Highlights
- Hard top and soft top in excellent condition
- Only 46,182 miles from new
- Impressive history file and service record, Mercedes dealership maintained
The Appeal
The SL 280, designed in 1984 and launched in 1989, was the replacement to the beloved-but-aging R107 chassis SL series from 1971. In the same fashion as its predecessor, it came in the form of a two-door roadster with an electronic hydraulic roof system allowing for three different options in addition to topless: a soft-top roof, a colour-matched automated tonneau cover, and a manually detachable hardtop. The hard top could be installed over the stowed soft-top convertible roof and/or the tonneau. It was available with a variety of powertrains across its twelve-year production, including a V12 option used in the SL600 AMG.
This example from 2000 is in excellent condition, and is just 46,182 miles from new. Presented in the ultra-stylish bright red with black interior, it just exudes sportiness and class. Representing the final facelift model, it’s a fine example of a more modern R129. With the smallest engine size available, it is one of the most economical of Mercedes’ SL-series offerings; and with an automatic transmission, this one is something you can actually drive every day.
The History and Paperwork
- Current V5c
- 5 owners including current, owner states it has been family owned and cared for over the last 15 years
- Original owner’s manuals and service book comes with sale
- Original maintenance booklet full of stamps from Merc dealerships
- Full MOT history present, current MOT valid until July 27, 2023, with no advisories
- Invoices for parts and labour present—no expenses spared on upkeep
- Owner states recent oil change, filters, and automatic gearbox oil change as well as new brake pads around 4 months ago
The Interior
- Interior in overall excellent condition with only very minor signs of wear, would benefit from deep clean and treatment
- Rear seats in near perfect condition
- Front seats in excellent condition, with very minor signs of use
- Carpets in like-new condition
- Steering wheel in top condition, no apparent wear
- Dashboard in near perfect condition, with no cracks apparent
- Wood veneer in excellent condition
- Owner states all electronics in working condition
- Buttons and switches all in top condition
- Headlining on both hardtop and soft top in excellent condition
- Boot is very tidy, spare tire and emergency kit present, and brand-new wind deflector comes with sale
The Exterior
- Exterior in terrific condition overall with some marks
- Bright red paintwork still shines but some micro-scratches in topcoat, marks, and very minor weather spots present, see boot lid and bonnet
- Some small chips in paint present, but hardly noticeable, see photos
- Trim, rubbers, and seals all in excellent condition, no reports of any leaking
- Glass in excellent condition with some scratches present but not detracting from the overall appearance
- Light lenses in near perfect condition, with only minor signs of fading/cloudiness present, and some corrosion around the edges of the headlights
- The wheels are in overall good visual condition, with some curb rash present, and some paint peeling from the centre caps
- One wing mirror lens is cracked
- Hard top in overall good condition, with some normal signs of use
- Hard-top mounting surface shows some signs of normal use, but overall in good shape
- Tires still show plenty of tread, but driver’s side front tire has large gouge in sidewall, see photo. Owner states this will be replaced before sale
- Underside in excellent condition for the age, with only minor surface corrosion seen
The Mechanics
- Owner states the vehicle drives, handles, and stops exactly as it should
- Owner states the air conditioning may need a recharge
- Engine bay in tidy appearance, with no signs of corrosion present as seen
- Sound dampening on underside of bonnet has been heat damaged and was removed, remnants present
- All labels and stickers present and most in excellent condition
- Owner states there is no known work to be addressed, everything ready to be driven and enjoyed
- M112 2.8L V6 engine said to make 201hp
- Provides well-balanced power delivery to the smooth-shifting 4-speed automatic transmission
Summary
Here’s one that’s in excellent all-original condition, with flawless service history, that’s all good to go and ready to be driven! The current and previous owners have taken really great care of it over the years; you can tell there’s been a real respect and genuine love for the vehicle throughout their ownerships. If you’re in the market for an SL, this one is calling for you.
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.
All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
