Highlights

Owned since April 2015, with over 35,000 miles driven by the vendor
Major cylinder head rebuild in 2014 costing over £6,500
Judiciously maintained with bills totalling over £9,000
Well optioned for an early car
Comes with a comprehensive history file and original book pack
MOT until September 2025

The Appeal

Fancy a classic that drives like a modern car?

In our opinion, cars like the R129 SL become yet more appealing as time goes by. Today, luxury is increasingly defined by touchscreens and battery range, not the things that really matter like comfortable leather and a nice engine. That's where the R129 comes up trumps: It's a well-equipped, well-built, reliable car with tons of classic charm to boot.

This 1990 300 SL, finished in Almandine Red Metallic with a Mushroom Leather interior, is a well-optioned early example that has been cherished by its current owner since they acquired it in 2015. With a significant investment in maintenance, including a major cylinder head rebuild and a complete suspension overhaul, this 300SL has proved a reliable companion for long touring holidays. It comes with a well-documented history and MOT until 2nd September 2025.

The vendor says:

"I have owned the car since April 2015 and in that time have done over 35K miles using it as my Summer car and for touring holidays around the Uk including several 1500 mile trips around Scotland. It has formed a part of my “classic fleet” along with a Mercedes W124, MGB and Clio 16v The R129 is such a good car I forget it’s now 35 years old, it drives as well as a modern car I will probably regret selling it but I want to do more longer trips to Europe and feel this car deserves a quieter life."

The History and Paperwork

RHD example
158,326 miles
The vendor is to retain the private registration photographed
History file dates back to the PDI at the Factory in Stuttgart
Early service records from Mercedes-Benz of Plymouth up to 2003
Sold in 2004 at Castle Motors Liskeard with invoices up to 2013
Major work in 2014, including a cylinder head rebuild costing over £6,500
Owned since April 2015, used for touring holidays around the UK
Maintained and repaired to keep it presentable and reliable with bills totalling over £9,000 during present ownership
Comes with book pack, period brochures, and a book on the R129's history
Includes a 1/18th scale model in the correct colour

The Condition

Bodywork and interior presentable for age and mileage with minor scratches and marks
Hard top in good condition, headlining recently sagged
Modern Kenwood Bluetooth Stereo with 3-way Audison speakers
Wind Break and 3D printed cup holder installed
Hardtop Storage Bag included
Bonnet sound pad needs replacing
Remote Central Locking currently inoperative
Air conditioning converted to R134a gas but does not blow cold

Original specifications:

Almandine Red Metallic with Mushroom Leather interior
Electric seats, Steering column and rear view Mirror
Becker CD Player (now replaced but will come with the car)
Air Conditioning

Work carried out during current ownership has included:

Roof control module and hydraulics replaced/wiring repaired
Replacement hood
Seat bolster repair
Alloy wheels refurbished

The Mechanics

3.0-litre straight-six petrol
Four-speed automatic
Minor oil leak from the engine noted by the vendor
Electric roll bar inoperative
New stainless steel exhaust
Complete suspension overhaul carried out
Fuel pumps replaced
The vendor will include any spares they have accumulated over the years

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

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