Stirling Moss’ Mercedes-Benz 500SL is for sale

Three careful owners, plus one motorsport legend

From James Hunt and his Austin A35 to Jim Clark’s Triumph TR3, it’s always interesting to find out what road cars top-flight race-car drivers pick.

This 1992 Mercedes-Benz 500SL’s first owner was none other than Stirling Moss – and now it’s for sale.

It will cross the block on June 19, 2024, during the H&H Classics Duxford sale at the Imperial War Museum in Cambridgeshire, where it’s expected to achieve £10-12,000 (cUS$12,700-15,200).

Here’s its story.

Top hit

The R129-generation Mercedes-Benz 500SL was introduced in 1989, and it immediately took the two-seat roadster market by storm.

In total, 213,089 were built, but this car is more special than most.

Collection day

It was ordered new by Stirling Moss in 1992.

Following a pre-delivery inspection in July that year, Moss traveled to Germany to collect the car.

Back in the UK, the Mercedes-Benz 500SL was registered with Moss’ license plate, 7 SM, which he later used on his Renault Twizzy.

Stylish spec

Stirling Moss opted for the smart combination of Brilliant Silver metallic paint and a gray-leather interior.

Inside this classic car there are heated seats and walnut trim.

Eight-cylinder symphony

Under the hood there’s a 5-liter V8 that produces 326HP.

In 1992, the 32-valve unit was the most powerful in the R129 range, which also included two six-cylinder options.

A V12-powered 600SL was available from October ’92.

Mercedes-Benz megastar

Stirling Moss raced a great number of makes and models during his mighty career.

He competed in Touring Cars, rally machines, single-seaters and more.

But his victory in the 1955 Mille Miglia, driving a Mercedes-Benz 300SLR, cemented his legacy with the three-pointed star.

Letter of provenance

Stirling Moss kept this Mercedes-Benz 500SL for four years, racking up 25,602 miles in the silver roadster.

The sale includes a letter from Stirling Moss confirming that he owned it until February 1996.

The next chapter

This classic SL went to its second keeper, George Murray of Graypaul Ferrari of Loughborough, UK, in April 1996, who paid £54,000 for Moss’ Mercedes.

He swapped the license plate to B2 GAM.

Recent work

The current keeper is the Mercedes-Benz 500SL’s fourth owner, who purchased the car in 2006.

Lately, Martin Hayes Vehicle Repairs has maintained the car, and the engine’s cylinder head was overhauled in 2020.

Wheely good

The Mercedes-Benz R129 could be ordered with a variety of wheels, from Monobloc AMG-style rims to smaller, five-spoke items.

This ex-Stirling Moss car looks great with its ‘binlid’ alloys, which are becoming increasingly difficult to find in good condition.

Well-used classic

The odometer shows 89,760 miles.

In the service book there are 12 main dealer stamps, plus three from specialists.

This Mercedes comes with its original owner’s manual, too.

Classy cruiser

Although its less-powerful siblings could be had with a self-shifter, the V8-powered Mercedes-Benz 500SL was sold only with a four-speed automatic.

This car’s gearbox oil was changed in 2022.

Put a lid on it

This classic Mercedes-Benz 500SL comes with an optional hardtop, which does the neat job of turning a stylish, prestige roadster into a classy coupe – perfect for year-round motoring.

Keep in mind that the hardtop is heavy, you’ll likely need a helping hand to remove it, plus if you want to enjoy roof-down driving, you’ll have to find somewhere to store it.

V8 grunt

The electronic gizmos and second-to-none build quality of early cars did come at a cost: the Mercedes-Benz 500SL was no featherweight. 

However, the powerful V8 engine and this car’s adaptive suspension mean it’s no slouch.

Smart choice

Johann Tomforde and Bruno Sacco designed the Mercedes-Benz 500SL.

The former went on to shape the Smart car.

Perhaps Stirling Moss was a fan of his work, because he later owned a Smart ForTwo.

Safety-conscious roadster

The R129-generation Mercedes-Benz SL was a big step forward from its R107 predecessor.

There are several gadgets inside, including a clever pop-up rollbar, but check they all work before you buy, or budget for repairs if that is required.

Tempted?

What’s better than a well-loved, V8-powered 1990s roadster?

One that’s been owned by a legendary race-car driver, of course.

If you fancy becoming the next custodian of this ex-Stirling Moss Mercedes-Benz 500SL, then you’ll need to register for the forthcoming H&H Classics auction at the Imperial War Museum in Duxford, on June 19, 2024.

It’s expected to sell for £10-12,000 (cUS$12,700-15,200) and you can view the lot by clicking here.