2000 Mercedes-Benz 320 SL (R129) Final Edition

Highlights 

  • One of the last 'final editions'
  • Accompanied by an extensive Mercedes service history 
  • Low mileage, low owner example 
  • Removable hard top roof 
  • Excellent aesthetic and mechanical condition
  • Rare Mercedes Designo paint and trim

The Appeal 

Beautiful, powerful, advanced are just a few words that come to mind when describing the Mercedes SL. First launched at the 1989 Geneva motor show, the R129 was a huge leap from its predecessor, the then ageing R107, bringing the Mercedes right up to date, with more modern styling, technology and safety.  
An extremely usable modern classic, what we have here in this SL320 is a low mileage example that still looks factory fresh, boasting a highly extensive Mercedes service history and a horde of luxury features and mod cons.

The combination of a powerful engine and Mercedes build quality and safety mean this car can be a wonderful grand tourer, a dynamic sports car or a brilliant car to be used on a more regular daily basis.

PHOTO-2022-05-10-10-46-34.jpeg 176.58 KB


The History and Paperwork

  • Mercedes service book stamped by main dealers
  • Full Mercedes book pack in original leather pouch
  • Printouts of prior servicing done to the car by Mercedes main dealers 
  • V5 registration document 
  • MOT valid until November 2022 

The Interior 

  • Elegant black nappa leather upholstery 
  • Upgraded Sony stereo system 
  • SL Edition wood finish trim
  • Engine turned aluminium dashboard
  • Heated and electrically adjustable seats
  • Great clean condition 
Presenting excellently, as if fresh from the Mercedes forecourt in 2000, the sleek black leather cabin of the SL is truly a wonderful place to be. 

The sculpted front seats, draped in black leather are of an outstanding condition, distinctly lacking in wear or damage, with strong bolstering and tight, high quality stitching. 

At the rear we find an equally clean set of occasional seats, which one could be forgiven for questioning whether they have seen any use. 
Mixed in, are subtle adornments of wood trim along the arm rests and centre console all in excellent shape and free of marking. The centre console holds the upgraded Sony radio, climate control system, roof and window controls and switchgear, all of which are in good order. 

The two well crafted leather door cards and door furniture held within, are of an equally great condition, as is the black carpeting that blankets the cabin floor. 
Just behind the rear seats, we see one of the reasons the R129 SL’s were so famed for their advanced safety features, the pop up roll bar.

This could be operated manually if chosen by the driver or would be automatically “popped up” if a roll or accident was detected. Whilst this thankfully hasn’t been put to the test in this example, the bar pops up perfectly if chosen to do so manually by the driver.

In the boot we find a neat well trimmed storage area, within which sits the Mercedes branded first aid kit and the factory wind deflector which stows away into a purpose built compartment inside the boot.
 

L57JSZAkFX6OMBN2PRKFv7XyIrbgDNFJPy87TAS5.jpeg 620.92 KB

The Exterior

  • Exquisite Mystic Blue Designo metallic paint 
  • Body coloured removable hard top
  • Presents in excellent clean condition
  • Recently refurbished split rim alloy wheels
Specified from the factory in wonderful Designo Mystic Blue metallic paint, the SL320 oozes both style and class. A far cry from the more neutral silvers, greys and blacks, the rich blue paintwork certainly stands out from the crowd. 
The paintwork itself presents wonderfully and is in remarkable condition, a deep shine exuding from the brilliant body lines, it is clear to see that this Mercedes has lived a very privileged life and has reaped the rewards as a result. 

The marvellously styled body of the SL is further benefited by the subtle adornments of chrome trim pieces and the imposing Mercedes front grille, all of which, like the rest of the vehicle, is in great clean condition. 
Something of a party piece for the R129 SLs, is the removable hard top convertible roof. Also finished in Designo Mystic blue metallic, the roof is in excellent shape, and unlatches flawlessly and can then be removed with ease to provide an open top experience. 

For those that wish to leave the hard top off for more extensive periods of time, the SL also boasts an electronically operated fabric roof, the upholstery of which, finished in a dark navy hue, is in good condition. . 
The car sits on 4 excellent Mercedes alloy wheels which are all in exemplary condition.

