2003 Mercedes-Benz SL500

Single family ownership from new. Nicely maintained with receipts. Everything works, including top and A/C. Europe-only color combination. Runs and drives beautifully. An A-list German grand touring convertible for the price of a used Hyundai!

The Mercedes-Benz SL has been a legend for nearly 75 years, and it probably represents the most imitated, most coveted, and most prestigious car in the world. Yes, there are more valuable cars and more expensive cars, but the SL, throughout its career, has always represented the pinnacle of style and performance. It is the ultimate sign that you have made it. And that s why cars like this 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL500 are such a wonderful paradox. Good ones show you exactly why they re so special yet carry a remarkably affordable sticker price. This car was purchased new through Mercedes European delivery program, and the new owner spent the first few months of ownership touring Europe in his new SL. He also ordered it in what is apparently a Europe-only color combination of Desert Silver over Dark Charcoal leather, a striking and subtly attractive look. It was shipped back to the US and enjoyed over the next 20 years, always properly maintained and always ready to go. It was never a winter car, so it s incredibly clean, and the Mercedes-Benz quality is tangible everywhere you look. The finish is deep and lustrous, the doors close with a solid THUMP, and anything that s chrome plated feels heavy and substantial, not cheap. And yes, the SL looks like money on wheels, with gorgeous looks that will never go out of style.

The interior shows typical German attention to detail and yes, maybe a little bit of over-technology. There s power assist for just about everything and features like automatic climate control, heated seats, and a large-screen entertainment system are all standard equipment. The wood that you see is real burled walnut, not a plastic facsimile, and the controls and switchgear, even after more than 20 years, still feel crisp and well-engineered. Of note, everything works including the A/C, which was just serviced to the tune of $6000, and the insanely complex folding convertible hardtop, which stows itself in a matter of seconds beneath the trunk lid. The leather seats are still in fantastic condition with excellent support and long-distance comfort, making this a fantastic road trip car. Clever details abound, from the storage compartments under the front seats to the pushbutton start/stop buttons to the glass insert in the folding top. The only real demerit is a bit of stickiness to some of the buttons, a known problem with a lot of European brands, but it doesn t affect functionality and there are treatments that are able to correct the issue. Otherwise, this SL presents extremely well. Even the trunk is beautifully tailored and offers plenty of storage space for a weekend getaway.

The SL s real secret, however, is that it s a muscle car in disguise. Thanks to the muscular 5.0-liter DOHC V8 under the hood, the SL500 feels like a German Mustang with the kind of big torque performance that makes it wickedly fast, especially on the roll. The engine is known for its long-term durability and the receipts that accompany the car show a lifetime of conscientious maintenance to keep it in top health. It starts quickly and easily, settling into an almost silent 800 RPM idle. But boot the throttle and it definitely makes some spectacular V8 sounds as it launches the convertible to jail-term speeds effortlessly. And as a product of the autobahn, high-speed cruising is smooth and silent. The 5-speed automatic feels lazy at low speeds to preserve smoothness, but put your foot down and it snaps to attention and gets the V8 into the sweet spot instantly, making this heavy cruiser feel light on its feet. The suspension is a great compromise between comfort and competence, and the brakes are hugely powerful. The undercarriage shows 20 years of enjoyment, but no rust or structural issues, and there s plenty of evidence of proper maintenance throughout so it s ready to enjoy. Handsome 17-inch aluminum wheels carry wide 255/45/17 BFGoodrich radials with lots of life left in them.

Extras include factory manuals and booklets, wallet-sized key cards, details from the European Delivery, maintenance receipts, and a custom suitcase that slots neatly behind the seats.

These cars represent perhaps the biggest bang for the buck in the universe. With a six-figure price tag in 2005, it was insanely expensive, yet its price today puts it within reach of everyone. The key is buying a good one that has been properly maintained, and this car certainly qualifies. With one elderly owner, it has been babied its entire life and the condition bears this out. And none of your neighbors will know what a bargain it really was. Call today!

Harwood Motors always recommends and welcomes personal or professional inspections of any vehicle in our inventory prior to purchase.