Mercedes-Benz SL 500 40th anniversary edition
Car-ID: XT0117
Vehicle Description
In 1997, Mercedes-Benz commemorated the 40th anniversary of the first 300 SL roadster by offering two limited-edition models: Of the SL 320, only 250 models were built, painted in Designo Blue, and of the SL 500, exactly 500 were built in Designo Red. These cars were distinguished not only by their special paint, but also by an interior trim which was not available on other SL models. A particularly soft, “Exquisite” leather was used, for the SL 500 this was kept in a colour called “Mushroom”, which contrasted nicely to the chestwood interior trim. In addition, six-spoke Evo II alloys, as well as CD changer and heated seats were fitted. The steering wheel on these special cars was leather/wood trimmed, and 40th anniversary floormats rounded off the package.
This particular car once belonged to German-born Hollywood actress Diane Kruger, who is well known for here role as Helen in the epic war film Troy (2004). The Mercedes is reportedly accident-free and in a convincingly good condition, having accumulated less than 90,000 km so far according to the odometer. It features the 5.0 litre V8 engine which produces 235 kW (320 hp) of power, has an electronically governed top speed of 250 km/h and overwhelming 470 Nm of torque, if necessary. The SL has valid technical approval until 05/2017.
This is your chance to buy a fantastic Mercedes roadster from a rare and coveted edition, in remarkable condition and pre-owned by a Hollywood celebrity!
At the 1989 Geneva Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz presented the new SL from the R 129 series. Its predecessor had been on the market for no less than 18 years, so the target group was more than ready for the new car and received it enthusiastically – so much so that early customers had to put up with a delivery period of several years. The aerodynamical wedge-shape design by Bruno Sacco won the international “Car Design Award”. Technologically, the new SL was very advanced, especially with regards to its safety features. They comprised a sensor-controlled automatic roll-over bar which would be raised within 0.3 seconds if needed, as well as integral seats.
The fabric top mechanism was no longer manually operated as it had been in the R 107, but electrohydraulically, it opened and closed within 30 seconds. The aluminium hardtop weighed about 10 kg less than the one of its predecessor.
The R 129 was available with a variety of engines, from 2.8 litres of capacity all the way up to 7.3 litres in the rare AMG V12 variants. A total of 204,940 examples were built over the course of 12 years, with two facelifts in 1995 and 1998, most of them equipped with V8 engines.
