Strong points

Rare European version 300 SL-24 equipped with a five-speed manual gearbox
Low documented mileage of under 104,000 km
Elegant "triple blue" configuration with matching bodywork, upholstery and hood
Comes with its original matching hard top and electric roof
Regular maintenance documented up to 97,000 km
Technical inspection valid until June 2027, with no faults or advisories
Seat belt warning light remains illuminated

The appeal

Only around 10% of R129s are believed to have been built with the combination of the 3.0-litre 24-valve engine and five-speed manual gearbox. While the SL is generally regarded as a prestige grand tourer, this configuration emphasises the sporty character of the inline six M103 engine, whose compact weight also contributes to chassis agility.

This 1991 example is presented in an attractive "triple blue" configuration, with a matching hard top. It presents in clean and well-presented condition, ready to be enjoyed and driven.

Its low mileage of 103,526 km is supported by a coherent history of technical inspections dating back to 1997. According to the seller, the car has also benefited from regular maintenance, with the last major service carried out at 97,000 km.

The technical inspection has recently been renewed and remains valid until June 2027 with no advisories. Rare, well maintained and with an uncommon configuration, this R129 represents an interesting opportunity to acquire an SL that differs from the more common automatic versions.

Seller's statement

“I bought it because it is a beautiful Mercedes-Benz SL, with a lot of charm and real presence. I appreciate its spirit of a classic open-top, its comfort and the fact that it is in good condition, with a coherent history and credible mileage. It is a pleasure car, enjoyable to drive, which I bought mainly for the pleasure of owning it and taking the wheel.

Key information

Mileage: 103,526 km, corroborated by a coherent history of French technical inspections
Country of registration: France
Technical inspection: valid until 1 June 2027 with no advisory
Technical specifications: inline-six 2,960 cc, 24-valve petrol engine, five-speed manual gearbox
Documents: original service book present; French registration documents in order, with no leins or encumbrances noted

Maintenance history

(further details visible in the photographs)

May 2025 – 97,000 km – workshop not specified
June 2008 – 91,600 km – workshop not specified
March 2007 – 86,000 km – workshop not specified
March 2004 – 76,786 km – workshop not specified
June 1999 – 43,502 km – Espace Bourg Mercedes
July 1998 – 34,387 km – Cov 1 Mercedes
February 1997 – 25,686 km – Espace Bourg Mercedes
August 1995 – 23,278 km – Espace Bourg Mercedes
February 1992 – 22,173 km – DBA
February 1991 – 8,809 km – DBA

Work carried out at 97,000 km

Gearbox oil change
Differential oil replacement
Coolant replacement
Brake fluid replacement
Air filter replacement
Oil filter replacement
Fuel filter replacement
Spark plugs replaced
New tyres fitted

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The detail

Maintenance carried out around 97,000 km, as noted above
History of French technical inspections dating to 1997
According to the seller, all technical inspections have been successfully completed and the mileage progression is coherent
Vehicle stored in a hangar for a period of time
No chassis corrosion reported by the seller
Original deep blue paint with good overall gloss despite minor defects
Light discolouration of the front bonnet, plus a few scratches and paint chips
Visible traces of a previous repair on the front-right wing
Minor distortions to the lower front spoiler and damaged cooling grille
Hard top presented as being in good condition
Original blue soft top in average condition
The electric hood mechanism works, but one hydraulic strut is leaking
Manual opening of the hood with the key works normally
Blue leather upholstery in generally good condition with some wear defects
Light crack on the left-hand side of the driver's seat bolster
Dashboard in good condition with normal wear to controls
Wood trim complete and generally well preserved, with some signs of use
Interior lining of the hard top starting to peel and sag in places
Air conditioning, heating, power windows and electric seat adjustments reported as functioning
The CD player powers on but would require reset or replacement
Right speaker membrane lightly cracked
Door handles show signs of previous repairs
Six registered owners since 1991

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to Car & Classic’s terms and conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller, which means that consumer rights arising from European consumer protection legislation do not apply. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s terms and conditions.

✓ We require non-refundable fees to be paid if you are the winning bidder or if your offer is accepted. Please refer to our FAQs and terms for the specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is "as seen, now, with all faults", on an “as is, where is” basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are provided for guidance only, and it is customary to conduct a full vehicle inspection prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer’s deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final offer or bid price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We aim to ensure the transaction runs smoothly, just as you would, which is why UK-registered cars and motorcycles sold on Car & Classic are subject to a HPI check to verify that they do not carry any insurance database markers for damage or theft and that they are not subject to any encumbrance, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as written off in the event of a total loss at the time the listing is placed on Car & Classic and we provide a category write-off label (Cat C/D/S/N) to help you. The presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status, and it is always useful to perform a full vehicle history check before bidding on it.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery. Importing vehicles may incur additional duties and import taxes. If you wish, we can recommend a third-party transport company to assist. For more details and to speak with the team, please email auctions@carandclassic.com.