1998 Mercedes-Benz SL500 Designo Special Edition R129
Highlights
Rare and exclusive high specification Designo Special Edition
Effortlessly quick 5litre V8
Extensive service history with recent investment
Very well presented car inside and out
Long MOT to July 2024 with no advisories
The Appeal
Any Mercedes-Benz purchase is going to be special, but some are perhaps more special than others. For the latter, in the late 1990s, the firm created its Designo package. This enabled buyers to bespoke their cars from a vast array of exclusive options.
The package was only available on certain models, of which the R129 was one. In the UK models that went through this process got distinctive ‘Special Edition’ badging.
This SL500 is one of those very rare cars, finished in an exclusive colour and liberally trimmed from the Designo options list including a desirable ‘panoramic’ glass hard top. Sporting a very low mileage, backed by superb service history, this well cared for car also has a long, advisory-free MOT.
A particularly special version of an already special car this is a modern classic convertible not to miss.
The History and Paperwork
First registered on 22nd May 1998
VIN records show this car is a UK market ‘Designo’ model built in March 1998
Current owner since 16th July 2022
Extensive service history of old invoices and MOTs showing significant ongoing maintenance
Last serviced by a classic Mercedes-Benz specialist on 9th July 2021 at 69,915 miles
Subsequent invoice for £951.60 on 19th August 2021
Paint rectification and rear bumper repairs on 24th August 2023 costing £834.85
UK market Designo specification includes:
Panoramic glass hard top
AMG 5spoke alloy wheels
Dark burr walnut wood veneers extended throughout the car
Wood and leather gear selector and steering wheel
Special Edition badges to stainless steel sills and centre console veneers
Designo Varicocolour (code 0170) to paintwork
Optional rear seats in leather
Heated door mirrors
Electric front seats with memory function
Headlamp wash wipe
The Condition
Smart and exclusive dark blue paintwork with grey leather (code 268A) interior
Matching hard top with glass roof and dark blue fabric soft top
Soft top in good order with no visible damage and clear, uncracked screens
Well presented cars showing few signs of age and use
There are some minor indications of its 25 years but they are not unsightly
Attractive exterior enhancements include AMG alloys and front wing mesh grilles
Alloys are slightly corroded on close inspection but not immediately visible
Rims are shod with quality Michelin tyres showing good level of tread
Underside presents well with no structural issues to report and no MOT advisories
Very light signs of stone chips to front bumper
Well kept and highly specified interior with plenty of ‘Designo’ touches
These are detailed above and remain well presented and in good order
Veneers are well kept, only very light cracking visible to trim on centre console
Factory correct ‘special’ radio cassette with Alpine CD multichanger in boot
The radio volume switch shows slight wear but otherwise switchgear is unmarked
Designo optional leather seats in good order
They show slight discolouration visible to side bolsters
Carpets in cabin and through to boot area in light grey and unmarked
Fitted with factory over mats in fair order, driver’s showing some wear
The Mechanics
Durable 5litre Mercedes-Benz V8 engine
5G-TRONIC automatic gearbox
Extensive service history most recently in July 2021 less than 5,000 miles ago
BEFORE YOU BUY
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✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
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1998 Mercedes-Benz SL500 Designo Special Edition R129
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