PHOTO-2022-05-10-10-46-34 6.jpeg 160.03 KB


The Mechanics 

  • Well maintained clean 3.2 litre engine 
  • Regularly serviced by Mercedes main dealers 
  • Provides an excellent rewarding drive 
Being an SL320, we find the iconic Mercedes’ 3.2 litre 6 cylinder engine under the bonnet, famed for its blend of power and reliability. 

With the engine and engine bay in this example being exceptionally clean, it comes as no surprise to report that the SL  fires into life immediately and provides a great but subtle engine note from the rear mounted exhausts. 

Under the bonnet we find a replacement bonnet liner/heat shield, fitted very recently by Mercedes at the request of the previous owner. 
The vendor is a Mercedes R129 enthusiast, reports that. vehicle gives a rewarding and dynamic drive, the hoards of power available under the right foot are clear when the SL gets on the road.

The SL is truly a wonderful, understated and powerful cruiser.

3IQOfvHgAEE1XtrXpeIDRIPPKiwBpOoNitZvBm6i.jpeg 750.59 KB

Summary 

Cars like this Final Edition R129 Mercedes are undoubtedly the finest way to enjoy the warm summer months that are all but upon us. Final Edition examples have seen a significant increase in value recently and are very collectable - a recent example sold for £28,000.

With the SL320, one has the perfect modern classic. Boasting an extensive Mercedes service history and a long MOT, this low mileage example is arguably one of the finest examples available on the market today and combines style, reliability, power and the famed late 1990s, early 2000s Mercedes build quality. 


Notice to bidders

Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.

All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.

Please see our FAQs here and our Terms & Conditions here

Vehicle specification
  • Year 2000
  • Make Mercedes
  • Model 320 SL (R129) Final Edition
  • Colour Blue
  • Odometer 74,810 Miles
  • Engine size 3199
Auction Details
  • Seller Type Trade
  • Town Seaford
  • Location Sussex
  • Country United Kingdom
Bidding history
7 bids from 5 bidders
  • Me•••• £12,500 31/05/22
  • jo•••• £12,250 31/05/22
  • Me•••• £12,000 31/05/22
  • jo•••• £11,750 31/05/22
  • Co•••• £11,500 28/05/22
  • Fa•••• £11,000 25/05/22
  • Ru•••• £10,750 24/05/22
Message C&C Auction Team

The gallery

The safest way to buy a classic car online

Car & Classic's secure payment system protects buyers and sellers. At the end of the auction, the winning bidder transfers payment into a third-party escrow account. Once the transfer of the vehicle is complete, both parties confirm they are happy with the sale and the money is released to the seller. More about buying with us
Safe, secure payment process

About Max Bids

The max bid process allows you to bid without any hassle.

Enter your maximum bid and we will then bid on your behalf to ensure you're the highest bidder - just enough to keep you in the lead and only up until your maximum.

Anti-sniping

Car & Classic prevent auction snipers from bidding in the last seconds to win an auction.

Auctions are extended by 3 minutes if anyone bids within the last 2 minutes to allow other bidders to react and counter-bid.

Auto-bidding increments

  • If your maximum bid is equal to or below the reserve price, your maximum bid will be applied in full if you are the highest bidder.
  • If you are the highest bidder and place a maximum bid above the reserve, we will automatically put in the reserve as your first bid.
    • Once the reserve has been met, Car & Classic will make sure you are the highest bidder using only the bidding increments stated below.
    • We will keep you in the lead up until your maximum bid OR the increment closest to your maximum bid, providing your maximum bid is enough to cover the increment value.

Bid Amount Increment
£0 to £9,999 £100.00
£10,000 to £49,999 £250.00
£50,000 to £99,999 £500.00
£100,000 + £1,000.00

Automatically outbid immediately

When you place a max bid and are outbid immediately that means that another bidder has placed a max bid limit which is higher than yours.

You can bid again and we will use our automatic bid system to try and get you as the highest bidder.

Matching max bids

When there are two max bids of the same value, the one placed first remains the lead bidder.

Pre-authorisation

We may hold a pre-authorisation charge on your card until the end of the auction when the hold will be cancelled. If you win, we'll take a security deposit which counts towards the payment for the vehicle and isn't any extra cost to you.

What are pre-bids?

A pre-bid means you're able to place a bid before the official start of the auction.
You will be notified whether or not you are the highest bidder when the auction starts.

Problem with your bid

Bids are contractually binding. To help protect you, we have some rules in place if we think it's been mistyped. Please check and amend what you have entered.