Highlights
- Well-kept car in rare Rosewood metallic
- Just 38,414 miles from new
- In the same family ownership since 1999
- Garage-stored throughout its life
- Includes a matching factory hardtop
- MOT valid to January 2026 with no advisories
The Appeal
The R129 could be the reason why all subsequent Mercedes-Benz cars have drifted away from the engineering-led philosophy. So carefully designed and built to such exacting standards was this fourth-generation ‘Sport Leicht’ that we can’t imagine the firm made a single penny on any cars they sold.
This 1993 Rosewood metallic car is an early example of the SL280 featuring the 190bhp straight six. It’s a good choice for modern motoring thanks to its mix of power and economy.
The car has been in the same family since 1999 and has amassed less than 39,000 miles. That rare paint finish is in good order, as is the matching hard top and complementary ‘Sacco Planks’ in darker brown metallic. Inside, there is a beige leather cabin with dark burr walnut accents, also in good order.
The car has covered few miles since its last service, but may benefit from attention based on time. That aside, the advisory-free MOT indicates it is ready for its new keeper to jump in and enjoy.
The vendor says:
“Low-use example that has been garage-stored nearly all its life. Drives and presents well, with only minor cosmetic imperfections consistent with age.”
History and Paperwork
- First registered 29th October 1993
- Four keepers form new
- Same family ownership since 1999 we are told
- Previously owned by the current keeper’s late mother
- Re-registered in her son’s name in February 2025
- Mercedes-Benz service history recorded up to 22,847 miles, we are told
- Additional independent oil service documented at 32,774 miles
- Supplied with original books and service records as shown
- Acquired by the vendor's mother with approximately 20,000 miles
- 2 keys
- V5C
- MOT valid to 29th January 2026 with no advisories
- 38,304 miles on MOT and 38,414 miles reported by seller
The Condition
- Rare factory Rosewood metallic paintwork with darker lower panels
- Paintwork presents well overall with some age-related marks and light scratches
- Small area of lifted paint on the front wing (approximately thumb-sized) from a recent jet wash
- Other light scuffs and scratches to note in photos, including rear wing and nearside front spoiler
- Matching Rosewood factory hardtop included
- Factory correct brown soft-top is in very good condition with the vendor stating no fading
- Factory correct eight-hole alloy wheels in fair condition with some marks and kerbing
- Fitted with Pirelli tyres all round that appear to be in good order, but likely older fitment
- Beige leather interior with dark burr walnut veneers in very good order
- Period Sony radio cassette fitted
- Some light staining to note to the footwell carpets as shown
- Driver's door has dropped slightly, though it still closes properly, we are told
The Mechanics
- 2,799cc M104 straight six 190bhp engine
- 4spd 4G-TRONIC Automatic transmission
- The car starts immediately, even after long periods of inactivity, we are told
- Drives well according to the vendor
- Anti-roll bar warning light is illuminated, we are told
- Vendor states that the roll bar operates normally via the switch
- Soft-top mechanism is a little jerky when raising, but functions correctly, says seller
- No accidents reported during the vendor's mother's ownership
- Mercedes-Benz servicing recorded up to 22,847 miles
- Independent oil service performed at 32,774 miles in 2004
- No advisories on current MOT
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