Description
One hundred cars, it’s not many is it?
Over the years manufacturers have often set about delivering special editions at the end of a model’s life and the R129 generation SL was no exception.
The Silver Arrow was a run-out special of this much loved Mercedes-Benz and they sure did themselves proud.
It’s Bruno Sacco penned lines had been casting an elegant yet purposeful silhouette around affluent postcodes for over 10 years, but the Silver Arrow undoubtedly stands out as the most desirable of the non-AMG R129s.
It’s a car that rewards enthusiasm for the details; turned aluminium inserts, black bird’s-eye maple veneers and a black and cream interior colour-way that invites you in, but cossets you into staying for the long way home.
But why Silver Arrow I hear you ask? During the 1930s Mercedes-Benz was dominating Grand-Prix racing and famously ordered its mechanics to scrape off the paint from its race cars to save weight. This exposing of the bare aluminium bodies beneath led to the contemporary press reporting their victories with the affectionate nick-name the “silver arrows”.
Delivered new on the 1st of September 2001 this charming SL500 Silver Arrow is available now from a large private collection. It presents in quite astonishing condition, even belying its modest odometer reading of 45, 980 miles. The two-tone nappa interior leather is clean, soft and matte, with almost no creasing and the switch gear shows virtually no wear.
Its chunky history file tells a re-assuring story and shows the care each of its 5 owners has taken in maintaining the car throughout its life. Its first V5 certificate from 2001 is present, addressed to a Mrs Shirley Dora Lambert of Lyndhurst. Registering the car as 2 SDL, she and her husband would be caretakers of this example for 16 years, before the car passed through two additional keepers in Dorset and a couple of further collectors in recent years.
Externally this special edition was gifted a unique shade of Brilliant Silver, code 777, and it is no ordinary silver. Its depth has to be seen in person to be appreciated, highly metallic it fits the taught, well-defined lines of the R129 perfectly - there is simply no better colour for this car.
Most recently stored before being re-commissioned by Mercedes-Benz of Stourbridge in July 2026, this SL is now freshly serviced, wearing new tyres all round and it is ready to be enjoyed.
The SL’s versatility is part of the appeal and the car comes complete with its factory hardtop that includes a heated rear window, panoramic glass roof panel and fully functioning sunblinds. Underneath the fabric hood is in remarkable condition and absolutely immaculate.
Furthermore, given the current renaissance of cars from the 90s and early 2000s, these cars will not only likely be a safe store of value, but provide an experience modern cars cannot repeat. Be it the heavy beat of the M113 V8 under power, or the satisfying thunk as the doors shut, you can never not notice the quality of materials and depth of engineering in an R129.
Cross country this example feels alert, powerful and significantly more poised than one might expect for a heavyweight grand tourer. It’s five-speed automatic gearbox is an effective business partner to the V8 which loves to rev, delivering a rich snarl as the revolutions on the tachometer build.
SL500s have always had cache, founded perhaps in owners that have included Sir Stirling Moss, Diana, Princess of Wales and the pioneering Australian heart surgeon Dr Victor Chang.
A truly timeless car that attracts warm smiles and nods of appreciation everywhere it goes. Complete with both keys, its original book pack, Mercedes-Benz Assyst service pamphlet, pen and tool kit, this stunning Silver Arrow is raring to go.
Located in Battersea, Central London and available for viewing now, by prior appointment, please.
Service History:
1 Sep 2001 - New Car Delivery
16 Jul 2003, 8, 375 miles - Mercedes-Benz of Southampton
25 Oct 2005, 17, 471 miles - Mercedes-Benz of Southampton
28 Aug 2009, 25, 713 miles - Pentangle Mercedes-Benz
13 Jan 2012, 31, 165 miles - Pentangle Mercedes-Benz
27 Aug 2014, 38, 122 miles - Pentangle Mercedes-Benz
2 Sep 2016, 42, 259 miles - Pentangle Mercedes-Benz
4 Jun 2021, 44, 303 miles - Ian Belcher Mercedes-Benz Specialist
20 Jul 2026, 45, 767 miles - Mercedes-Benz of Stourbridge
