Highlights

Late facelifted example
One of the final R129 models offered
Thoroughly well presented throughout
Backed by an extensive history file
Understood to be a “Millenium Edition”
Desirable 3.2 litre engine

The Appeal

SL, perhaps two of the most significant letters in the automotive world. Two letters that for decades have been synonymous with some of, if not, the finest sports roadsters and grand tourers available. Throughout generations the Mercedes SL has dominated the market and given buyers a truly great option when looking for a high quality open top performance car.

Emerging onto the Mercedes forecourts in the late 1980s, the R129 era Mercedes SL represented a huge leap forward for the model, and Mercedes Benz in general, boasting great improvements in design, performance and safety, whilst retaining the core, styling, performance and reliability values that made the SL a class leader in the world of luxury sports tourers. Today the R129 stands as a rapidly appreciating modern classic in enthusiast circles, praised for its bold styling all round usability and respectable performance.

This particular example stands out as a wonderful car with great potential to the astute collector, with this being to be a very late facelifted R129 from the tail end of the models production, it is considered by many to be one of the last great SL’s thanks to its classic Mercedes over engineered reliability. Well preserved in a timeless spec and backed by a vast service history file X936 0VV is an undeniably very good example of the breed and one that must surely present as an alluring opportunity to acquire what seems to be a rapidly appreciating motoring legend.

The History and Paperwork

First registered 04/10/2000
Accompanied by leather bound Mercedes book pack with various manuals and a selection of owners literature
Service book present with stamps dating right up to the most recent oil service performed 07/08/24
Large assortment of invoices for maintenance and servicing work undertaken on the car
Various MOT certificates available
Current MOT valid until August 2025
V5 registration document is with the vehicle

The Condition

Impressively well preserved car presented in great overall form
Finished in a timeless and distinctive silver hue
The paint work itself is in very good shape, with very little exhibited in the way or age related marking or blemishing
A light area of scuffing is to be seen on the rear bumper corner
Exterior trim, glass work and badging is in very presentable, clean shape
Removable body coloured hard top roof which electronically unlatches with ease
Folding electric soft top roof, finished in a classic contrasting black shade
The soft top is of a very high standard and operates smoothly and seemingly without issue
Five spoke 17” silver alloys distinctive to late R129s, in good overall form though there is some light deterioration visible on some of the rims
Cabin is upholstered in high quality grey leather throughout
Interior upholstery and trim is in very good shape, distinctly lacking in the to be expected age related marking or signs of excessive wear
Seating front and rear is impressively clean and the front electronic adjustment controls are still in good working order
Subtle wood finish trim used throughout, still exhibiting a quality high gloss shine
Internal switchgear, fixtures and fascias are all of a generally very high standard and highlight a car that has clearly been very well loved throughout its time
Original Mercedes cassette player head unit still present
Clean, carpeted boot area which houses the removable factory wind deflector for the car
Factory electric windows still in good functioning form
Headlining on the removable had top is in exceptionally good order
Carpeting throughout the cabin highlights limited wear and presents in very clean shape

The Mechanics

Fitted with the 3.2 litre Mercedes V6 unit revered for its longevity, economy and overall performance versus the earlier straight sixes
Seen by many as the sweet spot in the R129 lineup
Paired with a smooth automatic transmission
Oil service recently performed in August of this year
The car itself fires into life with ease and provides a wonderfully comfortable and refined ride and driving experience, ideal for touring
Long MOT valid until August 2025

Summary

With the R129, one arguably has the perfect modern classic sports car. Widely regarded as one of the best from the models impressive history, it effortlessly blends Mercedes over engineering and reliability with bold, yet not brash aesthetics and a thoroughly rewarding and simultaneously refined driving experience to create a simply unrivalled automotive legend.

Demand for good quality R129s seems to be on an increase with buyers realising just what a good purchase the model can be. Now may very well be the time to get in on the action before it's too late and cars like this striking late model SL320 have to be a serious consideration.

BEFORE YOU BUY

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