Description
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PRINCIPLE FACTS
Early 500 R129 with a great selection of options including; adaptive damping & self-levelling suspension all-round, ASR acceleration skid control (traction), air-conditioning, plus front airbags, heated electric seats and cruise control. A low mileage of just over 30k has nevertheless come with a consensus of quality care, with good history and fantastic overall condition.
Astral Silver paintwork with the two-tone lower 'Sacco' panels and orange indicators is such a classic combination that this 500SL still looks a million dollars. In fact, its original purchase price wasn't that far off! With this level of equipment, the car cost its first owner, a Mr Woodward, £75, 850. 13p (£240, 987 today), we have the confirmation letter from M-B Drayton of Shrewsbury in the history folder to prove it.
OVERVIEW & EQUIPMENT
This is one of the best early-SLs we've seen in terms of equipment. We've listed the abridged highlights above, but there's so much more fitted. The Becker premium stereo puts its Dolby-assisted notes through a six-speaker system and there's even a cassette tidy in the centre console, believe it or not, the cassette is undergoing a revival these days.
Remote locking, cat-delete, fire extinguisher, headlamp wash/ wipe, rear seats, memory mirror, two-tone horn... the list of options on this SL is near endless. They all still work too, of course.
CONDITION SYNOPSIS
Excellent straight paint and panels aren't usual for a car that's lived in urban environs for most of its 33 years, but this R129 bucks the trend in a big way. Looking down the car's flanks reveals nothing spoiling the superb factory finish. Even the vulnerable front end and mirrors are near free of even the lightest of scratches. There are some very slight marks to the extremis of the driver's side mirror and a small touched-up stone chip under the grille badge.
Cabin leather and plastic remains in superb condition without a mark worthy of mention anywhere. The carpets, headlining, door cards and seats are just as good, very mild patina on the latter the only age-related giveaway.
HISTORY FILE
We have good history to accompany this car, including service stamps up to 2010. In addition to the usual oil and filter swaps (always using Mobil oil), we also see three brake fluid changes and a single coolant swap in '99. Both are likely due again, due to time passed rather than mileage covered.
Nearly all the car's MOT certificates from new can be found in the history folder but we were drawn to the complete dealership brochure pack for the then new R129. Essential reading for any fan of the marque, if nothing else than just to enjoy the glossy production values and scenic imagery of early 1990s Mercedes-Benz paraphernalia. As for dealership invoices, we have a smattering from M-B Shrewsbury and Stoke, most recently from 2019 for a rear-view mirror and some spark plugs.
SLSHOP SUMMARY
Early R129s are flying out of our showroom at the moment and few have the mix of low-mileage, desirable options and performance on offer from this 500SL. The history is good and shows lots of on-going care, despite the car's use being limited to special occasions. We didn't even mention the perfectly detailed engine bay...
