Highlights

Original, unrestored condition
In single ownership from 2009 to 2023
Only six registered keepers from new
Formerly the property of Pakistani first-class cricketer Younis Ahmed

The Appeal

It may be that Mercedes-Benz’s SL range is the most enduringly popular sports-car line ever, having been in continuous production since 1954 and evolving as necessary. Handsome styling, rapid performance, technical innovation and famously durable engineering are all qualities which have helped to established the SL’s success.

The R129 edition was built from 1989 to 2001 and was ahead of its time in many ways. Its numerous innovations included being the first production car to feature a fully automatic, hydraulically-operated fabric soft-top and an automatic roll bar which would deploy itself if the car rolled. Electric windows, seats and mirrors were among the standard specification. An array of engine options gave rise to an extensive variety of models. Starting in 1989 with the 300SL and 500SL. The 300SL was distinguished by its 188bhp, three-litre, overhead-cam, 12-valve straight-six, and this is a very late example, the 300SL being replaced by the 280SL for 1994.

In totally original and unrestored condition, this 300SL is a very attractive prospect for anyone who likes their cars kept as they left the factory. It now wears a characterful patina and boasts some interesting history, having been owned for 14 years by celebrated Pakistani cricketer Younis Ahmed. It’s ready to be used and enjoyed as it is, or it could be an ideal candidate for cosmetic renovation by anyone who fancies a rewarding rolling project.

The History and Paperwork

Originally finished in Signal Red and sold through Waterhouse Ltd. of Chelmsford on 30th June 1993 to Mr. W. Garner of Wickford, Essex
Purchased by Mohammed Younis Ahmed, the sixth keeper, and registered with cherished plate H8 YPA, having formerly been registered as RRD 87 and K970 JNO
Purchased by the vendor in the spring of 2023
Offered for sale with the most recent V5, various MoT certificates dating back to 1997, some invoices primarily for minor work and the original owner’s wallet containing all the factory literature, including the Owner’s Manual and Maintenance Booklet

The Interior

Presented in all-original, unrestored condition
Original Mercedes-Benz radio-CD player
Luxurious specification includes electric windows, air-conditioning and walnut trim

The 300SL’s interior is handsomely designed and typically luxurious, with the beige leather accentuated by a walnut centre console, and the dash is a tidy, uncluttered affair. There’s no shortage of creature comforts, with the heater and air-conditioning accompanied by the original Mercedes-Benz radio-CD player. Power windows and multi-way power seats let you attain optimum comfort at all times – this car really does want to cosset you.

Generally, the interior is in very good condition, although it has acquired some patina over its 30-year life and one or two areas offer some scope for cosmetic improvement. The perforated leather seats are extremely pleasant, although unfortunately there are couple of prominent splits in the leather of the driver’s seat and could do with a refurb. The front passenger seat just sports an attractive superficial patina, while the rear seats show very few signs of use.

The carpets, dash, centre console and doors are all very well presented and show little evidence of wear, except that the carpets have a few marks in places.

The boot likewise presents very nicely, with just a few marks on the carpet. The carpet lifts to reveal a spare wheel and jack in good condition, along with two original Mercedes-Benz first-aid kits and a tool roll.

The Exterior

Still wearing its original paint from 1993
Sold with detachable hardtop
Lorinser D93 wheels – an attractive extra-cost option

Resplendent in Signal Red, a welcome reminder of the ’90s vogue for bold colours, this 300SL is a handsome sight indeed. As the paint is entirely original to the car and still looks very good, there is a case to be made for preserving it as it is, although it has picked up some slight defects over the course of its life which would make it ideal for anyone seeking a straightforward renovation project.

There are some places where the paint has flaked, faded, cracked or delaminated, and there is one small area of bubbling on the front nearside wing, but these are not apparent until one starts to look closely. There are also some small cracks in a couple of the light lenses.

One of the most attractive features of the car is the set of five 16-inch D93 alloy wheels by Lorinser, a specialist Mercedes tuning company since 1976, which are valuable pieces in their own right. These display a few surface marks and some light scuffing around the rims, but generally present very well.

When we inspected the car, the electric soft-top had ceased to function. In any case, it is not of paramount importance as the hood can be raised and lowered manually, and we could see that it is in excellent condition. Besides that, a detachable hardtop in very nice order is also included.

From what we could see of the underside, the car appears to be resoundingly solid with the suspension appearing in good condition.

The Mechanics

Starts on the button and drives very smoothly
MoT until May 2024
Fewer than 100 miles covered since 2019

With a turn of the key, the Mercedes fires up promptly and drives away smoothly, with responsive brakes and ever so light power steering making it a wonderfully easy car to live with. As far as we can see, it appears to be in very good mechanical health, having been used very sparingly of late, with fewer than 100 miles covered since 2019. The vendor says it “drives perfectly.”

The car was MoTed in 2022 with no advisories and currently has a certificate valid until May 2024, although just a few advisory points were observed at the latest test, namely:

Exhaust emits blue smoke during acceleration
Nearside front direction indicator slightly discoloured
Oil leak, but not excessive

There is no evidence of the car having received any major mechanical work, although there is an invoice for a comprehensive service in 2009 including new front brake pads. The most recent recorded service was 100 miles ago, at 83,600 miles, in 2019.

The Summary

The R129s are handsome cars which have aged extremely well, with comfort and performance combining to make the perfect luxury sports-car package. With three roof options, they’re ideally suited to year-round use but, of course, they’re most at home with the top down underneath sunny skies. The vibrant paintwork and very period Lorinser wheels lend this example an appealingly exotic look, and we’d be more than happy to make space for it in our garage.

This example is a fine-looking and uncommonly original car which is all ready to drive. You can either enjoy it as it is, or use it as the basis for some sympathetic cosmetic renovation if you prefer.

BEFORE YOU BUY

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