Highlights

Nautic Blue Metallic launch colour exterior with beige leather interior
Soulful 119.972 5L V8 engine
Custom exhaust and recently refurbished steering box

The Appeal

The Mercedes 500SL (R129) is regarded as one of Mercedes' best. When it comes to refined coupés that can hold their own against most sports cars, the 500SL leads by example. With over 300 BHP, not only can this coupé keep up with more than most, it can do so while offering excellent comfort and of course, German reliability. When originally released, it was the fastest road production car available.

Being a convertible with the option of fitting the hard top, you can configure the 500SL to suit all conditions. The wonderful 5 litre V8 is smooth and subdued at tick over and low revs, slowly building to a wonderfully reassuring V8 symphony when you need to get a move on. The R129 possesses timeless styling and is perfectly understated, turning any journey, big or small, into a true pleasure.

The History and Paperwork

MOT until 03/11/2023 with advisories (see photos)
First registered 05/02/1993
Custom registration shown on V5C not included with vehicle, current owner is awaiting delivery of the updated V5C which will be included with vehicle
Reluctantly selling as surplus to requirements
Current owner has spent nearly £10,000 in recent years on maintaining and improving this very good example
Steering box reconditioned, custom exhaust, new wiper motor and various brake pipes fitted 08/2022 by RPL Automotive
ASR fault fixed with Bosch pump and refurbishment of engine bay wiring harness 03/2017 by Edward Hall
New rotor arms and distributor caps fitted by Edward Hall in 2016
Front spoiler repaired and painted 09/02/2022
Genuine 95,174 miles
Less than 4000 miles covered in the last 5 years
Thorough service history, part main dealer and part independent
Last noted service 08/07/2015 at 89,751 miles
Only 7 owners from new
Largely original interior
Very good condition for the age and mileage
Original owner's manuals and wallet supplied and in very good condition
Service book present and stamped from new until 30/09/2006 (77,850 miles)
Desirable high specification example including 16" alloys, headlamp washers, electronically adjustable front seats with memory bank, ASR traction control and electronic mirrors amongst others
Current owner has owned the vehicle since 2012 and is an enthusiast who has taken great care during his ownership

The Interior

Original Beige leather interior with mushroom seats remains in excellent condition overall
Seats absent of any rips or tears, current owner had the driver's seat recently reconditioned
Convertible soft top functions as expected and is in fair to good condition, headlining present and secure with some light marks
Current owner has tastefully upgraded the stereo head unit to a Sony unit offering aux and USB input and CD player
Burred Walnut wood trim in very good condition
Soft top hard top both included
Current owner reports the headlining for the hard top is sagging, the hard top has NOT been seen by C&C, thus condition cannot be confirmed, the vendor also inform us the hard top has 2 - 50 pence piece size paint bubbles which is common for the SL, but these haven’t got worse in 10 years as the car has been garaged
Electronically adjustable front seats function as expected
Folding rear seat backs to give for parcel shelf
Drivers sun visor light not working
Boot in good condition with desirable Mercedes first aid kit, warning triangle and tool kit all present and in good condition
Full size spare wheel present in boot and in very good condition
Carpets in good condition throughout

The Exterior

Gorgeous Nautic Blue Metallic launch colour with Andor Blue Sacco panels, remains in good to very good condition overall
Some paint chips and scratches throughout the vehicle in expectance with the age and mileage
Desirable headlight wipers present and reported to function as expected
Brightwork and badges are in very good condition
Convertible soft top functions as expected, some cracks present in rear windscreen and signs of age to the fabric but remains in good condition overall
Original hard top included with vehicle but this has NOT been seen by C&C, thus condition cannot be confirmed
A few small scuffs on front and rear bumpers
4 brand-new matching Bridgestone Turanza tyres all with excellent tread
Desirable matching original 16" alloys remain in very good condition overall
The vendor informs us there is some mild orange peel to the drivers door and rear quarter panel only which is approximately 6 inches long. does not detract from the overall very presentable paint finish of the car.
Electric wing mirrors specified as an optional extra, drivers’ side mirror has some scuffs present

The Mechanics

Soulful 119.972 5L V8 engine with a custom exhaust system, gives for a wonderful sound
Engine starts well and runs smoothly without any knocking, bangs or smoke
Engine bay and underside both in a tidy, used condition
Sound proofing for engine bay present and intact, starting to sag in the middle
New rotor arms and distributor caps fitted by Edward Hall in 2016
ASR fault fixed with Bosch pump and refurbishment of engine bay wiring harness 03/2017 by Edward Hall
Steering box reconditioned, custom exhaust, new wiper motor and various brake pipes fitted 08/2022 by RPL Automotive
Regular servicing throughout its lifetime which can be seen in the service book stamps
Convertible soft top works as should and sits plush when retracted, roll bar also functions as expected and remains in very good condition
Current owner reports a new roof control unit was fitted last year
Current owner advises that the vehicle drives and stops well, as it should and in a straight line

Summary

As 500SL's go, this R129 example was tastefully configured from new, offering a desirable exterior colourway with a luxurious interior. Overall, the vehicle remains in very good condition. The current owner has been sure to maintain and improve this example regardless of cost. This 500SL has a thorough service history which shows regular servicing throughout its 30 years of life. Now comes the time for this classy coupé to find its new home and for the glorious 5L V8 to put a grin on the new owners’ face!

Notice to bidders

This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*

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