Highlights 

• Low mileage recorded on the odometer
• One owner since 2020 - part of a 37 car collection
• Comprehensive history
• Two former keepers
• Unusual and desirable interior/exterior spec

The Appeal

The R129 was the fourth generation of the SL-Class, launched in 1989, and it was a marked departure from the R107 that had run for so many years before. More modern, more lavishly equipped, it thrust the SL formula into a new era.

The crisp styling has aged extremely well today too; the Bruno Sacco-penned lines heralded a sea-change from the 1970s styling hangover of the brand, ensuring that the R129 remained in production for over a decade while appearing smartly contemporary throughout.

The example we have here is particularly desirable this is an early pre-facelift model, presented in a seldom-seen and now much sought-after paint colour, which is complemented by the fabulous cloth check interior trim. With so many R129s having been optioned in more sober paint shades with leather seats, this is a rare find indeed.

The service book has many stamps to and it’s clear that this is a car which has been used sparingly but always well looked after.

It’s also just received a new radiator, water pump and thermostat as well as having recently had the suspension springs renewed, so it drives just as pleasingly as it should.

The History and Paperwork

• V5 confirms 2 former keepers
• MOT valid to October 2022
• Fully stamped service book
• Receipt for £1,259 showing full service, new rear springs, new battery, new wheel bolts and new fuel pumps
• Large stack of invoices and old MOTs
• Receipt for Blaupunkt radio-cassette, fitted in 1994
• Owned by a serious collector since 2000 
• Included in the history file is a letter from him confirming that the car has only done around 1,000 miles in his ownership

The Interior

• Desirable cloth check trim
• Original condition throughout, with period Blaupunkt stereo
• No sun damage to wood trim or dashtop
  
  

The mileage and careful custodianship of this SL speak volumes when it comes to the interior. it looks extremely good factory-original and tastefully specced – and, most importantly, it sports the supremely desirable cloth check trim.

Everything is as it was from the factory aside from the fitment of a Blaupunkt radio-cassette head unit (which was fitted in 1994). The seats are electrically adjustable, and tilt back and forward correctly to allow rear access; the rear storage area is well preserved, and the carpets are tidy throughout.

The door cards and dash trim are all in very good order with no sun-damage to the wood trim. It’s tidy inside the boot too; there are one or two marks on the carpet but it’s all complete, and we find a new battery in there along with a JVC CD changer, correct spare wheel and original warning triangle.

The Exterior

• Beautiful and unusual colour
• Hard-top and soft-top in good condition
• No evidence of unsightly dents, dings, scuffs or scratches
• Private plate is included in the sale
  
  

The 888-code Beryl paint is this car’s party piece (known in some markets as Teal Blue), looking every bit as fresh as it did in the 1990s – a rich and deep shade that really sparkles in the sun. The condition of this SL’s body is generally very good throughout, being well presented and receiving many an admiring glance as we photographed and drove it.

All of the correct trim is in place, and the light lenses and window glass are all in good order. The correct alloy wheels are fitted, and generally in good condition with just a little light kerbing and patination; the tyres are a mix of brands, but all have good tread.

The soft-top is in good condition, sealing well and in tidy order inside and out with nice clear window panes. The hard-top is equally tidy – there’s a very, very slight suggestion of corrosion beneath the paint on the nearside rear corner, but otherwise it’s a well-preserved item that’s easy to fit and remove.

It’s also worth noting that the dateless private registration number will come with the car.

The Mechanicals

• New radiator, water pump and thermostat
• Thorough service history - big recent invoice
• Smooth engine and gearbox
• Rear springs recently replaced
• Has not been MOT'd due to lack of use 
• Will need some recommissioning 
  
  

The SOHC 12v engine is the M103 3.0-litre carried over from the R107; in this guise it has reshaped combustion chambers to improve emissions, its handy 188bhp more than enough to help the R129 waft along like an SL should.

The R129 series was offered with a five-speed automatic in the six-cylinder cars, and it’s operating correctly here with smooth and neat selections and no troubling noises.

The steering in the R129 is a variable-rate power-assisted recirculating ball system that offers an impressive level of precision and is well suited to the SL’s continent-crunching character, and this is all in good order here.

The brakes are strong and dependable, and the suspension is cosseting with its new rear springs helping the car to deliver a real magic-carpet ride. A very pleasant car to drive indeed, feeling tight and proper with no knocks or rattles or anything untoward.

Summary