1996 Mercedes-Benz R129 SL320

Highlights

  • Well maintained by independent marque specialist 
  • Smart Azure Blue over beige leather with matching hard top 
  • Long term current keeper since 2002 
  • Thick history file showing regular maintenance
  • Good MOT history with long advisory-free test to June 2025 
  • Tidy and well kept car with upgrade AMG-style alloys 

The Appeal 

The R129 exudes a reassuring sense of solidity and durability that few luxury convertibles can match. This stylish facelift SL320 is all of that, its smart Azurite Blue paintwork and beige leather colour scheme one of the most popular for this model. 
It has been used and enjoyed by its single keeper of the 22 years, proof that these very reliable cars are perfect for daily driving, road trips or weekend sojourns. He has kept the maintenance up to date, the car regularly attended to by a well known marque specialist.
The result is a reliable and very well presented car that has clearly been cared for. Inside and out there are few indications of its usage or age. That impression is supported by the MOT history, which shows few advisories over the years and includes a current test, with advisories, to June 2025. 
A good car in the right specification - the powerful yet economical 3.2litre straight six is a popular choice - this pretty car looks perfect for stylish summer motoring. 



The History and Paperwork

  • First registered 13th August 1996
  • Factory built in June 1996 and delivered in July of that year 
  • 2 key fobs with additional spare key element 
  • Good history file of invoices, receipts and old MOTs to verify mileage 
  • Six registered keepers 
  • Current keeper since August 2002
  • Stamped service book with nine visits, primarily by the same independent marque specialist
  • Most recently serviced at 147,899 miles in June 2020 
  • Fatory handbooks in good condition including Becker owners manual 
  • MOT to 16th June 2025 with no advisories and 151,931 miles showing on test 
  • Few MOT advisories through time 
  • Private registration plate not included in sale 

The Condition

  • Attractive dark Azurite Blue (366O) with matching hard top 
  • Paintwork to car and hard top both in very good condition with few signs of age
  • Facellift car with upgraded asthetics including vents cut into front wings 
  • Bodywork is very well kept with some light marks but nothing immediately noticeable 
  • Exterior fittings including lights and trim all well kept with clear light lenses
  • Sits on upgraded five spoke AMG-style alloy wheels which are very well kept 
  • Quality Michelin tyres fitted showing good condition and plenty of tread
  • Originally supplied with 8 hole factory alloys, which is retained for the non-matching spare
  • Dark Blue, factory-correct roof which appears to be original and in good order
  • Convertible roof shows good colour and finish and clear rear screens
  • Soft top headlining in beige and generally well kept with only light water staining to note 
  • Hard top in very good condition condition inside and out and supplied with stand and cover
  • Underside in good order with no structural advisories on current long MOT 
  • Very smart beige leather (265A) interior with complementary chocolate dashboard and wheel 
  • Few signs of use and age across interior including driver’s seat bolster and footwell 
  • Walnut wood veneers in good order showing no obvious scuffs or marks 
  • Switchgear similarly well presented 
  • Fitted with original Becker Traffic Pro stereo with boot-mounted CD multichanger unit
  • Supplied with folding and removable wind deflector 
  • Specification includes factory fitted heated seats

The Mechanics 

  • Fitted with very durable M104 24V 225bhp 3,199cc straight six engine 
  • 5spd automatic gearbox 
  • Factory tool kit included
  • Regularly serviced and maintained with good history file shown in photographs 
  • Most of the work has been carried out by a well regarded marque specialist 
  • Last serviced in June 2020 with less than 5,000 miles covered since 
  • No mechanical or running gear advisories on current MOT
  • No reported running or driving issues to advise
  • Used regularly but sparingly by the current long term keeper 



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. 
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing. 
We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence. 
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own  full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle. 
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection 
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand.. If requested, we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected] 

Please see our FAQs here and our Terms & Conditions here

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Auction Details
  • Year 1996
  • Make Mercedes
  • Model SL Class
  • Colour Blue
  • Mileage 152,198 Miles
  • Engine size 3199
  • Seller Type Private
  • Town Wokingham
  • County Berkshire
  • Country United Kingdom
  • Auction ends
Bidding history
1 bid
  • sal.ary•••• £5,000 04/07/24

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