Pre-bids

2001 Mercedes-Benz SL 500 R129 Silver Arrow no.52/100

Highlights

  • Advisory-free MOT until April 2025
  • One of just 100 RHD Silver Arrows SLs made
  • Complete with original Mercedes-Benz certificate signed by Sir Stirling Moss
  • Private Registration ‘Y55 WON’ included in the sale

The Appeal

In 1955, young British driver Stirling Moss and navigator Dennis Jenkinson defied the impossible and won the Mille Miglia - the most gruelling road race in the world. It was an historic victory for Mercedes-Benz, whose 300 SLR carried Moss to first place and Fangio to second - both averaging almost 100mph over the 1,000-mile distance. 
Moss dubbed his no. 722 car “probably the greatest sports car built by anybody at any time”. Quite the accolade, we’re sure you’ll agree, and Mercedes chose to mark the great car and the great man with a very limited run special edition of its outgoing R129 SL it called the ‘Silver Arrow’.
In the words of well-regarded specialists ‘SL Shop’: 
The Silver Arrows R129 was more than just a lick of paint and a commemorative badge, it offered a comprehensive specification resulting in what is arguably the most aesthetically pleasing R129s of all. When it comes to buying an R129, the Silver Arrow has to be one of the very best cars you could choose.
This 2001 example is in superb condition for its age and the vendor comments that it still drives “like new”. It’s car number 52 of the 100 Silver Arrows SLs built and comes with the Stirling Moss-signed certificate. It comes with a wealth of other paperwork too including a well-stamped original service book.
Whether you’re a Mercedes-Benz collector with a passion for the Teutonic firm’s illustrious past or simply desire to own the nicest R129 SL you can find, this car is eminently worthy of your careful consideration.

The History and Paperwork

  • Silver Arrow no.52/100
  • Just three former registered keepers
  • Offered for sale as the vendor is now downsizing their collection
  • 147,528 miles
  • MOT until 1st April 2025
  • Well-documented service history
  • Original book pack with numerous stamps, predominantly with MB main dealers
  • V5C present
  • Original book pack, document wallet and Stirling Moss-signed certificate
  • Carefully curated collection of invoices in a ring binder file


The Condition

  • Complete with matching panoramic factory hardtop
  • ‘Electrohydraulic’ soft top in good working order and in smart order barre one area where the stitching has come away from the rear window on the offside
  • Some kerb damage to the nearside front alloy wheel (photographed)
  • Straight, solid-looking bodywork resplendent in its factory Silver Arrow silver
  • Very slight scuff to the nearside rear of the bumper
  • Smart original interior with minimal wear for the car’s age and mileage
  • The vendor notes some light wear to the driver’s seat, but nothing especially noticeable
  • Retains original Silver Arrow features, including the white accents (a nod to the white cars of the 1930s which had their paint removed before a race to save weight), and the engine-turned instrument panel/gear surround
  • Wind deflector is still present and in good order
  • Original tool kit in good condition
  • All presents well underneath the car

The Mechanics 

  • 5.0-litre NA V8 petrol engine
  • Five-speed automatic gearbox
  • All looks original and in very good condition under the bonnet
  • No MOT advisories to report
  • The vendor comments that the Mercedes drives exceedingly well and certainly doesn’t feel its age


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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Auction Details

  • Year2001
  • MakeMercedes
  • ModelSL Class
  • ColourSilver
  • Odometer147,528 Miles
  • Engine size4999cc
  • Seller TypePrivate
  • CountyLondon
  • CountryUnited Kingdom
  • Auction ends

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