1991 Mercedes-Benz 500SL

2dr Roadster

8-cyl. 4983cc/322hp MPFI

#1 Concours condition#1 Concours
#2 Excellent condition#2 Excellent
#3 Good condition#3 Good

$14,800*

+8%
#4 Fair condition#4 Fair
Value Graph01/2404/2407/24$5k$10k$15kOct 2024
Let us watch the market for you

We update the Hagerty Price Guide each quarter. Sign up for alerts and we'll notify you about value changes for the cars you love.

1990-2002 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class (R129) stats
Highest sale
$165,000
Lowest sale
$1,100
Most recent sale
$12,600
Sales
2952

Photos

1 photoImage may not reflect selected vehicle.

1991 Mercedes-Benz 500SL
insurance

Protect your 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500SL from the unexpected.

Better coverage built for classics at a price you can afford. Online quotes are fast and easy

Model overview

Model description

In one form or another, Mercedes-Benz has been producing a two-seat sporty convertible since 1954 under the SL-Class moniker (SL standing for “Sport Leicht,” or “Sport Lightweight” in English). The cars have always been popular standard bearers, and have combined sporty touring qualities with comfort and quality. The R129 version of the Mercedes-Benz SL is no exception.

For the 1990 model year, Mercedes had prepared a replacement for the R107 design that had served the SL-Class since 1972. The new R129 design received a state-of-the-art adjustable sport-luxury suspension and an all-new chassis. Twin A-arm front and fully independent multi-link rear suspension, four-wheel disc brakes, and a complete unibody chassis defined the new SL. Safety features included an automatic roll bar that was designed to extend in the event of a rollover accident. All SL-Class cars in this era were delivered with a cloth convertible top and a removable aluminum hardtop.

To mark the start of the R129, Mercedes brought back the venerable 300SL designation with a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder single overhead cam engine at 190 hp, or double overhead cam at 228 hp. The 300SL was offered with a five-speed manual or optional five-speed automatic transmission.

Buyers could also opt for the 500SL, with a 5.0-liter overhead cam V-8 engine at 322 hp, with a four-speed automatic transmission. These options remained essentially unchanged until 1993, when the 600SL was added, featuring a 6.0-liter 48-valve double overhead cam V-12 engine at 389 hp and four-speed automatic transmission.

For 1994, Mercedes changed the nomenclature, placing the class designation before the displacement in the car’s official name. The 500SL became the SL500 at the same horsepower, while the 300SL was discontinued and replaced by the SL320 with a 3.2-liter double overhead cam inline six-cylinder at 220 hp. The top-of-the-line SL600 was still delivered with the V-12. In 1996, both the SL500 and SL600 were upgraded to a five-speed electronic automatic transmission.

These model designations were maintained through 1998, when the SL320 was dropped. The SL500 and SL600 continued to the end of the R129 chassis in the 2002 model year. However, the SL500 dropped to 302 hp from 1998 through 2002. The SL600 V-12 remained unchanged through the end of this era.

The R129 Mercedes SL-Class is one of the finest engineered cars of its era, and all represent fun and fantastic experiences. The V-8 and V-12 models obviously offer more power and performance, but driving enthusiasts may prefer the manual transmissions of the six-cylinder models. The 300SL is the value choice while the SL320 offers better responsiveness. Starting in 1995 to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the legendary Mercedes victory at the Mille Miglia, the company offered a Mille Miglia special edition with racing-inspired touches. Mille Miglia editions were offered again for the 1999-2001 model years. A 1997 40th anniversary roadster edition was available, and in 2002 a Silver Arrow special edition was offered.

Vehicle specifications

  • Wheel Base Shortest - Inches99.0
  • Wheel Base Longest - Inches99.0
  • Shipping Weight4145
  • Drive TypeRWD
  • Manufacturer NameDaimler-Chrysler
  • Front Tire Size16R225
  • Manufacturer MSRP89300
  • Market SegmentationFull Size Luxury Car
  • Manufacturer CodeC127
  • Front Tire Size Code39

Equipment

  • StandardOptional
  • Transmission4 Speed Automatic
  • Power BreaksPower Brakes
  • Power SteeringYes
  • EntertainmentAM/FM CASS
  • Air ConditioningYes
  • Power WindowsYes
  • Anti-Lock BreakingAll Wheel
  • Restraint typeDual Front Air Bag/Active Belts
  • Security EquipmentOther

Equipment

Standard

  • Transmission4 Speed Automatic
  • Power BreaksPower Brakes
  • Power SteeringYes
  • EntertainmentAM/FM CASS
  • Air ConditioningYes
  • Power WindowsYes
  • Anti-Lock BreakingAll Wheel
  • Restraint typeDual Front Air Bag/Active Belts
  • Security EquipmentOther
Find more values
Search for prices of other cars, trucks, vans and motorcycles
Classic car

Common Questions

The value of a 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500SL can vary greatly depending on its condition, mileage, options, and history. Typically, you can expect to pay around $14,800 for a 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500SL in good condition with average spec.

The highest selling price of a 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500SL at auction over the last three years was $99,750. The highest prices are usually reserved for rare or exceptionally well-maintained examples with desirable features or modifications and excellent history.

The lowest selling price of a 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500SL at auction over the last three years was $6,270. The lowest prices are usually paid for examples that have extensive maintenance needs, differ greatly from their original configuration, or have accident histories or title problems.

In the last three years there have been 39 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500SLs sold at public auction.

The most recent auction sale of a 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500SL was $8,400 on December 16, 2024 by Bring a Trailer.

Many factors can increase a car's value including excellent condition, exceptional originality, a recent restoration, low mileage, unique provenance, desirable options, popular or unique color choices, and excellent maintenance records. Upgrades and modifications that enhance performance or aesthetics can also add value.

Factors that can decrease a car's value include unusually high mileage, poor maintenance history, visible wear and tear, accidents or damage, title issues, and gaps in ownership history. Additionally, less popular color choices and extensive modifications that don't appeal to a broad audience can reduce value.

Mileage plays a significant role in a classic car’s value. Lower mileage usually increases value because it indicates a higher degree of originality, is rarer, and suggests less wear and tear. However, cars with exceptionally low mileage may also have maintenance needs due to lack of use. Whether someone should pay more for a vehicle with lower miles will depend on how they plan on using it, and the vehicle's specific condition.

The value of modified cars differs widely based on the type and quality of modifications. While some modifications can significantly increase value, especially performance enhancements and high-quality custom work, others may not add much or could even detract from the car’s value if they appeal to only a limited audience.

All prices shown here are based on various data sources, as detailed in About Our Prices. The Hagerty Price Guide is for informational purposes only and is not intended as financial advice. More information on how forecast models are calculated can be found on Forecasted Values page. For additional information and a complete description of benefits, visit hagerty.com/legal. Purchase of insurance not required for membership in HDC. Hagerty, Hagerty Valuation Tools & Hagerty Drivers Club are registered trademarks of The Hagerty Group LLC, ©2024 The Hagerty Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved. The Hagerty Group, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hagerty, Inc.