When we typically think of Moab, Utah classifieds, we imagine a slew of 4x4’s with adventure racks, lift kits, and all manner of off road gear so we were surprised and excited to find a clean, low mileage R129 SL500 for sale. The listing can be seen here on Facebook Marketplace with several solid photos and an asking price of $15,500. The odometer reads a very easy 23,500 miles and the datacard is chalked-full of goodies.
Finished in Dark Turquoise (257) over Java nappa hide (234), we're immediately drawn to this example for the color combination. A little digging revealed some interesting options that really solidify what a cool choice this is. The top, option 745, is Java to match the interior. We’re glad this model doesn’t have a black top as the contrast generally takes away from the overall aesthetic. For those colder days, option 415, a Dark Turquoise Pano Top was ordered with the car and is indeed still present and included in the sale. Last but least, we’re very happy to see this car is in fact an SL2 package example, which included heated front seats and xenon headlamps. The factory order form is included as well to back this data up but most interestingly, the form reads “European Delivery.” We haven’t spoken with the seller/owner but we hope this car has documentation of a factory delivery which would just make it one of the coolest R129’s on the market.
The exterior looks exactly as we’d expect a 21 year old R129 to look, possibly better. The paint seems to be extremely well cared for and the trim still retains a nice glossy black finish. In a couple photos the top is shown closed and it seems to fit nicely without any of the edges raising or shrinking. No mention is made of the top hydraulics of functionality but it’s safe to assume a car like this has a functioning top. If they’re been proactively addressed, that would further reinforce our belief that this is a ton of SL for the price.
The interior presents itself much the same way as the exterior. Despite the desert climate, this cabin appears to have been well kept over the years and the leather surfaces cleaned and conditioned regularly. The wood trim across the center console doesn’t seem to be faded from prolonged UV exposure, nor does the dash or steering wheel. OEM reproduction factory carpets in Java are included with the car (the difference being the metal plate on the mats vs the embroidered Star) and the rear carpet, although mildly faded, is in great shape.
Most onlookers will claim this isn’t worth the money because it’s not a Sport package car. We’re here to say that couldn’t be farther from the truth when a car like this has so much going for it from the condition, to the colors, to the options, and the possible Factory Delivery pedigree on the Build Sheet. At $15,500 this SL500 has huge potential to be a great weekend driver and appreciating asset. So much of this car checks out that it would be worth really spending some time to pull a VMI and ask for records. Fingers crossed the seller has a massive binder and with any luck is the original owner/buyer.
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