Description
2000 Mercedes-Benz SL320 (R129)
Azurite Blue Metallic (366) with Saffron Nappa Leather (234)
66, 000 miles
A beautiful late model R129 that ticks all of the right boxes. A fantastic colour, a wonderful interior and superb service history.
When Mercedes-Benz introduced the R129 SL, it caused major issues for customers who were waiting on a final edition R107.
The R107 had been in showrooms for almost two decades, and automotive styling, tastes, fashion and technology had gone through a seismic shift between 1971 and 1989. Society had moved on. The R129 would spearhead a new type of car, focused on safety, comfort and performance. It was a world away from the oh-so-popular R107, and would be an instant hit. The iconic chrome, side mouldings and bumpers that defined the R107 were long gone, replaced by clean, understated styling with lashings of technology – this was the new era of the Mercedes-Benz SL, and buyers signed up in droves – often leaving an embarrassing cancelled R107 order in the process. The popularity of the R129 meant that some ‘cancelled order’ R107 SLs would languish in showrooms for some years before finding buyers, and we’ve seen R107s that weren’t sold and registered until well into the 1990s – including an R107 500SL on a 1992 J Plate! Such was the allure and attraction of the R129 that buyers just had to have it.
Like the R107, the R129 was first available as an inline-six or V8, offering two inline-six engines (300SL and 300SL-24) a the iconic 5. 0 litre V8 (500SL). These were joined by the 12 litre variant in in June 1992 (SL600).
For Autumn 1993 both 300SL models were replaced with upgraded engines, now split between 2. 8 litre (SL280) and 3. 2 litre (SL320), both based on the M104 engine. For the first time the SL moniker preceded the engine designation, the first change to SL badging in almost 50 years!
In 1996 Mercedes-Benz began to develop a replacement for the R129, so the model benefitted from a facelift and a range of new engines that hit showrooms in 1998.
This final swan song of the R129 introduced the world to the M112 engine, the first V6 from Mercedes-Benz. Buyers now had a choice of the SL280 V6, SL320 V6 and SL500 V8 (all of which were new engines), along with continued production of the SL600 V12.
Aesthetically these final year cars were improved inside and out. In the cabin, new soft nappa leather seating, a restyled steering wheel, an improved dial display, the passenger was given a stowage net on the transmission tunnel and the audio systems were upgraded. Outside the R129 was given larger wheels as standard, with more wheel choices available from the showroom. These improvements boosted the appeal of the SL, and a range of special edition cars and glorious metallic colours ensured it was a strong seller right up until the R230 arrived in 2001.
When it comes to desirability, buyers like to go for a very early or very late R129 – although it has to be said this isn’t set in stone!
These late model cars are well equipped and have a more aggressive, sporting look when compared with an early R129 SL, but personal taste is the biggest factor in choosing one of these cars. The R129 comes from an era where styling was subtle, the engine did the talking with no need for gaping holes, huge vents and multiple spoilers – that era would soon follow.
The R129 is the last of the dinosaurs, an early incarnation of the modern grand tourer, understated and yet glamorous, capable and refined. They make excellent second, third or fourth cars, offer intercontinental luxury and an impressive turn of performance regardless of which engine you choose.
The car shown here has been known to SLSHOP for some time, and that was sold by us to the current owner in 2013.
The deliciously deep Azurite Blue paintwork on this late model R129 is perfectly contrasted by the Saffron Nappa Leather. Blue with cream will always be a winning combination for the clean lines of an R129 SL.
Specified by the first owner with burred walnut trim, and heated seats, this SL320 is exactly the right combination for an R129 SL. The mileage is backed up by a comprehensive service record and large file of receipts.
Fitted with the superb 3. 2 litre V6 M112 engine, the SL320 provides just over 220bhp. The V6 engine feels lively and engaging – when combined with perfectly weighted steering and comfortable seats, this is a car well suited to long distance touring.
Captivating the very best of the era, this car is ready to be used and enjoyed. It is sure to impress on the grassy greens of your local classic car show, the waterfronts of Southern Europe and lengthy distance in-between!
A very detailed folder of history accompanies this car, containing a plethora of invoices and receipts, the large majority of which are Mercedes-Benz official documents for either parts purchases or service and maintenance work.
Service History Stamps:
10, 793 miles
18, 223 miles
29, 160 miles
41, 306 miles
53, 512 miles
58, 309 miles
63, 392 miles
64, 414 miles
SPECIFICATION
Order Location GREAT BRITAIN
Interior LEATHER NAPPA – SAFFRON (234A)
Paint 1 AZURITE BLUE – METALLIC (366U)
Paint 2 AZURITE BLUE – METALLIC (366O)
Release Date 2000-01-14
Delivery Date 2000-01-18
441 STEERING COLUMN, ELECTRICALLY ADJUSTABLE
461 INSTRUMENT WITH MILES IND. AND ENGLISH LEGEND
500 OUTSIDE REAR VIEW MIRROR LH AND RH FOLDING
565 REAR SEATS USED ON SL MODELS
600 HEADLAMP WIPER/ WASHER
613 HEADLAMP LEFT-HAND TRAFFIC
668 MODE OF PACKING VE III WITH STYROPOR BUMPER RAILS
731 WOOD TRIM, BURRED WALNUT ROOT
744 DARK BLUE SOFT TOP FABRIC 5010
800 CHANGE OF MODEL YEAR, THE LAST FIGURE SHOWING THE NEW MODEL YEAR
833 ADDITIONAL PARTS FOR GREAT BRITAIN VEHICLE VERSION
873 SEAT HEATER FOR LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT SEATS
984 COC DOC., DELETION OF VEHICLE REGISTRATION DOC.
