1998 Mercedes-Benz SL500 R129 40th Anniversary Special Edition

*** Interested parties should note, this vehicle was subject to a CAT (C insurance loss in 02/2017 ***

Highlights

Limited 40th Anniversary Special Edition: 1 of just 500 of which 50 were RHD
No MOT fails or advisories for the last four consecutive tests
Fully refreshed genuine AMG Monoblock alloys with new tyres fitted
Meticulously maintained throughout the last five years of present ownership

The Appeal

Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the 300 SL Roadster (launched in 1957), Mercedes-Benz marked the occasion with a special edition of its current SL - the Bruno Sacco-designed R129. The V8-engined SL500 model was chosen and fittingly, just 500 were built of which only 50 were right-hand drive like this one. These cars came fully loaded with just about every optional available including 18" AMG alloys, a panoramic glass hard top, Xenon headlamps and much, much more.

The 1998 example in Designo-Variocolour Blue over Grey leather has been lovingly maintained by its current owner for the five years plus that they've owned it. The last four MOT tests have all been passed first time with no MOT advisories, with the current MOT valid until May 2025. The vendor has refreshed several areas of the car both mechanically and cosmetically, ensuring it continues to look fantastic and drive very well indeed.

If you fancy an R129 SL, this highly specified, rare edition is surely the one to go for.

History and Paperwork

MOT valid until 8th May 2025
UK market RHD example
Three former registered keepers
Current owner for over five years
Every document and stamp intact in genuine MB wallet
Stamped service up to 2005, and thereafter, we understand various independent specialists have maintained it
Original book pack in very good condition
V5C present

The Condition

Special Designo-Variocolour Blue exterior with Grey leather interior
Dark blue fabric soft top with 'electrohydraulic' mechanism reportedly in good working order
Panoramic glass removal hard top in matching paint scheme present and in smart condition
Bodywork looks in very good order with only light signs of wear
The underside is reportedly in goo shape with just light surface corrosion on various components/surfaces
Paintwork appears in smart condition with very minor imperfections (that might polish out) noted to the rear bumper
Interior shows age-commensurate wear, particularly on the driver's seat base and side, but no tears in the leather reported
Electric memory seats switch cover is a bit loose but does not affect operation according to the vendor
Fully refreshed Genuine AMG Monoblock alloy wheels with new tyres, hardly covered 100 miles since fitting

Notable 40th Anniversary factory options include:

Electrically adjustable front seats with memory function
Optional rear seats
Automatic dipping rear-view mirror
Wooden gear selector
Part wood/leather steering wheel
Headlamp wash/wipe
Xenon headlamps
Panoramic roof
Alpine CD multi changer

The Mechanics

5.0-litre (5,000cc) V8
Five-speed automatic gearbox
The vendor notes a slight exhaust rattle on cold start, intermittent and disappears when warm/driven
Various suspension parts renewed in present ownership
All fluids flushed and replaced, including auto gearbox and differential
No MOT advisories
The vendor comments that the SL "drives beautifully and is powerful yet very smooth"

BEFORE YOU BUY

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