- Extensive recent work carried out at SL Factory

- Stunning colour combination

- An elegant and high-performance convertible

- No reserve

This 500 SL was delivered new in Germany to a Japanese enthusiast. Keen to have certain options specific to the American market (airbag, cruise control, automatic air conditioning), he ordered it with American specifications and had the car’s styling Europeanised very early on, making it a model that benefits from the best of both continents.

The car was imported from Japan to France in 2018 by the Managing Director of a major car hire company, who was keen to acquire an exceptionally high-quality example. The import was handled by Ecoburn Japan Ltd., who provided the car with a Japan Export Vehicle Inspection Center (JEVIC) certificate showing a mileage of 72,335 km in November 2017.

The car was then sold in 2019 to another French enthuisiast and subsequently in 2023 to the current owner. Keen to ensure the car was in perfect mechanical condition, the latter entrusted it to the SL Factory specialist. This resulted in almost €25,000 worth of work carried out between 2023 and 2026, including a complete rebuild of the injection system (K-jetronic), a full fluid change, an overhaul of the entire running gear and fuel system, as well as restoration of the dashboard and soft top.

Now with a mileage of around 95,000 km, this 500 SL is in charming condition, with a lightly patinated appearance and a reliable engine. The next owner of this car will have the privilege of driving an icon of its generation, featuring what is probably the best engine in the range and ready to hit the road this summer.

Photos © Nino Hamet