Mercedes-Benz 500SL delivered new to Sir Stirling Moss heads to auction

A 1992 Mercedes-Benz 500SL ordered new by Sir Stirling Moss OBE returns to the open market, when it goes under the hammer at H&H’s Duxford sale on 19 June, with an estimate of just £10,000 – £12,000.

Finished in Brilliant Silver Metallic with Grey leather upholstery, this particular R129-model SL reaffirmed the connection between Sir Stirling and Mercedes-Benz, who famously won the 1955 Mille Miglia, driving a Mercedes-Benz 300SLR.

“Sir Stirling Moss has often been described as the greatest Formula One driver never to have won a world championship, so we’re honoured to offer one of his personal cars,” comments James McWilliam, senior specialist, H&H Classics. “Any car with a connection to the racing great is sure to fire up widespread interest, and this 500SL is certainly expected to do that.”

Specially ordered to Sir Stirling’s requirements, he collected the SL from Bremen in Germany after its pre-delivery inspection on 24 July 1992, and it was UK-registered with the famous ‘7 SM’ registration plate in August that year.

Four years later the car changed hands, being sold via Graypaul Ferrari at 25,602 miles and it was eventually bought by the current vendor – the car’s fourth keeper – in February 2006. During the vendor’s tenure, the cylinder heads were overhauled and other maintenance tasks were carried out.

Presenting well externally and internally and showing 89,900 miles, there are 12 main dealer and three specialist service stamps in the book, along with a letter confirming Moss owned the car for four years. The original owner’s wallet, handbook and service book accompany the car.

“As well as being a fantastic motor car in its own right, the car’s provenance is indisputable thanks to an ownership confirmation letter and a good history file which confirms careful ownership over the years,” adds McWilliam. “This fantastic combination means that we do expect significant interest in this wonderful piece of Sir Stirling history.”

Potential owners looking to inspect the car can view it in person at the Imperial War Museum, Duxford, from midday on Tuesday 18^th June. Meanwhile, those looking to bid when it heads to sale the following day can do so in person, online, via telephone or by leaving a commission bid.

For further details about the car or to see the dozens of other classic, collectible and performance cars on offer at H&H’s auction, visit www.handh.co.uk.