Highlights

Just 46,580 miles indicated
Attractive specification
Fabric roof plus removable Panoramic hardtop
5-litre V8 engine, automatic transmission
Comprehensive service and maintenance record

The Appeal

When it comes to stylish, discreet grand tourers that offer heaps of power and cosseting luxury, there’s not much that comes close to the all-round ability of the R129 SL500. Its blend of abilities and superb build quality make it the de facto choice for anyone that wants to experience Mercedes-Benz engineering excellence from when they were at the peak of their powers.

We have a fantastic example here too, with low mileage, a very fine specification and a truly superb history. If you’re in the market for an appreciating classic that you can still use regularly, then this SL really should be at the top of your list.

The History and Paperwork

First registered in June 1999
Three owners from new
Purchased by a Sergeant in the Royal Engineers, who was based in Germany
Imported back to the UK
Transferred to his wife’s ownership in November 2002
Purchased by the vendor in June 2015
Comprehensive service history:
- 09/10/01 @ 6,662mls MB Brentford
- 20/10/03 @ 12,331mls MB Brentford
- 14/12/07 @ 23,183mls Sheen Lane Motors
- 26/10/09 @ 25,791mls MB Brentford
- 10/05/10 @ 27,145mls NVS Wokingham
- 31/05/11 @ 30,521mls NVS Wokingham
- 08/06/12 @ 34,045mls NVS Wokingham
- 12/11/13 @ 38,243mls NVS Wokingham
- 08/06/16 @ 40,681mls Benzworx Essex
- 26/11/19 @ 44,562mls GEM-TECH Romford
- 07/05/21 @ 45,580mls Service by owner (retired mechanic)
Excellent maintenance and history file, including many invoices and old MOTs, the original purchase invoice, NAAFI documentation and import documents
Vendor will include photos of the work carried out
Maintained by the current owner, who is a retired mechanic
Only being sold due to poor health
Current MOT to December 2023
46,580 miles indicated, verified by the service and MOT records
Complete with the owner’s manuals and two keys

The Interior

Helios (239A) cream leather interior presents well, with some light wear, particularly to the driver’s seat, but no major wear or damage we could identify
Wood veneer trim wear a nice gloss, with no signs of delamination, warping or cracking
Cream carpets show in nice condition, and are complemented with a new set of OEM Mercedes-Benz branded floor mats, including the boot mat
Electrically operated seats
Electric windows and door mirrors
Air conditioning
Electrically operated rollover hoop
The trim and switchgear all looks to be in fine fettle, with a little wear to the gear selector commensurate with the car’s age
Useful rear luggage shelf and storage cubbies
Mercedes-Benz branded radio/cassette player with CD changer in the boot
Original wind deflector present, still in its plastic wrapping
Original spare wheel, toolkit and jack present
We’re told by the vendor that everything operates just as it should, with no faults

The Exterior

Smart Azurite Blue Metallic (3660) paintwork looks to have worn very well indeed, with a few minor marks and blemishes, but nothing that would cause us concern
The only notable marks we saw were some tiny blisters to the off-side front wing and a slight scuff to the off-side rear bumper corner
Practical removable hardtop with panoramic glass roof
Dark blue fabric roof appears to be in very good order, working just as it should and showing no UV damage or significant wear
All of the bodywork looks excellent – we couldn’t see any damage or corrosion
Vendor has the original grille and will include it in the sale
The vendor tells us they have had the rear subframe removed, powder coated and painted – and we can confirm that the underside of the vehicle does look to be in very good order, with no damage or notable corrosion showing
Chassis boxes have also been treated and the door interiors were treated with Dinitrol protection
The five-spoke, 17-inch alloy wheels have been refurbished and, as a result, presents in very fine condition, with Michelin tyres to the rear and recently fitted Avon tyres to the front

The Mechanics

5-litre, naturally aspirated V8 engine
Automatic transmission
Cruise control
Very clean engine bay, with no signs of issues we could see
Excellent service and maintenance record
Current MOT to December 2023
The current owner has fitted: new brake discs and pads, a new battery, new steering damper, new fuel pump
A new front exhaust section, including the catalytic converter, has been fitted at a cost of more than £1,000
We’re assured by the owner that the car runs superbly well, with no mechanical issues to report

Summary

As you may have gathered, we love the R129. It’s one of those cars that just ticks so many boxes, and does everything incredibly well. And this is a truly lovely example of the breed. If you’re in the market for a nice R129 – and you should be – then this simply must be considered.

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.*

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.

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