- A Mercedes SL500 from 1997 with a rare color is currently offered for sale in Germany.
- Besides the vibrant Yellowstone color, it is also fitted with the desirable AMG package.
- It has less than 28k miles on the odometer and comes with a steep asking price.
The R129 SL-Class from the ’90s deserves a place in the pantheon of Mercedes design, as one of Bruno Sacco’s most iconic creations. While you can find plenty of high-mileage examples for under $10k, a very special SL500 has surfaced for sale in Germany, costing over ten times more.
The highlight of this 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL500 is the vibrant Yellowstone color that feels more at home on a period-correct Lamborghini Diablo than a German grand tourer. According to the seller, this is one of only 24 examples ever produced in this color, making it a rare sight.
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This post-facelift SL is also fitted with the optional AMG package, adding sculpted bumpers, deeper side skirts, a rear spoiler, and a matching set of 18-inch alloy wheels. Plus, it rides on the AMG Sport suspension, further enhancing the sporty stance.
The interior combines black leather upholstery with suede carpeting and wood inserts. The front seats are heated and electrically adjustable with memory functions, and the center console houses the original Becker Exquisit Radio. Crucially, the hydraulics of the fabric top have been completely overhauled, and the vehicle comes with a color-matching hardtop.
Low Mileage and V8 Power
Under the hood lies a naturally-aspirated 5.0-liter V8 engine, producing 315 hp (235 kW / 320 PS) and 470 Nm (347 lb-ft) of torque. While these figures might seem modest compared to today’s turbocharged and electrified AMG powertrains, the M119 is revered for its smoothness and reliability. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a 5-speed automatic transmission.
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More importantly, the odometer shows 44,851 km (27,869 miles), suggesting that this SL500 spent more time in the garage than on the Autobahn. This explains the pristine exterior, which looks like it just came out of the dealership.
Premium Price
According to the listing on eBay, the yellow SL500 unicorn with the AMG goodies is located in Germany and can be shipped across Europe. As for the asking price, it is €129,900, the equivalent to around $153,200 under the current exchange rates.
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For comparison, a brand-new Mercedes-AMG SL Roadster starts from €126,230 ($148,800) in the same market, although the base version comes with a four-cylinder engine.
Whether you’d prefer a modern, tech-heavy AMG or this analog roadster from the ’90s is a matter of personal taste, but some are willing to pay a serious premium for the nostalgia alone.
Photos: R129 Wiebe / eBay
