1997 Mercedes-Benz SL320

Description

We all know why you're looking at this car: an A-list 1997 Mercedes SL 320 roadster for under $15,000. Unbeatable build quality, stunning good looks even 19 years later, and an opulent leather interior that looks (and was) insanely expensive all add up to an incredible ride for an incredible price.

You already know about Mercedes-Benz and the legendary quality, so it should be no surprise to learn that the bright red paint on this lovely SL is still in remarkably good condition. Start with great stuff and it's probably easier to keep it that way, and it's fairly obvious that someone loved this car. Nothing looks better than bright red on a convertible, so that's probably why it was so well-maintained and it definitely looks great today. The ingot-like structure of the SL probably helps a lot with keeping everything in line, so it still shows great gaps and the doors open and close with a feeling that no other automaker has ever been able to duplicate. Even after all these years, it feels substantial. A clear bra on the nose has prevented any major scuffs or nicks and the headlights and marker lights are not cloudy as often happens to certain cars from sunny states. There's not a lot of chrome on the SL, but it does proudly display the 3-pointed star emblem and SL 320 nomenclature on the deck lid. Nobody will know how affordable this car really is, so showing up will be an event for you everywhere you go in it.

The tan leather interior is befitting a car that cost nearly $80,000 when it was new. The seats are in very good condition with only modest wear and wrinkling, again a testament to the quality of the materials and workmanship. The fat steering wheel makes you feel as though you're at the helm of something substantial and the clear, easy-to-read gauges are arranged with typical German efficiency. That's real wood on the center console and the plus carpets feel sinfully soft underfoot. Everything was standard, including climate control, power windows and locks, cruise control, and a bunch of other electronic miracles that seem to be a Mercedes-Benz hallmark. An Alpine AM/FM/CD stereo head unit has been slipped into the dash at some point, updating the sound system in a meaningful way and it sounds great, even with the top down. The trunk is as nicely upholstered as the rest of the interior, and comes complete with factory tools and first-aid kit. A removable hardtop is included with the car, and it seals up tightly and looks awesome.

The 3.2 liter DOHC inline-6 was a big step up over the 3-liter original. With 220 horsepower on tap, it feels effortless in any situation, it's surprisingly fast but docile enough to idle with nary a vibration. There's a muted tenor exhaust note from the tailpipe, but it doesn't call a lot of attention to itself until you're really running hard, and it's never obtrusive. The engine bay is very clean and obviously well-maintained, and if you ask around, you'll find that this engine is virtually indestructible, so with just 58,398 original miles on the clock, it's good to go for years to come. The suspension is just the right combination of comfort and sport, so it'll hustle if you ask it to but it's also comfortable hammering across long distances. Powerful 4-wheel disc brakes are confidence-inspiring and it wears handsome alloy wheels and 255/55/16 performance radials which don't seem to exact a ride penalty.

With just two owners, maintenance receipts, and a freshly serviced convertible top, this SL is just in time for summer. Call today!