Highlights

Rare Designo Special Edition model
High factory specification
Rare Designo Variocolor paintwork, changing between deep blue and blue-green/teal in different light
Fresh MOT valid until August 2027
Extensive service history and supporting paperwork
Factory removable hardtop included

The Appeal

The Mercedes-Benz SL has one of the most evocative lineages in automotive history, stretching back to the glorious gullwing 300 SL of the mid-1950s. The fourth-generation R129 debuted in the late 1980s, and this particular model is a late-production 1998 version fitted with a 3.2-litre M104 naturally aspirated inline-six, with 5-speed automatic transmission

Plenty is known about the provenance of this particular car, which was registered on the first of August 1998 as an SL320 Designo Special Edition, finished in Designo Variocolor paintwork. It’s being sold with both a factory removable hardtop and a dark blue electrically operated fabric hood, giving it true year-round credentials. It’s also equipped with features which were unusual specifications in the Nineties, including xenon headlights, climate control and electric memory seats.

The bonnet insulation shows age-related deterioration and the underside of the bonnet has some cosmetic ageing; however, the engine bay itself presents cleanly and appears well maintained, the engine bay itself appears clean and well-maintained. Internally, the grey leather seating is original, with some age-related creasing but no tears reported by the current owner. Wood extends from the dashboard to the gear selector and steering wheel, behind which is a seven-dial dash in full working order.

The underside of this SL320 appears to be in good order, and a quartet of Michelin tyres adorn the well-preserved six-spoke alloy wheels. However, this car’s most notable attribute is the rare Designo Variocolor finish, which changes between deep blue and blue-green/teal as the light hits it. There are age-related marks and imperfections consistent with a car of this age, but the important mechanicals all appear to be in good order. The owner describes it as “smooth” and “effortless to drive”, noting that while it isn’t in concours condition, it is “attractive, honest and very usable”.

Key information

Mileage: 80,403 miles (indicated)
Country of registration: UK
Technical inspection status: MOT’d until August 2027 with three advisories relating to minor engine and transmission oil leaks plus the brake pipes
Technical specs: 3,199cc M104 naturally aspirated inline-six, with 5-speed automatic transmission
Paperwork: Original owner’s handbook and paperwork wallet, receipts and invoices dating back to 2017
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The Detail

P05 R129 Designo Special Model for Great Britain
Finished in 017U Designo Variocolor paintwork
Eight owners from new; current owner for three years
Factory hardtop and dark blue fabric soft top both supplied
Videos show the electric soft-top mechanism operating well
Owner’s/service books and vehicle history info retained
MOT (with only three minor advisories) runs until August 2027
Current owner says the car starts, runs and drives well
Aftermarket Sony CD player fitted into dashboard
Spare wheel and original tools retained under the boot floor
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BEFORE YOU BUY

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