1985 Mercedes-Benz

For more images, video and to see what our expert technicians thought of this SLSHOP Assured car head to our website PRINCIPAL FACTS: In August 1985 this 500 SL finished in desirable Pajet Red Metallic rolled out of the forecourt of Car and Commercial Services, the Mercedes-Benz dealership in Aylesbury. Since then, it's covered a few hundred miles shy of 70,000 miles, which equates to about 1,800 miles per year. The majority of those would, of course, be done in its earlier years, of course. Its history file and service book demonstrate that it's been looked after, but this is a car that will benefit markedly from a bit of time and not too much money spending on it - doing so significantly enhancing it all-round. CONDITION SYNOPSIS: It's all there, and indeed it's all solid, and the specification is appealing, this 500 SL a real opportunity for someone to titivate and improve it over time, either at home or by sending it back here for the SLSHOP to perfect. The bodywork is straight, the paint requiring some attention in places and the interior is in fine overall condition. The job list to improve it isn't arduous, with some slight leaks under the bonnet, and the sort of 'recommissioning' jobs that aren't uncommon in a car of this age. We'd recommend replacing the tyres immediately, similarly the brake hoses, belts and suspension bushes to make it drive and be as safe as it should be. The other jobs are either cosmetic or relate to inoperative bulbs and suchlike in the interior, and a heater motor that's not working. That's all reflected in the sale price, with this 500 SL costing tens of thousands less than examples in perfect order. HISTORY FILE: As mentioned, this car comes with a fairly comprehensive file containing a stamped up service book, plenty of MOTs to verify the mileage and, pleasingly, evidence of enthusiast ownership - with a few cards highlighting Mercedes-Benz owners club membership among the paperwork. There's a mention of a full gearbox service in there, too. All that demonstrates there's been money spent on it, and, while it's certainly far from perfect, fundamentally, it's a solid car and the basis to become a very fine example. SLSHOP SUMMARY: We see this fairly regularly with occasional use cars, where little jobs are left and the list of them subsequently grows to the point that perhaps overwhelms the owner. That presents an opportunity for the next owner, and there's really nothing to fear here. This a car in appealing colour combination, with the powerful 5.0-litre V8 that's teetering on the edge of greatness. As it is presented here it's an appealing driver - straight to the tyre shop - and then a potential rolling project for someone who's keen to take on the relatively straightforward little fixes and jobs that'll improve it and its future value markedly. A real opportunity to buy a solid, straight 500 SL at sensible money, and enjoy the process of improving it as part of the overall ownership experience.