2000 MERCEDES-­BENZ 500SL CONVERTIBLE
Designer: Johann Tomforde, Bruno Sacco

Estimate: $15,000 -­ $25,000

Chassis Number: WDBFA68F0YF193597
Decoded: W=Germany; DB=Daimler­Benz; F=model; A=engine; 6=transmission; 8=seatbelts;
F=stuff; 0=check digit; Y=2000 model year; F=Stuttgart Assembly; 193597=93,597th 500SL Scheduled for production
Engine: 4973 cc OHV V8
Electronic Fuel Injection / 326 bhp
4-­Speed Benz­O­Matic Automatic Transmission
Power Assisted Four Wheel Hydraulic Disc Brakes
Mileage: 79,950 mi

● Out­Standing Performance
● Popular Styling
● Part of the Legendary SL Heritage

The Model: Shortly after WWII, Mercedes­Benz was ready to return to the world of motorsports, and they did it with the 300SLR, a class act. With a few modifications these race cars were made road ready and thus was born the beautiful 300SL Gullwing Coupe. A less expensive roadster, the 190SL was introduced in the mid­1950’s followed by the famous Pagoda era with the 230, 250 and 280 SLs. Into the 1970’s the mighty 450SL’s ruled the luxury sport segment, the first generation 500SL in 1980. For 1990, the new R129 family hit the market with it the slightly smaller, but better performing and balanced 500SL, which had all the appointments one would expect in a Mercedes. For 1994, Mercedes turned the nomenclature around and placed the SL in front of the model name, and they became ever better automobiles. The SL500 would remain in production for 10 years and see 23,704 units produced.

The Car: The SL model designation first represented Sport Leicht which translates simply as “Sport­Light” indicating these vehicles were built for speed, performance and agility. However, for the 500SL, later the SL500, “SL” should represent “Sport Luxury.” No longer built for the racing set, the SL500 is a high­-performance sports­ car with a list of standard equipment that leaves the competition far behind. This well maintained example finished in Astra­silver and complimented with a Navy Blue leather interior, and both soft and hardtops, has been well maintained and features a top­line audio system, plus all the amenities needed for effortless motoring. With its easy to read gauges, specious interior and beautiful stance, this is a car that beckons you to take it for a ride, and takes only a simple bid to add this automobile to your collection.