Hemmings Find of the Day – 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL600

Those V-12 emblems are hard for any enthusiast to resist. Especially these days when Mercedes-Benz R129 SL600s are changing hands for one tenth of their original $130,000-plus purchase price.

From 1993-2002 there were 11,086 SL600s built with the alloy, DOHC, 48-valve V-12, which in 1999, was making 389 hp and 420lb.ft. of torque. A 0-to-60 mph dash took 5.8 seconds and the 600’s top speed was limited to 155 mph.

Much has been written about the high cost of maintaining an SL600, which also used standard hydraulic adaptive suspension adding to the cost and complexity of repair as these cars age. Aside from just the cost of the parts, labor can add up quickly on the V-12 SLs because there’s not a lot of room to work in that engine bay which can make seemingly routine operations more difficult. Even an engine oil change can be pricey, considering you’ll need to buy about 10 quarts of oil.

Finding examples with verifiable maintenance histories isn’t impossible and there are a many other enthusiasts out there who can’t resist those V-12 badges either, so the knowledge base for these powerful, smooth running cars runs deep.

This 1999 SL600, for sale on Hemmings.com, is offered by a private seller in Boca Raton, Florida.  From the owner’s description:

44,504 original miles, great condition. Always garaged, no accidents.

Hard and soft top convertible.

Find more Mercedes-Benz for sale on Hemmings.com.