Highlights
- Stored as an investment since 2014
- Refurbished by current owner
- Many service stamps
The Appeal
The Mercedes-Benz R129 model remains a perennial favourite among classic car enthusiasts, and it's easy to see why. It is modern enough to be reliable and a great driver’s car, but still has that classic Mercedes styling that we all know and love.
The 300 SL you see here was purchased by the vendor as an investment in 2014, so since then it has seen almost no use on the road. It has reportedly been driven a short distance once or twice a year, in order to exercise its mechanical components and keep things running smoothly.
This car represents a fantastic opportunity to acquire it as an investment and continue its careful preservation, or you may prefer to enjoy it as Mercedes intended, utilising the powerful combination of excellent engineering and stylish design to its full potential.
The History and Paperwork
- Purchased by the vendor in 2014, as an investment
- Refurbishment work then carried out
- In long term storage, only driven a couple of times a year
- Currently SORN
- Lots of stamps in service book
The Interior
- Interior removed for cleaning and refitted
- Leather seats treated with conditioner
The vendor states that the interior of this Mercedes has received careful attention, with the seats and other components having been removed from the car for cleaning, before being refitted. The leather seats are said to have been treated with leather conditioner in order to bring them back to their original state and ensure that they remain supple for many years to come.
The beautiful beige leather interior certainly appears to have benefited from this treatment, along with the carpets. The only issues we could find are that the speaker cover in the drivers door is missing a section, and there is the usual amount of wear you would expect to see on a drivers seat of this mileage.
To the rear, the boot appears to be tidy with only some light staining to the carpet, to be expected on a car of this age which has been used.
The Exterior
- Signal Red paintwork
- Alloy wheels reconditioned
- New replacement soft top fitted Five years before Vendor bought the car
- Hardtop available
The signal red paint work works wonders on this 300 SL, giving it a suitably sporty look. It appears to be very presentable, with a deep shine and not suffering from that infamous red paint fade.
There are, naturally, a few blemishes which have been picked up over the years: a couple of areas small areas of lacquer peel, the odd small stone chip and slightly grazed front bumper. The vendor states that there is a small amount of corrosion to be found towards to the front of the front wheel arches.
Having reportedly been refurbished in the past, the alloy wheels remain in excellent condition. But the car would benefit from a new set of tyres for road use. The black soft top appears not to have faded, with the rear windscreen looking clear and free from clouding. The canvas is tight and well fitted and there are only a couple of small blemishes to be found.
In all, this Mercedes is a very presentable car which could be used as a daily driver, or returned to factory-fresh condition.
The Mechanics
- New OEM exhaust
- New rear brake discs and pads
- Straight-six engine and automatic gearbox
The smooth-running straight-six engine perfectly suits the SL, and combined with an automatic gearbox it makes for delightfully easy driving.
In the accompanying service book there are a reassuring number of stamps, which attest to the quality of this car's early maintenance record. And having been stored since the vendor purchased this car in 2014, it has only been used very sparingly for a couple of runs up and down the road each year. This has allowed the mechanical components to remain in working order, without gaining the wear of daily use.
The only mechanical issue reported is that the roof raising module, located below the rear seat, will require replacement.
The vendor states that this car has received new rear brake discs and pads, as well as a new genuine exhaust system and work to the ignition system.
Summary
Here we have a great example of one of Mercedes’ best loved designs, in a flamboyant shade of red. It has been in long-term storage since 2014 and we think it deserves to be used on the road again.
Alternatively, its next owner may wish to continue viewing it purely as an investment and squirrel it away once more.
Notice to bidders
All items in this listing are sold on an “As Is - Where Is” basis. Photos and listing descriptions should be used as a guide only. Although every effort has been made to verify the accuracy of the information in this listing and Car & Classic performs a level of due diligence prior to the auction, we do not warrant the accuracy of the listings. The seller assumes all responsibility for this listing. Inspection is highly recommended prior to bidding. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion.
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