Elegant, timeless and chic – just some of the ways you could describe the R129 SL, and all would be accurate. If you’re after a modern classic, few cars offer the wealth of abilities or the depth of quality that the R129 does. Available in a vast array of colours, with heaps of options and a variety of powertrains, there really is a R129 for everyone.
This particular example is the mighty SL600, fitted with a smooth and deeply powerful 6-litre V12. Giving the driver nearly 400bhp to play with, in combination with the high specification, fabric roof and removable hardtop, it gives the car wonderful all-round ability.
Presented in highly original, factory specification and in excellent overall condition, it’s a laudable and desirable machine that’s sure to draw admiring glances wherever it goes.IMG_4792.JPG3.74 MB
The History and Paperwork
Manufactured in 1993
First registered in 1996
133,880Km on the clock
Complete with the owner’s handbook
Some invoices present
Appears to be unmodified and in factory specification
Unfortunately, we do not know much about the car’s history
The smart tan leather upholstery nicely contrasts with the exterior colour and all shows in very good order, with some gentle wear and patina, but no damage or tears we could see. Behind the seats there is a useful luggage shelf too.
Beige carpet adorns the cabin and boot space, all looking to be in fine fettle, with no threading or staining we could discern. It complements well with the leather and offers an inviting, luxurious cabin space.
The trim and switchgear is all in a remarkable state of preservation, with a light level of natural wear but no damage or heavy patina. Wood veneer adorns the centre console, and shows some light patina, but we didn’t see any cracking, delamination or warping.
We’re told by the vendor that everything works just as it should, with no faults or issues to mention.
We love the Sierra Brown Pearl finish of this car, it’s a rare and desirable colour and is presented here in very nice condition, with no major blemishes or scuffs we could discern.
The bodywork and trim looks nice and straight, with no damage or corrosion, crisp lines and even panel gaps. Nothing appears to be missing, with the badging and brightwork showing very well too.
One of the most useful aspects of the R129 is the fact that the convertible roof and removable hardtop mean you can enjoy this superlative grand tourer in all weather conditions. The black fabric roof looks to be taut and in good order, with no UV fading, tears or damage to be seen. Meanwhile, the hardtop also shows in fine fettle, with no corrosion or scuffing we could see.
Taking a peek underneath, we see that the underside has been well cared for too and looks lovely and straight, with no corrosion or damage on show.
Wheels are the standard polished eight-hole, 16-inch items, showing here in very good condition with no kerb damage or lacquer peel we could discern. They’re shod in a matched set of Firestone tyres, which also look to have good tread depth.
Smooth and with deep wells of power, the 48-valve, quad-cam V12 in the SL600 is something of a masterpiece. With 389bhp on tap, and twinned with an unruffled automatic gearbox, it offers all the effortless cruising ability you could possibly need.
We’re assured by the vendor that it runs very well, with no mechanical faults or issues reported and no evidence we could see of any problems. IMG_4703.JPG2.96 MB
Summary
When someone asks you what you drive, being able to say “a V12 Mercedes” surely has to rank as one of life’s finest moments. Increasingly rare, these suave machines offer a truly seductive answer to the “only car you ever need” conundrum. Finished in a fine spec, with a wonderfully charismatic engine, we think this handsome machine is a very fine proposal.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
