Just two former registered keepers; in the same family since 1998
Supplied new with the rare factory all-glass panoramic hard top
62,264 warranted miles: service history on file throughout the car's life
Reported to have been garaged throughout and maintained by Mercedes, specialists, or a reputable local garage
Recent mechanical work, including tyres, brake pads, fuel pump, battery, and alternator
The Appeal
Designed under the late great Bruno Sacco, the R129-generation SL is widely regarded as one of Mercedes-Benz's finest grand tourers. The SL280, powered by a smooth inline six-cylinder engine, offers a refined and rewarding driving experience, and the R129 is increasingly sought after as enthusiasts recognise its quality and long-term appeal.
This 1997 example has been in the same family since November 1998, when the owner's father acquired it from the first registered keeper. It has been garaged throughout its life under a cover with a battery conditioner attached, and the care shows. Finished in silver with a light grey perforated leather interior, it presents a handsome combination. The vendor states the exterior presents very well for a car of this age, with one small mark on the boot lid noted. The soft top is reported to present well, with replacement rear windows fitted after the originals cracked. Notably, the car was supplied new with the rare panoramic hard top, a significant factory option that transforms it into a smart coupé for year-round use.
Mechanically, recent investments include a new battery and alternator in 2022, a fuel pump in 2023, and four new tyres and brake pads all round in 2025. MOT advisory items were also addressed in November 2025. Included in the sale are a car cover, a battery conditioner, and a glass hard top lifting device. This appears to be a well-kept, carefully maintained SL that is ready to be enjoyed.image.png1.1 MB
Four new tyres and brake pads all round fitted in 2025
MOT advisory work carried out in November 2025: new number plate, subframe cleaned and undersealed, ball joint dust cover replaced
One small mark on the boot lid caused by a pressure washer and worsened by a coarse polisher
Soft top with replacement rear windows; originals had cracked
The vendor states the interior light grey leather presents very well for its age
The vendor describes the woodwork as in very good order with no blemishes
Perforated leather heated seats
The vendor states the car starts and drives beautifully with everything in first-class working order
Period of limited use during the previous keeper's illness and early current ownership
Sale includes car cover, battery conditioner, and glass hard top lifting device
Vendor says. 'the glass roof was an incredibly rare extra as it cost an extra £5,000 above the standard hard top when it was purchased in 1997 - the current price from Mercedes to replace the glass top now is £16,000'
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