Highlights
- Desirable colour scheme with upgraded six-spoke alloys
- Well-kept car with low mileage for the year
- Factory fitted with £7,000 worth of optional extras when new
- Lots of recent work including the water pump, catalyser and alternator
- Extensive history file of regular servicing and maintenance
- Car will be freshly serviced prior to sale
- Long MOT to November 2025
The Appeal
No modern classic convertible quite achieves what the R129 effortlessly delivers. Relaxing, quick, comfortable and exuding a reassuring level of quality, it is no surprise that well-specified and well-maintained cars are in demand with dedicated enthusiasts and more casual old car fans.
Thanks to the sheer durability of these cars, when you're looking for a R129 you have a lot of choices available. What makes cars stand out is specification, condition and maintenance. On all three points, this attractive Azurite Blue SL320 scores well. It is one of the later cars with the improved 3.2L V6 - popular for its blend of economy and performance - and it left the factory with £7,000 of options, including the rare panoramic hard top.
Thanks to the care of its keepers and a low mileage for the year of just 84,000 miles, it is in very good order inside and out. The service history is similarly reassuring, recent work including a new water pump, alternator and auxiliary belts.
The MOT runs to November 2025. There are a couple of minor advisories which the fastidious long term keeper tells us he will sort before sale. He will also service the car for the new buyer. All of which delivers the winning bidder a fine example of the robust R129 that is ready to use and enjoy.
Thanks to the sheer durability of these cars, when you're looking for a R129 you have a lot of choices available. What makes cars stand out is specification, condition and maintenance. On all three points, this attractive Azurite Blue SL320 scores well. It is one of the later cars with the improved 3.2L V6 - popular for its blend of economy and performance - and it left the factory with £7,000 of options, including the rare panoramic hard top.
Thanks to the care of its keepers and a low mileage for the year of just 84,000 miles, it is in very good order inside and out. The service history is similarly reassuring, recent work including a new water pump, alternator and auxiliary belts.
The MOT runs to November 2025. There are a couple of minor advisories which the fastidious long term keeper tells us he will sort before sale. He will also service the car for the new buyer. All of which delivers the winning bidder a fine example of the robust R129 that is ready to use and enjoy.
The History and Paperwork
- V5C is present
- First registered on 18th March 1999
- Coming from a 12-year ownership
- Current MOT valid until 25th November 2025
- The MOT highlighted two advisories which will ne rectified before sale
- Car will be freshly serviced before the auction ends
- Two keys are present
- Original owner’s manuals and wallet
- The service book includes stamps from main Mercedes dealers and Mercedes specialists
- Extensive collection of previous MOT certificates and invoices collected over the years
The Condition
- Finished in Azurite Blue Metallic
- The paintwork presents exceptionally well
- Minor age-related blemishes and stone chips, but nothing excessive
- All panel gaps appear consistent, with no dings or dents observed
- Xenon headlights are free from chips or cracks, as are the indicators and fog lights
- Windows are in good order with no noticeable scratches
- Desirable panoramic removable hardtop
- The blue fabric roof was replaced a few years ago by Mercedes specialist Kevin O’Keeffe
- The electric soft top is reported to function correctly
- Two-piece 18-inch split-rim Mercedes alloy wheels are in excellent condition
- Michelin tyres on each corner have a good amount of tread remaining
- Helios leather electric heated seats are in excellent condition
- The rear seats show minimal signs of use
- Both door cards are free from scuffs or damage
- The dashboard is in good order with no splits or cracks
- Instruments are functioning correctly, with the odometer showing 84,813 miles
- All switchgear appears to be in good order, with no signs of excessive use and is reported by the vendor to all be working correctly
- Becker Traffic Pro head unit is installed
- The Sportline walnut and leather steering wheel is in excellent condition
- Cream carpets throughout are clean with minimal signs of wear
The Mechanics
- 3.2-litre V6 engine
- 5G-TRONIC 5spd automatic gearbox
- Extremely well-presented engine bay
- Starts without hesitation and runs with no reported issues
- Pulls strongly through the automatic gearbox, which shifts smoothly both up and down the gears
- Car will be serviced before handover to buyer
- MOT advisories will be addressed before the auction ends
- On the road, the car handles as it should on the road, with no knocks or bangs from the suspension
- The SL comes to a stop in a straight line
- The underside of the car is clean and tidy, with no noticeable areas of concern
The following parts have been replaced over the last few years:
- Water pump
- Catalytic converter
- Alternator
- Ancillary belt and tensioner
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 fee. 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..
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Comments
arjay_1••••
There are no photographs of the soft top. Does it need to be replaced?
paul ca••••
sellerThe navy soft top was replaced with a genuine Mercedes top and fitted by the well known Mercedes trimmer Kevin o Keeffe a few years ago The hood opens and closes as it should do