Description
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PRINCIPAL FACTS:
Registered in the final year of the R129 series SL, this Brilliant Silver Metallic over blue leather is in superb overall condition. Prepped for sale here at SLSHOP prior to its next owner obtaining it, it’s in perfect drive-away condition and, beyond regular maintenance, it won’t require any work doing to it for many years to come. It’s difficult to find fault with this SL280, it features a considered colour choice inside and out, the desirable option of a glass hardtop, a good overall specification and the smooth V6 that replaced the in-line six-cylinder of earlier R129 SLs.
CONDITION SYNOPSIS:
The odometer says this SL280 has covered 54, 622 miles, but they’ve evidently been gentle ones as it presents in a condition of a car that’s covered significantly less. Almost certainly having been dry, occasional use, and garaged between its runs, the bodywork is straight, and the paint is in great condition too. The interior is all original, and also shows little sign of its use, it finished in deep blue leather, with matching carpets and a contrasting wood veneered centre console and steering wheel trim. The blue fabric hood does wear some heavy creases from being stowed – that not being unusual with these cars. Under the bonnet it’s very clean, without little of the surface corrosion that’s normal on cars that have been used year-round. There’s a but, but it’s a small one, and easily sorted; the rims of the five-spoke alloy wheels show a little bit of kerb rash, these able to be inexpensively refurbished.
HISTORY FILE:
The weighty box file that accompanies this SL280 contains plenty of MOTs that verify its mileage, while there are also a number of receipts – a few from the SLSHOP for pre-sale preparation work – that witness that money’s been spent on it. A substantial part of the weight of the file is due to the presence of the December 2005 issue of Top Gear magazine, within which this very car is featured for photography to accompany a R129 SL buying guide.
SLSHOP SUMMARY:
The SL280 might have been the entry point to the R129 range, but this late 2002 model features the smooth V6, which offers enough performance mixed with respectable economy. Running costs will be significantly lower than any of its V8 and V12 relations, though you’ll find it just as enjoyable on the road. With this car’s excellent overall condition, good specification and keen price also appealing. This SL280 is also lacking a badge on its bootlid, so nobody need know that this super clean, cool cruiser is actually a cost-effective, enjoyable entry into the world of modern classic car ownership.
