Beschreibung
When the new SL was launched at the Geneva Motor Show in 1989 it took the world by storm. Mercedes’ new roadster was elegant, sophisticated and showcased state of the art technology. Not only did the new R129 more than fill the R107’s shoes, it took a huge leap forward in them.
Such was the demand worldwide that by the time production started the waiting list for the new cars approached three years and cars were selling well over list on the open market.
The first owner of this 300SL-24 was lucky enough to get hold of this car as early as July 1990. Supplied new by Western Automobile Co. of Edinburgh. Finished in Astral Silver with Anthracite leather and a black hood, as per the original brochure images, it was very well equipped with heated, memory seats, five-speed auto, adaptive damping (ADS), traction control (ASR), Becker Mexico stereo and cruise control, to name but a few of the options listed below. To put that into context, the list price of the 300SL-24 was £54, 460 in 1990, without options.
Equipped with the mid-point of the three available engine options initially available, the 231bhp 24-valve straight six was a substantial step up from the 188bhp 300SL, particularly when equipped with the five-speed automatic.
This early R129 has remained in completely standard, original condition from new, right down to the rare Becker Mexico CD player, and covered just 53k miles from new, backed up by a full service history, comprising of thirteen stamps in the service book and a folder full of supporting bills. Included in those is a bill in 2014 from Mercedes of Basingstoke for an overhaul of the ADS (adaptive damping) system. HPI clear with certificate.
All original books and manuals come with the car in the leather pouch along with two remote keys and a valet key.
In terms of condition, as the photos show, this is a very clean and original 300SL-24 in excellent order throughout. Very good bodywork and interior, original hardtop and hood. On the road it drives beautifully as you might expect with such a low mileage and good maintenance history.
In summary, a beautiful, early R129 SL in very nice condition. Fantastic value for money for an iconic car. Ready for the summer ahead.
Optional Equipment
216 – Self levelling suspension all round with adaptive damping (ADS)
241 – Front left seat electrically adjustable with memory
242 – Front right seat electrically adjustable with memory
246 – Mirror with memory circuit
271A – Leather Anthracite
283 – Draft deflector
425 – 5-speed automatic transmission
443 – Tempomat (cruise control) and electric steering column
452 – Two-tone horn
471 – Acceleration skid control (ASR)
517 – Becker Mexico CD
531 – Automatic antenna
551 – Anti-theft warning system
592 – Heat-insulating glass
600 – Headlamp wash/ wipe
682 – Fire extinguisher
740 – Folding roof in black fabric
810 – Sound package
828 – Elimination of exhaust emission control system (no catalytic convertor)
873 – Heated seats
880 – Closing system with infra-red control
