IN THE GARAGE: 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL500

Exceptional original example with provenance

THIS IS THE STORY of how a Ford may have ended up in a Mercedes-Benz. In 1996, the Mercedes R129, already acclaimed by both press and public for its sophisticated elegance and performance, had undergone some refinements which included a 5-speed electronic transmission, side air bags and minor styling updates. A prominent business man and resident of Vail, Colorado, George Gillett, felt an SL500 in classic Mercedes 904 Blue would make a perfect car for his wife Rose to enjoy the deep blue skies of Colorado summers. George and Rose were close friends with former President Gerald and First Lady Betty Ford, who were also part-time Vail residents and partners in Vail Associates. So aside from being a nicely preserved, excellent example of an R129, we have here one that very likely saw Betty Ford as a passenger on many a lunch date around Vail. I don’t know that for a fact, but it’s a good possibility. That aside, it’s an excellent car and one that certainly presents itself as stately in its own right.

OVERALL CONDITION

In addition to—or perhaps because of—its prominent history, the car has been exceptionally well maintained and preserved. As such, it has all the Mercedes-Benz prerequisites:

• It has both tops
• It has the original Becker audio system
• It has a complete set of manuals
• It has a complete set of tools
• It matches its data card

The car is presented in a striking and unique combination of dark blue (904 Dunkelblau) with light gray leather (208 Orion Gray) and black power soft top, all of which are completely original. Paint is exceptionally nice for its age. It shows some stone chips along the nose as well as a few very minor nicks and scuffs on doors and fenders, but has outstanding depth and shine. Gaps are perfect (many higher mileage and even some lower mileage SLs were subject to a lot of body flex, which in time compromised fit). Original glass is excellent all the way around. Mechanically, it’s one of the silkiest SLs I’ve ever had the pleasure to drive. It idles smooth, pulls away strong, without the engine vibration that many of the large-motored 129s experience. There are no leaks, no smoke and no unusual smells. Shifting is clean and silky. There’s none of the lurching that is typical of more tired cars. Braking is superb, sure and straight. The interior is in near perfect condition. Seats are firm with very little wear on the leather. It even smells new. The wood retains a deep polish and shows no dryness. Carpets are supple and fresh. All instruments work, including the clock. The trunk is clean with excellent fit and finish. The headliners on both the hard and soft tops are clean with no tears or other blemishes. Hardtop removal, as well as soft-top operation, up and down, is flawless (often a problem area for 129s). It’s perfect for weekend motoring. With either top—up or down—it’s a car that’s both a pleasure to drive and a beauty to behold.

DRIVING IMPRESSIONS

Driving an R129 never ceases to elicit images of rolling through tree-lined country roads or meeting friends for lunch at the yacht club. The SL500—especially one in this condition—is still perfectly at home in just about any environment where style and grace meet suave and sexy. The first thing you’ll notice is the comfort. Seats are firm and supportive yet comfortable enough for all-day touring. Next you’ll grab the leather-wrapped steering wheel and turn the key as the 5.0 liter V8 comes to life. Put the car in drive and the car accelerates with steady power, which is considerable by 1996 standards. It’s not neck-snapping by any means but plenty strong with a wide power band for excellent drivability at moderate speeds. The suspension is solid. There is no cowl or scuttle shake over obstructions like railroad tracks. There are no rattles or squeaks. The car is very quiet, even with the top down (the original wind buffer is included and in excellent condition). Even though many would stop short of calling this a true sports car, it has enough sporting characteristics to call it fun to drive. Its handling is spirited with excellent balance. Power and especially torque are on hand when you need it while the brakes grip well when you don’t. And of course there’s little substitute for the pure joy of top-down motoring.