considerable number of these roadsters were built, with a variety of I6 and V8 engines, the 500SL is a rare and desirable beast. Total R107 production from 1972-1989 is cited by various sources to be 237,287 cars, with an additional 62,888 SLC fixed roof variants. The 5.0 liter Euro-spec engine, with higher compression and freer breathing, was the pinnacle of this design, producing 240hp and 296lb-ft of torque. Only 11,822 500SLs were produced from 1981-1989. This engine was never intended or certified by Mercedes-Benz for US distribution. During the same time the 500SL was produced for the rest of the world, here in the US we had to satisfy ourselves with the 380SL (1981-1985) and the 560SL (1985-1989). The closest US performer was the larger 5.6 liter 560SL from 1985-1989, producing 227hp and 287lb-ft of torque.

Other than the performance differences, there are a number of styling cues that make any European spec R107 generally more desirable than US spec models. Notably, the bumpers are smaller and more graceful than the bulky bumpers required on US models. The 500SL was also delivered from the manufacturer with sleek halogen projector single lens headlamps rather than the dual sealed beam units required on US models. There was also a tasteful rear deck spoiler on the 500SL that was absent from all US variants. During the early 80's when well-heeled American consumers were unable to get anything more than a 3.8 liter V8 through their local dealers, those in the know were legally able to import the 500SL through "gray market" channels. This involved an importer who would be required to federalize the cars to ensure they met US safety requirements. Depending on who managed this process for the buyer and what state they lived in, more or less was changed to satisfy federal and state regulators. In many cases, some or all the desirable cues listed above were removed, and US-spec headlights and bumpers installed. Today, a fan of this model looks for a car that preserves as much of its European character as possible. In addition to the relatively low-volume 500SL production, it's estimated that fewer than 1500 500SLs were ever imported into the US under these gray market rules during it's 9 year production run. Take into account the federalization process, attrition, age, re-export (very common these days) and you are left with very few good quality examples for US admirers to pursue.

Report Run Date: 2014-02-16 16:22:57.799 EST  

Vehicle: Mercedes-Benz (WDB10704612002759)  

Event Date      Event Location      Odometer Reading Data Source          Event Detail
05/17/2001    SILVER SPRING, MD     Motor Vehicle Dept.        REGISTRATION EVENT/RENEWAL
06/17/2003    SILVER SPRING, MD     Motor Vehicle Dept.        REGISTRATION EVENT/RENEWAL
05/27/2005    SILVER SPRING, MD     Motor Vehicle Dept.        REGISTRATION EVENT/RENEWAL
05/07/2007    GREENBELT, MD         133,171 Motor Vehicle Dept.        TITLE (Title #:37780402) REGISTRATION EVENT/RENEWAL
05/28/2009    GREENBELT, MD           Motor Vehicle Dept.        REGISTRATION EVENT/RENEWAL
04/29/2013    GREENBELT, MD           Motor Vehicle Dept.        REGISTRATION EVENT/RENEWAL

The car currently has a clear Virginia title and is registered with Antique tags.

Happy to answer any questions I can.  The car is currently garaged in Woodbridge, VA and can be inspected there. I live in Falls Church, and can bring the car up here to deliver it to the buyer. I’m happy to coordinate with your shipping company to pick it up. 

I’d ask for payment to be done via PayPal unless otherwise coordinated (will take Cashier’s Checks or Cash on a case-by-case basis).   

I have opened the auction to international bidders but reserve the right to cancel bids for low/no feedback. The vehicle is for sale locally and I also reserve the right to end the auction early.    

 

 



 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

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On Feb-25-14 at 15:40:23 PST, seller added the following information:

I botched the video embed. My apologies. Let's try that again. Sorry for all the photos; trying to improve my car photography, thought I'd practice while selling my car.  Thanks for the patience