At $89,300, the 1991 Mercedes-Benz SL had roughly the same retail price as a BMW 850i. Even by today’s standards, that’s a huge chunk of change for a car. It’s no wonder why both of those vehicles were associated with wealth and success. Some three decades later, they still hold their value strongly in the classic-car marketplace among enthusiasts for German grand-tourers.
Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500SL Roadster. The car is being offered by a dealer in Paso Robles, California, and the auction will end Wednesday.
Produced from 1989 through 2001, the R129 two-seater was a long-lived (and well-loved) platform among Mercedes enthusiasts, and it served as the successor to the R107. Advertising for the SL proclaimed that it was “Engineered like no other car in the world.” What were some of the attributes that made it so special? The list was lengthy, but highlights included a hidden (automatic-extending) roll-over bar, seatbelts that were integrated into the seats, a hydraulic convertible top, an optional Active Damping System and rain-sensing windshield wipers, which were an advanced feature for the time.
Design for the SL was drawn by Bruno Sacco, who served as head of styling at Daimler-Benz from 1975 through 1999. Sacco had his hand in the design of many noteworthy Mercedes-Benz cars during his tenure with the company. Sacco passed away on September 19 of last year at age 90. Indeed, many would argue that the SL design has aged well. Features that stood out to me on this car include headlight wipers, vented front fenders, Gullideckel chrome wheels, a color-matched removable hardtop and louvered taillamps.
Finished in red over saddle leather, the car touts a history that is about as clean as they get, showing accident-free ownership in California since new, according to the CARFAX report. An emissions inspection was performed last August, and the crankshaft position sensor was replaced in December. Under the hood, power comes from a 5.0-liter V8 mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. Mercedes rated the engine at 322 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque when new.
The SL was a status symbol in the 1990s and it remains one today. A red roadster will look right at home at your nearby country club or shopping mall. Don’t miss the chance to make it yours by placing a bid!
The auction for this 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500SL Roadster will end Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. (MST)
Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery
