HIGHLIGHTS
- Great bodywork and coachwork
- Hood and hardtop options
- Matching numbers
- Comprehensive service history
- Current MOT
THE APPEAL
This R129 generation Mercedes-Benz SL was a massive leap forward from the preceding R107 model and offers an extremely well equipped cabin and new safety features such as an integral roll bar and side-impact airbags.
Continuing the renowned build quality, this prestigious SL 320 convertible is an attractive and comfortable sports-cruiser and performs confidently with the dependable 3.2-litre 228bhp engine up front.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
- Up to date V5
- MOT valid until February 2023
- 16 service stamps
P300 JMA was first registered on the 9th August 1996 and sold by Mercedes-Benz dealers, Normand (Mayfair) Limited, and was subsequently acquired by the current owner on the 1st March 2017 from a specialist dealer who confirmed that previous owners had maintained the car well.
A Mercedes-Benz wallet contains the owner’s handbooks, all-important service book and is accompanied by the up to date V5, MOT, some invoices for parts and servicing and two sets of keys.
The ‘Pass’ MOT is valid until the 26th February 2023 and does include a few ‘Monitor…’ advisories (see photo). Looking online, we can see a good ‘Pass’ history and consistent mileage.
The vehicle tax runs until the 1st September 2022.
This SL has been predominantly cared for Mercedes-Benz and other specialists around the UK and the service book reassuringly reveals 16 regular stamps.
Enjoyed as a second car, the current owner tells us that he has driven it regularly in fine weather but has decided to sell in order to purchase a new vehicle.
THE INTERIOR
- Smart and elegant interior
- Excellent Dove Grey leather upholstery
- Fully working electrical equipment
Step aboard the elegant and smart cabin and you are greeted with an uncluttered and driver-focussed dashboard with comprehensive instrumentation and a four-spoke steering wheel.
There are no cracks to the dark grey dashboard and all the switchgear looks good. There are some shoe scuffs and minor damage to both door trims and the odd tiny split to some plastic fittings (see photos).
The original and comfortable Dove Grey leather upholstery has aged well, aside from a little discolouration and wear on the drivers seat, and the carpeting is clean and presentable.
All creature comforts are said to function as they should and include electric memory seats, electric windows, air-conditioning and an electrically operated hood. As mentioned, safety equipment includes an active roll bar and front and side-impact airbags. An MBSS alarm and immobiliser were fitted from new.
A newer Blaupunkt Calgary MP35 Radio and CD player is installed, and the original (working) unit and auto-changer are stored in the boot. The warning triangle, wind deflector and original full-size 16” spare and toolkit also reside in the exceptionally tidy boot space.
THE EXTERIOR
- Glossy paintwork
- Excellent hood and hardtop
- Sporty 18” alloys
The smooth lines of this SL look particularly attractive in Azurite Blue and the 18” alloys and negative camber give this example a more aggressive and sporty stance.
The bodywork appears ding-free, with good shut lines and deep glossy paintwork. We did notice some bubbling at the front of the nearside front wheel arch and some minor corrosion and scrapes to the nearside rear wheel arch and bumper (see photos). The glass, mirrors, lights and trim are all excellent.
Following an altercation with a pothole, the offside front wheel, ball-joint, wing, bumper and trim were professionally replaced in July 2019 using genuine Mercedes parts. This cost £4,660 and appears to have been carried out well.
The powered hood is in very good condition and operates nicely and a colour-coordinated factory hardtop is positioned easily enough, electrically attached and comes with a handy stand and dust cover. It is in excellent condition, although some common minor bubbling can be seen at the rear lower corners. The roof module was replaced in March 2020, just 2,008 miles ago, at a cost of £1,400.
Peering underneath, from what we can see, the structure, floor and components look sound and the highly polished 18” lattice alloys are presentable despite some visible corrosion (see photos). Four Toledo TL1000 tyres are fitted and have a good level of tread remaining.
THE MECHANICS
- Smooth and reliable 3.2-litre engine
- Reconditioned automatic transmission
- Last service 2,020 miles ago
Open the bonnet, and the well-maintained 3,199cc 24v straight-six twin-cam sits in a very clean engine bay. The 228bhp power-plant is mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission (with summer and winter modes) and was reconditioned by a specialist in 2013 at 81,559 miles (see photo of invoice).
The owner assures us that this SL “starts first time and runs very well” and indeed “sounds like a Mercedes”. The Power-assisted steering, gas-filled shock absorbers and ABS power-assisted disc brakes are all said to operate as expected.
The last major scheduled service was carried out by Broadstairs MOT Centre, Kent (near to the owners previous home) in February 2020 at 93,542 miles.
SUMMARY
This beautiful and well maintained SL 320 is in great condition and has all the refined performance and all-weather practicality you could ever need.
With a good history file, a host of active and passive safety features, this example is a very desirable example of an appreciating modern classic and should be a delight to own.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
