2001 Mercedes-Benz R129 SL320 Designo
auctions.single.seller.popular
auctions.single.seller.view-count
auctions.single.seller.images
Highlights
- Miniscule verified mileage
- ‘As new’ condition
- Bespoke Designo interior
- One of the last R129s built
- Desirable 3.2litre 220bhp V6
- FSH with recent service
- Long MOT to October 2024 no advisories
The Appeal
There are R129s and then there is this R129. Desirable as these cars are, with their combination of quality and comfort, this one is surely amongst the best we have seen in recent months.
What makes it stand out is the bespoke Designo specification, popular 3.2litre V6 and tiny mileage - it has covered less than 15,000 miles since new. The condition naturally reflects the sparing use, giving the buyer the chance to buy a virtually ‘as new’ R129. It comes with full service history - including recent work - and a long, advisory-free MOT.
The R129 is amongst the most desirable and usable of drop top modern classics. Whether you choose to drive it or simply admire it, this is a rare opportunity to buy one of the best.
The History and Paperwork
- First UK registered on 11th June 2001
- Factory built on 10th May 2001
- R129 production ended in July 2001 so this is one of the last built
- Four registered keepers from new with seller since 1st July 2016
- 2 keys
- Full service history to 14,461 miles
- Most recently serviced at 14,461 miles on 4th September 2023
- MOT to 10th October 2024 with no advisories
- Very good MOT history with few and only minor advisories
- R129-related private registration included
The Condition
- Almandine black metallic (182O) paintwork in excellent condition
- Bolted six spoke split rim 18in alloys in unmarked condition with Dunlop tyres
- Exterior bodywork and paintwork close to immaculate
- Matching hard top and black soft top, both unmarked
- Very well kept interior reflecting tiny mileage
- Bespoke Designo factory interior with two-tone Bordeaux and black leather interior
- Designo Vintage features including machined finish to dash and centre console trim
- Dark Curled Maple veneers unmarked
- Optional rear seats fitted
- Electric front seats with memory and heating functions
- Factory original car including Mercedes-Benz CD player
It is hard to overstate the condition of this 23 year old car - it is very close to immaculate thanks to that vanishingly low mileage. But the story of this car is not limited to its condition. As a very late model R129 it is particularly well trimmed and specified, the Almandine black metallic paintwork - a sort of dark purple finish - suiting the style and offset with some smart 18in alloys.
Inside the theme continues with two tone Bordeau and black leather seats and some choice Designo trimmings such as the engine-turned aluminium highlights to dials and centre console. It is pleasingly factory original right down to the sound system. There is also a useful optional rear seat.
The condition through reflects the mileage and caring owners with barely any, if any, signs of wear.
The Mechanics
- Popular 220bhp M112 3,199cc V6 engine
- Later 5spd 5G-TRONIC gearbox
- Full service history with zero miles since last work
- MOT history verifies the low mileage
- We have no reports of any mechanical issues
- Vendor reports that the car runs well and correctly
The later V6 3.2litre is a particular good fit for the R129 because it delivers an appealing mix of performance and economy. Later cars like this one got the 5spd automatic gearbox that improves high speed cruising and fuel use.
It is sold with full service history. It was last serviced at 14,461 miles and has covered no miles since that work in September 2023.
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓ 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.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check, to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery.
Vehicle specification
- Year 2001
- Make Mercedes
- Model SL Class SL320
- Colour Black
- Odometer 14,461 Miles
- Engine size 3199
Auction Details
- Seller Type Trade
- Town Tranent
- Location Scotland
- Country United Kingdom
30
bids
- al•••• £31,500 06/02/24
- Ju•••• £31,250 06/02/24
- al•••• £31,000 06/02/24
- Ju•••• £30,999 06/02/24
- al•••• £30,750 06/02/24
- al•••• £30,500 06/02/24
- Ju•••• £30,250 06/02/24
- al•••• £30,000 06/02/24
- al•••• £29,500 06/02/24
- Ju•••• £29,250 06/02/24
The Gallery
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.