1996 Mercedes-Benz 500 SL Convertible with Hardtop, Registration no. N788 HRV Chassis no. WDB1290672F136603

* Rare and exclusive Mercedes-Benz soft-top
* Removable factory hardtop
* Automatic transmission
* 52,715 miles recorded
* Service history

In 1989 Mercedes-Benz retired its classic Type 107 bodyshell that had been used for a succession of beautiful sports roadsters for almost the preceding 20 years, replacing it with an equally appealing, sleek new design in the modern idiom. This new Type 129 body style was used for three different engine types: 6.0-litre V12, 5.0-litre V8, and 3.0-litre straight six. As installed in the 500 SL, the fuel-injected, 32-valve V8 produced 326bhp and delivered stupendous performance, delivering a 0-100km/h (62mph) time of 6.2 seconds and a top speed of 156mph. As one might expect, these new SL luxury sports cars were designed to be world leaders in their class and lavishly equipped in the best Mercedes-Benz tradition.

This superb 500 SL Convertible is offered from the estate of the late John Young. A racing driver in the 1950s, John Young was proprietor of one of the UK's largest Mercedes-Benz dealerships, Rose & Young Ltd of Surrey, and a noted Mercedes-Benz connoisseur. This 500 SL is one of the last of his many high-performance Mercedes-Benz motor cars. Powered by the 5.0-litre V8 engine and equipped with automatic transmission, 'N788 HRV' is attractively finished in silver with black interior, and has been fitted with the later turbine-style wheels. It also benefits from the installation of an approved anti-theft device.

The silver metallic paintwork is in very good condition and the black canvas hood appears virtually new, while the black leather upholstery and dark grey carpets show little wear. The current odometer reading is 52,715 miles, which, judging by the car's overall condition, could well be correct. Accompanying documentation consists of numerous receipts, a V5C Registration Certificate, MoT to July 2018, and service notes kept by a previous owner up to 1998, while the car also comes complete with owner's manual, service booklet, and radio instructions. Representing exceptional value for money, this rare and exclusive modern Mercedes-Benz is worthy of the closest inspection.