With its excellent 2+2 layout and large boot, even with the fabric roof stowed, the R129 makes for a stylish and surprisingly practical way to get about.
Grey carpets run through the cabin, with matching Mercedes-Benz branded over-mats. They’re presented in fine condition and there are no signs of notable damage or significant wear.
Very much the same can be said of the upholstery on the seats - the perforated grey leather is in good condition, particularly in the rear. Of course there is wear evident, particularly on the front seats, but less than you’d expect considering the vehicle’s age and mileage.
The door cards and various trim elements are complete and in nice condition, with just some wear to the leather on the door cards betraying the car’s age. The glossy wood veneer appears to be well preserved, with no cracking, warping or delamination that we could see.
Looking at the instrumentation, dashboard and driving controls, everything is tidy, legible and in good condition, with some wear and blemishes, but no notable damage.
Again, there is far less wear evident than we’d expect on a vehicle of this age, which is testament to the legendary Mercedes build quality. The vendor tells us that all of the car’s features operate precisely as they should, with no issues they are aware of.
The capacious boot area is trimmed with grey carpet and is good condition, with the spare wheel and toolkit present and correct.SL-0657.jpg10.06 MB
The Exterior
Dark blue paintwork
Hydraulic convertible fabric roof
Removable hardtop with panoramic roof
Recently refurbished Mercedes alloy wheels
One of the big bonuses with this car is the removable hardtop - it’s the rare panoramic roof version, complete with internal sun blinds. 1996 was the first year this option was available for the SL, and it’s a brilliant thing to have, giving the car true all-weather ability.
According to the vendor, the hardtop was never removed by previous owners, and they took it off just a few months back. Therefore, the fabric roof is in “like new” condition and the owner tells us that it operates perfectly.
The paintwork itself is in reasonable, unrestored condition. There are a number of stone chips, scratches and blemishes to the paint, but a decent polish should help to restore it to somewhere near its best.
It should be noted that there is a small dent on the front edge of the bonnet, just below the badge. Also, there appears to be a crease in the metal running across the driver’s door.
Otherwise, the bodywork is straight and undamaged, with no signs of corrosion we could see. Certainly, the blue paintwork really suits the car and its elegant lines.
All of the external trim, light lenses, windows and badges appear to be in good condition, with nothing missing or suffering from notable damage.
Riding on original 16” Mercedes alloy wheels, shod with tyres wearing good tread, overall this SL presents well for its age. SL-0544.jpg10.24 MB
The Mechanics
2,799cc inline-six engine
4-speed automatic transmission
All-round disc brakes and ABS
Last service - September 2021 at 195,981 miles
That creamy 24-valve DOHC inline-six is a great engine, torque-laden and refined, with a healthy 190bhp being delivered to the rear wheels.
With the automatic transmission providing smooth and seamless shifts, it makes this SL a relaxing and capable cruiser.
New to this generation of SL was fully independent suspension front and back, with the rear benefitting from 5-arm multi-link set-up. It truly aids the already plush ride and fine handling, turning the SL into a truly modern grand tourer.SL-0613.jpg12.31 MB
Summary
The R129 is rapidly getting noticed as one of the finest modern Mercedes.
With smart styling, a great drivetrain, extensive service history and a choice specification, this example makes a great case for itself.
With a little work to the exterior, it could soon be back looking its best and should have many more years of faithful service to offer.
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