Mercedes-Benz - 500SL (1983)

Mercedes-Benz 500SL – a legendary sports car that continues to capture hearts a quarter of a century after its debut in 1983. If you’re trying to gauge the Mercedes-Benz 500SL price or figure out what is a 1983 Mercedes-Benz 500SL worth, it’s essential to understand its original value, current market demand, and how a vintage machine’s worth changes over time.

Below is your one-stop guide for discovering the true value of this icon. From essential specifications to depreciation trends, a comparison with other classic sports cars, and a quick summary of its market position, we lay out everything you need in a clear, scannable format.

• Model Year: 1983
• Engine: 5‑Litre V8, 409 hp / 299 kW
• Transmission: 4‑speed automatic (early models) or 5‑speed manual (later diesels)
• Fuel Type: Gasoline (Premium) – 1.5 L/cyl
• Dimensions:
• Length: 4,384 mm (172 in)
• Width: 1,470 mm (58 in)
• Height: 1,242 mm (49 in)
• Wheelbase: 2,408 mm (95 in)
• Weight: 1,717 kg (3,786 lb) – Dry weight
• Top Speed: 280 km/h (175 mph) – electronically limited (Java‑style)
• Acceleration (0‑100 km/h): 5.5 seconds
• Fuel Capacity: 90 L (23.8 gal)
• Infotainment: 8‑Way dial for ‘impossible’ settings (pure vintage feel)
• Interior: Leather, aluminum trim, gold ONYX—crafted for the discerning driver

By reviewing this Mercedes-Benz 500SL 1983 price baseline, you can easily compare how the vehicle performs relative to other prized classics.

Depreciation Insight: How the Value of a 1983 Mercedes-Benz 500SL Evolves

When evaluating the used Mercedes-Benz 500SL price, it’s useful to remember that Beverly‑Hills depreciation curves for high‑value collectibles differ materially from modern cars. A 1983 500SL typically loses around 15 %–20 % of its value in the first year, partly because the majority of historic models are already several decades old when they hit the used‑car market.

Over the next 3–5 years, the rate of decline levels off to roughly 25 %–30 % of the original purchase price, assuming average mileage and standard maintenance practices. In the long term, powerful restorations or rare trim variants often push values up, creating a steady appreciation in well‑maintained examples—especially those with original alloys and all or most factory‑sourced components.

Key take‑aways:

• First‑year depreciation: 15–20 %
• 3‑year window: 30–35 % total drop
• 5‑year window: 40–45 % total drop, yet iconic status preserves value relative to newer vintage sports cars
• Condition is critical—service records, originality, and body finish drive residual value