This 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL500 shows just over 6k miles, and is one of 40 cars produced for use as open parade cars for the inaugural US 500 race. All 40 cars were reportedly equipped with the Sport Package, AMG Monoblock wheels, and ESP, and were finished in red, white, or blue. Following the US 500 this example was owned by Roger Penske and displayed from 1996 through 2006, when it was acquired by the previous owner with 300 miles. The car was subsequently listed on BAT in 2018, and purchased by the top bidder following the auction. A certificate signed by Emerson Fittipaldi, Paul Tracy, and Al Unser Jr. verifies this R129 as an original parade car. It is now being offered on behalf of the current owner in Los Angeles, California with the original window sticker, manuals, a removable hardtop, materials from Penske’s dealership, and a clean Montana title.

The exterior is finished in Imperial Red (582), with a color-matched removable hardtop and contrasting black convertible top (740). The SL was updated in 1995 for the 1996 model year, including new fascias and two fender vents. USGP badges are present on the front fenders. Per the seller, the front bumper appears to have been repainted, though the reason is unknown.

A small curb mark is pictured on one of the 18″ Monoblock alloys, and a set of Dunlop tires are fitted. The car retains factory lighting and headlamp washers.

The cabin is trimmed in Parchment leather (265) with burl wood veneers. The Mercedes-branded floor mats have embroidered logos for the US 500. The factory Becker radio is present, and detailed photos are provided of the interior trim and surfaces. A sagging headliner in the removable hardtop was replaced under current ownership.

The car was completed in March 1996, and was used in the US 500 in May of the same year. Just over 6,000 miles are shown on the digital odometer, approximately 1k of which were added under current ownership.

The quad-cam 5.0L V8 is paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission, and was factory rated at 315 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 347 lb-ft of torque when new. Service records are available since 2006, showing routine maintenance, and per the seller the car received fresh fluids prior to the current owner’s trip to Pebble Beach.

Photos of the underside are provided, and factory paint markings are visible on the suspension components.

A certificate signed by Emerson Fittipaldi, Paul Tracy, and Al Unser Jr. bears a matching VIN and confirms the car’s use as an official parade car for the US 500 at Michigan International Speedway on May 26, 1996. Other USGP memorabilia is shown in the gallery.

The original window sticker and documentation from Penske’s dealership are included. Optional equipment includes the Sport Package (SL1) and electronic stability program (472). The original retail price was $98,265, and the factory manuals are shown in the gallery.