You should never buy a car based on what other people are going to think of you when they see it because it’s your car and you’re the one paying for it. But it helps to be aware of just how much attention – good or bad – a certain vehicle will get because you may prefer to be left alone while you’re out driving. A new Mercedes with a light-up three-pointed star in the grille and colorful interior ambient lighting? Lots of people will be looking at you. Our Pick of the Day, a 1992 Mercedes-Benz 500SL posted on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Englewood, Colorado? It’s still an SL with great lines, V8 power, and leather seats, but it should allow you to fly under the radar.
Designed by Bruno Sacco and first presented at the 1989 Geneva Motor Show, the R129 generation of the SL simultaneously has presence (thanks to its ingot-like lines) and the ability to be self-effacing (thanks it being out of the new car spotlight for decades). These days, it has an “old money” look to it. It’s hard to look at it and not think it was the go-to for hit record producers and successful L.A. attorneys in the 1990s.
What makes this high-class cruiser even more low-key is its gray and taupe two-tone paint, although its headlight wipers might turn some heads. As the photos show, this 500SL currently has a body-color hardtop in place, but that can be removed so the power-operated soft top can be used on those occasions when you do want to be seen. If you change your mind, just mash the gas and let the 322-horsepower 5.0-liter V8 and four-speed automatic turn you into a blur.
The interior has a color scheme that’s as tasteful and restrained as the exterior finish: gray leather and wood veneer accents on the door panels and center stack/console. Both seats have power controls as well as three-person memory settings; additional amenities include power everything, automatic climate control, and a Clarion AM/FM/CD stereo.
One thing this luxury drop-top doesn’t have? A lot of miles. The odometer indicates it’s only been driven 56,967 miles over the past 30+ years. If you buy this 1992 Mercedes-Benz 500SL for $13,899, you should be able to add to that number without being bothered – and in total comfort.
Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com