Highlights
- Only one previous owner from new
- Comprehensive service history
- ‘Lovingly used’ condition throughout
- Fresh MoT
The Appeal
Launched at the end of the 1980s, the two-door R129 was a gargantuan leap from its hugely successful R107 predecessor, capturing hearts and minds with its sumptuous interior and an abundance of unique technology not available in any other car marques at the time.
The sleek, pillarless roadster offered three body styles in one - a full-on roofless convertible - an automated fabric roof - or a removable ‘winter hardtop’ which gave it a sleek, coupé-like profile when fitted.
The R129 Mercedes-Benz SL is regarded by many as a modern classic in the making. Princess Diana was clearly a fan, as she famously swapped her Jaguar for the new 500SL – much to the annoyance of the British red tops - which might well have been the point!
History and Paperwork
- Only three registered keepers from new, two of which are the same person
- Well-looked after during its 24 years
- V5 certificate in former keeper’s name
Responsible for the W140, W123 and the experimental range of C111 gull-winged, Wankel-engined concepts in the 1960s and 1970s, Italian-born Daimler-Benz design guru Bruno Sacco produced the external styling for the R129SL coupe launched at the Geneva Motor Show in March, 1989.
In receiving its first UK registration in January, 1998 makes this particular Mercedes-Benz SL 320 a pre-facelift model (R129.063). The updated SL line-up (coded R129.064) arrived in late 1998 and brought a few minor interior and exterior cosmetic tweaks and an updated engine line-up.
This handsome right-hand drive R129 concluded its build at MB’s Bremen plant in the first week of December, 1997 and made its way over the ditch to the UK and received its first registration to a Mr Campbell of Glasgow, Scotland.
He retained the car for several years until it was acquired by Delamere Estates in June, 2002. In April, 2014 it became the private property of a director of Delamere Estates who has enjoyed it ever since.
He retained the car for several years until it was acquired by Delamere Estates in June, 2002. In April, 2014 it became the private property of a director of Delamere Estates who has enjoyed it ever since.
Accompanying the sale will be the V5 certificate in the current keeper’s name, various Owners Manuals including the Service Record book, two keys and a short file of past invoices detailing service and maintenance work.
In addition, a fresh MoT will await the new keeper.
In addition, a fresh MoT will await the new keeper.
The Interior
- Presents in good condition
- Smart grey leather-clad furniture
- Leatherwork would benefit from ‘re-nourishment’
The interior of this Mercedes-Benz SL320 presents in good condition throughout for its 24 years.
All the furniture, door cards and tactile surfaces are finished in elegant grey leather with contrasting veneered wood trim inserts on the doors and centre console (Furnishing Code 268).
All the furniture, door cards and tactile surfaces are finished in elegant grey leather with contrasting veneered wood trim inserts on the doors and centre console (Furnishing Code 268).
All the electrics are said to be in good working order, as are the instruments, dials and switchgear. The audio system is paired to a 6x CD-changer mounted in the boot and there is a dash-mounted Parrot Bluetooth car kit.
Noticeable blemishes to the interior are surface cracks appearing on the front seat squabs and backrests with particular wear recorded to driver’s right kidney bolster, caused by entry and egress over the years. These are pictured in the gallery below.
The boot is tidy and houses the first-aid kit and CD-changer.
The Exterior
- Presented in ‘Brilliant Silver Metallic’
- Paintwork in very good order with minor blemishes
- Handsome, original ET51 alloy wheels
Handsomely presented in the original colour of ‘Brilliant Silver Metallic’ (Code DB744), this striking R129 is a fine example of its kind.
The smart 16-inch ET51 alloy wheels appear in good condition all-round and are fitted with a good set of tyres. The fifth matching spare wheel resides in the boot along with the requisite tools.
At the front, the headlight lenses are crystal clear and the plastic indicator/reflector lenses show no hint of UV-bleaching. The same may be said for the rear light clusters.
The brightwork around the car is in very good condition and a preliminary glance down each flank shows no evidence of collision damage.
The brightwork around the car is in very good condition and a preliminary glance down each flank shows no evidence of collision damage.
Commensurate with the car’s age and mileage, there are a number of minor blemishes to the exterior and all are pictured in the gallery below. In addition, there are areas of wear to the folding roof, also pictured below.
The Mechanics
- Two original keys
- Comprehensively serviced throughout it's life
- Runs and drives as intended
- Fresh MoT awaits the new keeper
At the photo location, the 3.2-litre in-line six started first and every time and settled into an appreciative sonorous idle.
The automatic five-speed transmission connected smoothly with drive engaging with no drama, requiring just a light feathering of the revs to get underway.
The automatic five-speed transmission connected smoothly with drive engaging with no drama, requiring just a light feathering of the revs to get underway.
The Service Book records a full-service history up to its ‘B’ service at 77,300 miles in 2013. In 2016 the car had done 91,500 miles and received a B service and by 2018 the car had done 97,688 miles and received a further B service. While the car received regular yet sparing use, it again received a further 'A' service in January, 2021 at 103,500 miles.
The custodian reports the car to be in healthy mechanical condition with steering, brakes, engine, drivetrain and running gear performing as well as their respective engineers intended.
Like the visible parts of this car, the underside and lower side sills present in very good order with little of the natural oxidation that may reasonably be expected on a car of this age.
Summary
Mercedes-Benz had an established reputation for comfortable grand tourers well before the R129SL made its first appearance in 1989 – its R107 predecessor may demand most of the bouquets for that.
Towards the end of the 20th century, the marque’s virtues were strengthened by the R129's ingrained quality, an abundance of new and unique technology, its ease of daily use and reliable mechanical hardiness.
Towards the end of the 20th century, the marque’s virtues were strengthened by the R129's ingrained quality, an abundance of new and unique technology, its ease of daily use and reliable mechanical hardiness.
This lovingly used R129 is powered by a strong 3.2-litre straight six engine and continues to exude gravitas wherever it goes.
With generous and luxurious accommodation, the inclusion of the ‘winter hardtop roof’ and excellent parts availability cementing its future, the R129SL continues to flourish in popularity.
With generous and luxurious accommodation, the inclusion of the ‘winter hardtop roof’ and excellent parts availability cementing its future, the R129SL continues to flourish in popularity.
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.*
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