6 Classic Mercedes-Benz Cars That Are Still Affordable (For Now)

Mercedes has been manufacturing its SL series since the 1950s and uses the moniker for models such as its “beautifully powerful” 2022 Mercedes-AMG SL. Depending on who you ask, the letters “SL” originate from the German words for either “super” and “light” or “sport” and “lightweight.” Either way, both phrases perfectly describe the elite class of vehicles. When the Mercedes-Benz 500SL launched in the early ’90s as part of the R129 series, it matched cutting-edge engineering with stately design — both of which the Benz is closely associated with.

The 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500SL has slightly increased in value over the last year, but according to Hagerty, a good condition model is available for $15,300. Depending on your age, 1991 might seem like yesterday, but it was well over three decades ago, so it’s no surprise that the Benz can be purchased for such a relatively small amount. 

Like with all SL-class vehicles of its day, the SL500 was a convertible. It had rear-wheel drive and a four-speed automatic transmission. If you’re worried that a car from that era will be too old-school for you, you should know that power brakes, power steering, power windows, and dual-front airbags came standard at the time. Under the hood of the two-door roadster is a powerful V8 engine that can deliver up to 322 horsepower, so don’t expect age to have slowed the car down any.