My Cars: 1992 Mercedes SL500 (R129)

Mercedes SL500 classic car valuation UK

This UK RHD SL500 in Green was first registered in August 1992. It has 4 previous keepers. I bought it on eBay in September 2014. I had been looking at the next thing to add to the fleet and always had a thing for Merc SLs: R129 models in particular. They were still quite cheap in places so I set up an eBay search and just kept an eye on it during coffee breaks etc.

The day after I set it up, this Mercedes 500SL appeared looking for a quick sale. The owners had been through the wringer with a timewaster and needed the parking space pronto. It is a 1992 model so has the M119 engine, 4 speed auto, Malachite green and Champignon trim. 68,000 miles from new.

I rang the number, a lady interior designer answered. I asked whether everything worked and, as soon as she confirmed that it did, I paypalled a deposit at the asking price. I picked it up that weekend and that was a fun story. The four-speed gearbox is great to use and supposedly bulletproof. I can;t see I miss the fifth gear that buying guides tend to harp on about: it is easy to shift it down a gear and charge onwards.

Showing 69k miles, the car lived on the street in London for many years, so there are several dents in the body and slight damage to the front grille. There’s a hole in the driver’s seat base and the plastic rear window was cracked when I bought it. I had the plastic rear window replaced and the soft top guy steam cleaned the roof.

I experienced the car cutting out while driving a few times. It was shown to be the engine bay wiring loom insulation disintegrating, which is a well-known problem on all Mercedes from the mid-1990s. There are four looms to change, with a total cost of €1500 plus shipping! Not got around to doing that yet so I put it into storage. Would be nice to get it out sometime soon!

What our customers say about my online Classic Car Valuations:

“John, this is great. Thanks very much, I really appreciate your work. I’ll be back in touch with you probably once it’s at the state I wish to keep it in. Best wishes.”

Boglarka – Bristol – Series Land Rover Overlander insurance valuation

“Hi John, Thank you very much indeed. This is perfect, and exactly what I was looking for. I really appreciate your time and insight, and this will be very helpful indeed with the insurance company.”

Stephen – Isle of Man – Mk1 Mini Cooper S insurance valuation

“Hi John. Many thanks for the valuation of my Morgan Plus 4, an excellent prepared report, great detail and a very professional job.

David in York – 1993 Morgan Plus 4 4-seater insurance valuation

“Dear John, thank you for sending this on. The insurance valuation makes me feel that perhaps in my car buying experience over the years I might just have bought it right. I really do appreciate your input into the whole experience and it has made my wife and I feel very happy about our latest car purchase.”

Chris in Dorset – Porsche 993 Cabriolet inspection, purchase support and insurance valuation

“Hi John, Thank you for the insurance valuation on my E Type. I must say it is very rare these days that a service is provided with such speed and so comprehensively. I can’t think of a better £80 that I have spent in a long long time. Your help and assistance is really appreciated.”

Paul  in Warwickshire – Series 1 E Type OTS insurance valuation

“Hi John, Thank you for your excellent and comprehensive valuation report for my car. A great service provided by yourself and also a very quick response to my initial enquiry. I have forwarded it on to Adrian Flux for them to increase their much lower valuation. I will certainly endorse and recommend your service to other like minded classic enthusiasts going forward.”

Roy in Carlisle – MG RV8 insurance valuation

“Hello John, Many thanks for the speedy reply and valuation. I have never used a service like this before and I am very impressed with your detailed report and overall service. I’ll certainly be back when I need another/update and I’ll recommend you where I can. Have a great day.”

Andy in Wales – Aston Martin DB9 insurance valuation

“Thank you John so much for your kind attention to my valuation. Wonderful service all round.”

Shirley in Brighton – 1963 Wood and Pickett Morris Mini Minor insurance valuation

“Hi John, very many thanks for your report. It makes very interesting reading and it is pleasing to note you consider the car is still in the bracket of a desirable acquisition and as such have increased the replacement cost. I’ve no current intention to sell but it’s always good to know my small collection is not likely to lose huge sums overnight.”

Simon in Warrington – bespoke classic Porsche insurance valuation

“Hi John, my insurance company accepted your valuation and amended my policy to suit. The information provided and the way the valuation was composed was in my, and my family’s opinion truly excellent and professional. I would not hesitate to recommend your services to anyone in the future should the need arise.”

Simon in Essex – Classic Triumph Insurance Valuation

“Hi John, Thank you for your efforts in providing this valuation! I’m sure my grandad will be thrilled. I shall forward it onto him and advise him with regards notifying his insurance company. Again, can’t thank you enough and shan’t hesitate to employ your services again in future!”

Oli in Manchester – Riley Special Agreed Insurance Valuation

“Hi John, Thank you so much for your kind words and honest evaluation. I think your valuation and the accompanying justification are more than fair, derived in a very logical and professional way and shown in an easy to read format. If I can provide a reference or a review for your services please let me know as I would be more than happy to do this.”

David in Switzerland – HMRC NOVA Valuation – Classic Motorcycle

“John, many thanks for all your help. I am especially grateful for how quickly you have done this valuation. I’m really happy with your valuation and glad that you have appreciated the work that has gone into creating this car. I will not hesitate to recommend your services.”

Matt in Birmingham – Agreed Insurance Valuation – Frontline MGB GT

“Hi John, I can now understand why my insurance company recommended you to carry out an assessment of the value of my vehicle. You have done a splendid job, I am very impressed with the detail which you have included and you display an in-depth knowledge of the market. Please accept my grateful thanks for your efforts on my behalf and you can be sure that whenever the opportunity arises I will recommend your services.”

Dave in Reading – Classic Ferrari 355 Insurance Valuation

Hi John, Many thanks for getting this back so quickly. Your market commentary is encouraging and I am very happy with the figure. I will send it over to the insurer and ask them to amend the agreed value accordingly.

Nick in Manchester – Agreed Insurance Valuation

“John, this is incredibly helpful, and I can see how much work you have put into it. I am enormously grateful – thank you so much – and Dad will be delighted, I’m sure.”

Karen in Ipswich – Agreed Insurance Valuations on unique Jaguar conversions

“John, thank you for the excellent valuation report, most enlightening, particularly the points about the macro economics and how that influences the market demand. We will be in touch when the need arises to revalue our other classics.”

John in Bristol – Agreed Insurance Valuation – Morgan 35th Anniversary

“Hi John, Many thanks for your condolences and for the speedy response. The valuation is just what we need as we go through the probate process. The report is very thorough and clear. Thanks again.”

Jane in Slough – Probate Valuation – Rover Mini Mayfair

Hi John, I just wanted to give you an update on the car. I listed it for sale on Friday – for £78k to test the waters – and have accepted an offer for £75k, deposit paid, just subject to viewing. I had 3 very serious enquiries within 48hrs, one from Australia. Seems your fantastic insights were spot on – black 911s are very desirable. So just wanted to say thank you.

Simon in London: Porsche 964 market valuation (to sell quickly)

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Classic Car Valuations Specialist is part of Specialist Car Valuations Limited: UK company number 07983578. Values on this site are an opinion: markets can go down as well as up.