Description
A beautifully preserved example of the Mercedes-Benz R129 300 SL-24, finished in its original Arctic White with contrasting Royal Blue leather upholstery and dark blue convertible hood. This 1991 model-year car has covered approximately 76, 000 miles and benefits from an extensive documented service history, its original Mercedes-Benz window sticker and a recent successful French contrôle technique.
Under the bonnet is Mercedes-Benz's wonderfully smooth 3. 0-litre, 24-valve straight-six engine, coupled to the five-speed automatic gearbox. This combination provides effortless performance and makes the 300 SL a particularly enjoyable and refined long-distance touring car.
The car retains all of its original factory paintwork, which remains in outstanding, virtually as-new condition. Aside from a few minor stone chips acquired over its 35-year life, the Arctic White paintwork presents beautifully, retaining a lovely depth of colour and finish. The elegant Arctic White paintwork contrasts beautifully with the original dark blue fabric convertible hood. The car is also supplied with its removable factory hardtop, providing the versatility of both an elegant open roadster and a refined, fully enclosed coupé. Inside, the original Royal Blue leather upholstery provides a particularly attractive contrast to the exterior.
The cabin retains the traditional Mercedes-Benz character of this period, with beautifully engineered switchgear, polished wood trim and generously proportioned leather seats.
Factory equipment includes electrically adjustable front seats with memory functions, an electrically adjustable steering column, cruise control, automatic climate control, electric windows and mirrors, premium sound system and Becker Radio.
Overall, the car presents exceptionally well and is a very attractive, original example of this increasingly collectible Mercedes-Benz roadster.
Originally supplied new in the United States the car was exceptionally well specified when new, with an original retail price of $79, 350 — a considerable sum in 1991.
The CARFAX vehicle history report identifies an impressive 41 service-history records and 78 detailed historical entries, providing an excellent account of the car's life in the United States.
The records demonstrate consistent and regular maintenance spanning more than 3 decades, with servicing carried out by established independent workshops and automotive specialists. The history includes numerous routine services, oil and filter changes, scheduled maintenance and mechanical inspections, demonstrating the attention the car has received throughout its life. The CARFAX report records no reported accidents or damage, no structural damage and no indication of odometer discrepancies. The mileage is also supported by the historical documentation in the Carfax report.
Finding an early R129 with entirely original paintwork in such exceptional condition is becoming increasingly unusual, and it is undoubtedly one of the highlights of this car.
Having recently been imported into France, the car successfully passed its French contrôle technique on 23 October 2026. It has also received its FFVE attestation, confirming eligibility for French historic vehicle registration.
I was particularly drawn to this example because of its beautiful and rather unusual colour combination. Arctic White with Royal Blue leather and a dark blue hood is wonderfully elegant, and makes a refreshing change from the more commonly seen silver and black examples.
What I particularly enjoy about the 300 SL-24 is its understated nature. It doesn't need to shout about what it is. The proportions are beautiful, the doors close with that wonderfully reassuring Mercedes-Benz solidity, and the smooth straight-six engine makes every journey feel like an occasion.
It's equally appealing with the hardtop fitted, when it becomes a refined and comfortable grand tourer, or with the roof lowered on a sunny afternoon, when you can really appreciate the elegant simplicity of Bruno Sacco's timeless design.
I think these early R129s represent something rather special in Mercedes-Benz history. They were enormously expensive cars when new, built with an attention to quality that is increasingly difficult to find in modern vehicles.
Bianca has that unmistakable old-school Mercedes charm, and I hope her next owner will appreciate her as much as I do.
For someone looking for a stylish, usable and increasingly appreciated modern classic, I think she has an awful lot to offer.
