Description
Mercedes-Benz SL320 R129 – December 1997
A particularly attractive example of the classic R129 SL, that looks stunning in the rare Tourmaline Green metallic colour.
This is one of the most desirable, later-model SL320s and has a superb presence on the road. The wide, low-profile alloy wheels give it a much more purposeful stance than the standard car and, in my view, really transform its appearance. It looks fantastic both with the roof up and with the hood down.
The electric soft-top operates correctly and the car is importantly rust-free, something that is becoming increasingly significant when buying an R129 of this age.
The SL320 is one of the nicest versions of the R129 to actually own and use: smooth, refined and comfortable, responsive high performance, high revving superb engine.
This is a very handsome, usable example rather than a car that needs rescuing or restoring. It has the wonderful solid feel that made the R129 such a highly regarded Mercedes when new, and these cars are now firmly established as modern classics.
Highlights:
- December 1997 later-model R129
- Very attractive and unusual colour
- Excellent stance on wide, low-profile wheels
- Electric hood works correctly
- Rust-free body
- Smooth six-cylinder SL320
- Genuine four-season GT that can be enjoyed rather than simply stored
- Increasingly desirable modern-classic Mercedes
It is a car that looks considerably more special in person than many standard R129s and gets plenty of attention. I am only selling because I have another R129 and cannot sensibly justify keeping both.
I bought the car because I have always liked the R129 and this one immediately stood out because of the colour and the way it sits on the road. Tourmaline Green Metallic is unusual and really suits the shape of the car, especially with the wide, low-profile wheels.
What makes it special for me is the combination of classic Mercedes build quality with a car that still feels very usable. It is refined and comfortable, but the straight-six engine is responsive and enjoyable when you want it to be, and the car has a wonderful solid, engineered feel that modern cars often lack.
My favourite thing about it is probably its overall presence. With the roof down, the green paint and the wider wheels, it looks far more striking than many R129s and has a real sense of occasion every time you drive it.
