Highlights
- Low documented mileage of under 28,000 miles
- Top specification 325bhp 5L V8 GT
- Well-kept and preserved car in smart Willow Green
- Full Mercedes-Benz service history to 22,000 miles
- Same family ownership from new
- Running and driving for light recommissioning
- Vendor advises some electrical issues including dashboard functionality
The Appeal
The durability, usability and sheer comfortable, cossetting appeal of the R129 explains why they are so popular with enthusiasts. If you’re going to lean fully into the car’s relaxing, mile-munching theme, then you want this car - the top specification 500SL with 325bhp on tap from its big V8.
This car is a great way into one of these cars. It has been in the hands of the same family from new and covered less than 28,000 miles. The maintenance history shows main dealer attention up to 22,000 miles. Then there is the specification - smart Willow Green with complementary dark green ‘Sacco planks’ and a beige leather interior. As you would expect of such a low-mileage car, it is remarkably preserved for a 34-year-old vehicle.
The car has been in storage for around four years. It starts and drives but has electrical issues so will require a check over and recommissioning. Once done, the buyer gets to enjoy one of the best V8-powered GT convertibles of the last 40 years.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered 1st December 1990
- Factory built in October 1990
- Same family ownership from new
- Maintained by main dealers to 2,000 miles
- Two registered keepers
- In storage for several years with last MOT in 2021
- Spare key
- Hard and soft top included
- Hard top storage stand
- Factory handbook
- Becker radio handbook
- V5C in current keeper’s name
- Stamped service book which supports low mileage
- Last MOT expired 24th November 2021 with minor advisories
- 27,538 miles showing on last MOT and now showing 27,538 miles in photos
The Condition
- Smart and rare Willow Green paintwork with dark green bumper and side trims
- Exterior is in very good order for year with only minor points to note to finish
- These include light marks to front bumper and nearside corner of rear bumper
- The nearside rear arch shows a light scuff to edge of arch
- Bodywork in good order with straight panels and no reported accident damage
- The front bumper on the nearside appears to be poorly fitted
- Matching factory hard top in Willow Green which appears to be in good order
- Removable and refitting of hard top has not been tested
- Car factory fitted with dark brown folding roof which has not been tested
- We have not checked the condition of the soft top
- Factory ‘Gullideckel’ alloy wheels in very good condition with few marks
- Equipped with Pirelli tyres with advisory for tyre on last MOT
- Due to car’s lack of use buyers should be realistic about tyre condition
- Underside presents well with no structural advisories on last MOT
- Car has been dry stored since last MOT test
- Beige leather interior in very good, well preserved condition for age
- Cabin condition supports low mileage with even high-traffic areas well kept
- Driver’s seat shows light bolster wear typical of light colour beige seats
- Carpets and factory mats show some aging and marks as shown
- They would likely benefit and respond to a clean
- Specification includes electric front seat with memory and heating and cruise control
- Retains its factory Becker Mexico stereo as shown and period Nokia car phone
- Vendor advises some electrical issues including dashboard functionality
The Mechanics
- 4,973cc M119 32V 325bhp V8 engine
- 4spd 4G-TRONIC automatic gearbox
- Well maintained with main dealer servicing to 22,000 miles
- We are told that the car starts and drives
- Vendor advises that car will need recommissioning
- Self-levelling front and rear suspension
- Adaptive damping system (ADS)
- Factory tool kit and first aid kit included
- Soundproofing appears to be missing under bonnet
- Dry stored for last four years so recommissioning and checks may be necessary
- No reported running or driving issues
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller of this vehicle is registered as a business seller. And you are covered by Car & Classic’s Terms and Conditions.
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted. Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it's always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand.
