1992 Mercedes 500SL Swiped from Showroom Found in Mint Condition
Stolen from a Mercedes-Benz dealership in 1991, the SL-Class was recovered with only 1,186 miles on the clock.
Recently, the folks at The Drive spotted this 1992 Mercedes-Benz SL500 roadster for sale on Copart. What is surprising about this particular Benz is that it was stolen from a Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Mercedes-Benz dealership in 1991. Where it went for almost 25 years and how it was found is a bit of a mystery. Recovered in 2018, the car was put up for sale by an insurance company.
The posting on Copart reads, “According to the insurance company claim, the vehicle was stolen from the dealership in November 1991. The vehicle was recovered in late 2018 and was found that the vehicle had been stored indoors the entire time and only was driven 1,186 miles.”
Now, we would never, ever condone theft. However, what really shocked us is that in all that time the 500SL was missing, it was left undriven. True, the thief took excellent care of the car. But the real crime (aside from the grand theft auto) is letting such a cool car just gather dust! This car was made for driving.
Powered by a 5.0-liter V8 engine, the 500SL has 322 hp can go 0 to 60 in about 6 seconds. It also offers some cool period details like front headlight wipers, mechanical odometer, and a removable hard top.
Stepping into this car would be like traveling back in time. Unfortunately, it was quickly swiped up and sold to a lucky bidder. Now it is time to get this timeless cherry Benz on the road and rack up some mileage.
Photos: Copart