Throwback Thursday: MotorWeek Reviews 1990 Mercedes 500SL
Solid and underappreciated, the Mercedes-Benz R129 might be one of the best roadsters from the ’90s. Its hefty $83,500 price tag, then, is indicative of how well the car holds up as luxury-performer, now. Sure, it lacks creature-comfort basics that most entry-level compact cars come with as standard equipment, but the 500SL (reversed alphanumerics came in 1994) is still a dignified road goer that, if well maintained, will become a classic.
Speaking of classic (perfect segue), let’s harken back to MotorWeek’s retro review of the 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500SL. The seamless cadence of host and creator John Davis is almost hypnotizing. He and his team take the convertible through the standard tests – acceleration, braking, and slalom — and they also “Ooo” and “Ahh” over the motorized seatbelt adjusters. One of the car’s features they also make special note of is the one-touch convertible roof. Pressing one button to drop the top was kind of a big deal in 1990, apparently.
If you’re looking to buy one of these sturdy cruisers, now might be the time. Hagerty has shown a slight rise in prices over the last few years. You probably won’t be looking at Gullwing prices in 50 years, but I’d certainly say a pristine R129 Mercedes-Benz SL will be a car people will stop and admire at future neighborhood Cars & Coffees.