500sl questions

[328matt]

Regrettably i have just sold my beloved ferrari 328 and am seeking a 500sl to replace her and (hopefully) save up for another f car. I am new to mercedes so please bear with me!I am looking at a 500sl hopefully around 1996 but i would go earlier for the right car. I cannot go later as i have a budget of around 11k. My main questions are- what are the main things i should look for? Secondly do all 500sl come with the rear seats? I have a 1 year old and it would be nice if she could experience a convertible!I have noticed that they only seem to come with lap belts-is there a modification that can allow them to have a child seat in or even a special seat? Also was the hard top an option or standard equipment? Were there any changes between the models introduction that would make a later car much more desirable or reliable? Finally are there any good specialists in the north west/cheshire area that come recommended. Oh one more...who is best insurance wise and do they give a discount for club membership?Thanks in advance....Matt

[stats007]

Hi Matt,

Take a look on www.mbclub.co.uk if you haven't already.

To answer a few of your questions:

All 500s came with rear seats unless deleted in favour of storage bins or Bose sound.
All came with hardtops.
Lap belts only I'm afraid.
£11k won't really see you into a '96 facelifted SL500 - £9k will get you an early good but not mint 500SL.
Insurance can be on a classic policy which makes it very cheap.

Hope this helps a bit.

Edited by stats007 on Monday 3rd September 16:26