Highlights
- Just 42,702 miles from new
- Removable panoramic hardtop
- 3.2-litre V6 with automatic transmission
- Comprehensive history
- Unmodified, factory specification
- Overall excellent condition
The Appeal
With its distinctive cab-back stance and period wedge design, the R129 is a modern classic that is rapidly gaining recognition as one of the last cars built during Mercedes-Benz’ heyday. The styling still looks contemporary now and the build quality is, quite simply, incredible. Twin that to superb drivetrains and powerful engines and you certainly have a winning combination.
Presented in highly attractive Brilliant Silver paintwork over black Nappa leather, this lovely grand tourer is fitted with what many regard as the ‘sweet spot’ in the engine range – the 3.2-litre V6. Powerful and smooth, yet not too aggressive or thirsty for daily use. It makes a compelling argument for being one of the most complete all-round cars ever built, especially with that fabric roof and removable hardtop.
For anyone in the market for a superb grand tourer that has both a sporting edge and cosseting luxury, this R129 is the perfect solution.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered in September 1998
- Five owners from new
- Current owner since June 2016
- MOT to June 2023 – the car has passed every MOT since 2006 (The car will be sold with a fresh MOT)
- Just 42,702 miles from new, verified by service and MOT history
- Service history shows five stamps, with the last in November 2020 at 42,118 miles (less than 600 miles ago)
- History file with a number of invoices for servicing and maintenance, along with old MOT certificates
- Owner’s handbooks along with two sets of keys
The Interior
- Black Nappa leather upholstery, showing in excellent condition, with some very gentle creasing to the seat squabs, but no damage or notable wear
- Black carpets and Mercedes-Benz branded floor mats, presenting very well with no staining or threading we could see
- Electrically operated, heated memory seats in the front, practical twin occasional seats to the rear
- Electrically adjustable steering column
- Electric windows and door mirrors
- Burred walnut root wood trim, which wears a pleasing lustre and shows no evidence of warping or cracking
- Air conditioning
- Rear parking sensors
- Becker Mexico 2000 CD/radio system
- Parrot hands-free phone connectivity
- All of the switchgear and instrumentation looks to be in very good order, with only light wear from use apparent
- The vendor does not report any faults or issues with any of the cabin’s functions
- Removable wind-deflector, stored in the boot
- Useful boot space, trimmed in grey carpet and containing some tools, a warning triangle and a full-size spare wheel
The Exterior
- Brilliant Silver paintwork – a colour that suits the shape well and is here presented in excellent overall condition with only a couple of minor marks and blemishes
- Lovely, straight bodywork with no corrosion or damage we could see
- Removable hardtop with glass panoramic roof, with no damage apparent
- Convertible black fabric roof, which looks to be in fine fettle, with no UV fading, tears or significant wear we could discern
- Headlamp wash/wipe system
- We noted a little misting to the near-side front indicator lens, but otherwise all the lights look to be in good order with no chips or cracking
- All of the external trim and badging appears to be present and correct
- Underneath the car, everything looks straight and tidy, with no damage in evidence, just a little of the usual surface corrosion to some drivetrain components
- Factory fitted 17-inch, five-spoke alloy wheels, wearing a silver finish and in excellent order, with no obvious kerb damage or lacquer peel
- The wheels are wearing a matched set of Michelin tyres, with the fronts having been replaced in March of this year
- Small chips on the corner base of hardtop
The Mechanics
- 3,199cc naturally aspirated V6 engine
- Rear-wheel drive
- Automatic transmission
- Electronic stability program, anti-lock braking system
- Power-assisted steering
- A good record of servicing and maintenance
Summary
When it comes to all-round ability, style and sheer grace on the road, few cars can hold a candle to the R129. Finding a nice, low mileage example is increasingly difficult – making this lovely SL320 the perfect machine for anyone that appreciates the build quality, luxury and effortless cruising capability of SLs from this period.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
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