The Mercedes SL Roadster was and still is a popular model in the Mercedes inventory and it has long been seen as a very stylish model. Production started in 1954 with the now very sought after gull wing SL (W198) and continues right up to today with the R321 SL.
Whilst today's SL may dwarf the first generation in power terms they have, through all 6 generations to date, been very well styled and well equipped.
The car we are talking about today, is a 4th generation SL and was designed in the 80's by Bruno Sacco, which should be obvious from its square headlamps and over more boxier appearance than its generally curvier ancestors. That said it still holds its own today in the looks department and in our opinion looks great with the roof up or down. Finished in Metallic Mineral Green (Mercedes colour code 814), the drop head Coupe is powered by the 3199cc V6 engine, and is capable of 141 MPH with a 0 to 60 time of 8 secs.
The 4th generation you see here was in production from 1989 all the way through until 2002 and with it came some advances in safety that no other manufacturer was offering at the time. Most notably, the safety roll bars behind the seats that would automatically deploy in the event of the car being rolled over, to protect the occupants.
This SL is in great condition with only 3 former keepers. During the current owners possession, (Since 2014) the car has been used sparingly, only in dry conditions and averaging just 1000 miles a year .
Despite such little use however, the engine has been regularly run up to normal operating temperatures and the electrics, with the hood being exercised. The oil and filters have been changed annually despite the low mileage and the owner reports the engine oil is completely clear.
There is no known damage history or evidence of respray; no dings or dents . As far as we know the car has never been involved in an accident..
The owner is only looking to sell to downsize his car collection.
The V5 is present in the current owners name with 3 former keepers shown. There are a number of previous MOTs and maintenance receipts with a history in the service book. The car is MOT'd till 02-10-2021.
There is a recorded service history with 12 entries, 6 previous entries and 6 in the current owners name. These come with the service booklet. All servicing/maintenance appears to have been carried out at a Mercedes Dealership or Independent Mercedes specialists.
The car has been serviced at the following intervals and miles:
Inside this SL it’s a sea of light tan leather and plush carpets that compliment the metallic green of the exterior very well. A classic combination as it were. The car is supplied with a wind deflector to help with wind buffeting when the roof is down and all of the mod cons we have to come to expect from premium brands like Mercedes. These include but are not limited to, electric seats with heating, traction control, cruise control, alloy wheels, stereo, air con, electric windows and mirrors.
Despite having figure hugging sports seats there is little bolster wear and no discolouration visible on the light tan leather which is excellent.Untitled Album Merc (1) - 3 of 13.jpg1.85 MB
The Exterior
The Mineral Green paintwork (Code M814, as stamped on the specification plate) is in fantastic condition and just goes to show what can be achieved when a car is properly looked after. The windows are tinted green, with 3 new, clear Flexiglass windows on the fold-away roof fitted in October 2020 - also green tinted. The green hood is in good condition as is the matching Mercedes hard top.
The tyres all have fair tread and the monoblock wheels have some minor curb rash/blemishes but are straight and true.
The 3.2-litre V6 power plant found under the bonnet produced 231bhp when it rolled out of the factory, and ploughed its way from 0-60mph in just eight seconds, through to a top speed of 141mph. That’s GT performance territory, rather than a 2 seater sports car.
During the present ownership the car has been maintained and MOTd by Mercare of Plymouth , Mercedes specialists.The oil is changed annually at the service/MOT and is completely clean showing that the inside of the refined Mercedes engine is healthy.
There are no weird noises, knocks or bangs and the car operates exactly how you would expect for a well looked after and well built German autobahn cruiser. The auto box is smooth and transitions nicely.JohnHeale - 83D5B7DA-E6ED-4068-AF5F-B29DAB6A89F4.jpeg2.8 MB
The Appeal
This SL comes from a time when Mercedes build quality was a term most associated with hard wearing premium materials and impeccable reliability rolled up into a quality well constructed end product. These cars were so well made that they still command strong money today.
If you're after a well made, German, refined, two seater sports tourer, with a strong engine, convertible roof, and good looks… you need look no further.
This is a really clean car for the money in a really nice colour combination with some excellent extras such as that removable hard top. It will be tough to beat in this price bracket.
** The pictures in this listing have been provided to us by the seller **
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