Highlights
- SL500 with the sought-after 322bhp version of the V8 engine
- Very well presented with nice colour scheme and factory specification
- The R129 is a well-regarded convertible and with R107 values appreciating they are attractive propositions
- Long MOT to March 2024 with no advisories
- Factory hard top enabled versatile coupe or convertible motoring
- Up to date service history, last serviced in March 2023
The Appeal
When it came to replacing the long-lived R107 SL Mercedes, the firm had its work cut out. Thankfully it had famed designer Bruno Sacco on hand, who penned a handsome shape to cloth the high quality engineering. The resulting R129 was both clearly part of the SL lineage but more luxurious and technologically advanced than the car it replaced.
With R107s in high demand, canny buyers are turning to the R129. The 322bhp V8-engined SL500 showed what the platform is capable of, offering performance to match the cosseting luxury.
This 1996 low mileage car is one of the desirable SL500 models from a brief, two year period when the 500 had more power than earlier and later versions. Finished in a distinctive colour combination and with full service history, it is a nicely optioned modern classic that looks ideal for long summer trips or weekend getaways. .
The History and Paperwork
- First registered on 3rd April 1996, taken abroad and then re-registered in the UK on 19th May 1999
- 2 keys
- We are told that the car lived in London until 2008 before moving to Scotland where it remained with the second owner until 2021, then passing to the seller as part of his collection
- Thick history file including:
- Original service book with 13 stamps, 10 from Mercedes main dealers and three specialists
- Last serviced at 70,630 miles in March 2023
- MOT to March 2024 with no advisories
- Clean MOT history, with just one advisory for tyres, back to 2017
- Has covered just 10,000 miles since 2017
- All original factory manuals and handbooks
- Original Mercedes Benz specification sheet with car
- At the time of writing we were unable to access the Mercedes Benz DATACARD for this car
The Interior
- Attractive ‘Cappuccino’ interior with beige leather interior with contrasting brown dash top and steering wheel, all in good condition
- Useful optional rear seats with seatbelts in excellent condition
- Front seats in very good condition, just a light sheen and some wear on the bolster of the driver’s seat indicating use
- Electric front seats with memory function and memory function for auto-dipping rear view mirror
- Pioneer aftermarket stereo fitted with boot-mounted CD multi-changer and remote control
- Door cards in good condition with only light marks on the driver’s side armrest
- Wood veneer in good condition with no obvious deterioration
- Switchgear complete and wear-free
- Beige carpets throughout in good condition, only some light marks visible, and fitted with Mercedes Benz factory protective over mats
- Complete tool kit, quality car cover, first aid kit and fire extinguisher in boot
The Exterior
- Handsome lines penned by famed Mercedes designer Bruno Sacco
- Attractive solid red paintwork in very good condition for the year
- Front wings are excellent with no visible corrosion or deterioration and we are told no repairs
- The bodywork has a few stone chips to the front, a small lacquer bloom on the bonnet due to age and the sun but nothing immediately visible or significantly detracting
- Factory hard top with storage cover and stand
- We understand that the electric fabric soft top is in good condition and works correctly
- Wind deflector
- 18inch AMG alloy wheels in very good condition and a desirable option
- New Davanti tyres fitted all round, 275 on the back and 245 on the front
- Slight scuffs visible to both edges of the front bumper but look like they may polish out
- Excellent underside that has apparently never been welded and no structural advisories on MOT
The Mechanics
- Excellent M119 5litre V8 32V Mercedes engine in desirable 1996-1998 322bhp factory state of tune
- Similarly fitted with the 5spd automatic gearbox rather than the later 4spd
- Full service history with 13 stamps, mostly from Mercedes main dealers
- Last serviced less than 300 miles ago in March 2023
- MOT to March 2024 with no advisories
Summary
The R129 evolved what made the previous R107 so great, moving the car into a more luxurious, GT-orientated market space. The Sacco-penned lines and revered Mercedes quality make these cars an attractive proposition and the SL500, with the 322bhp version of the 5-litre engine, is an enticing machine.
This smart low mileage, low owner SL500 was clearly carefully optioned by its first buyer with some nice additions and has clearly been cared for since. Comfortable, quick and with the versatility of hard top coupe or soft top convertible motoring, it looks ready for some summer road trips.
Notice to bidders
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