£16,000

offers 0

1991 Mercedes-Benz SL500 (R129)

Highlights

  • Remarkably low 29,090km from new
  • Ex-Japanese example with a full Japanese history file
  • Dry stored in the UK with minimal use over the last 6 years
  • Comprehensive service history with recent maintenance

The Appeal

There's little doubt that Mercedes-Benz knew they were facing a herculean task when it came to replacing the R107. Their previous big roadster had made a huge impact on the market and had gone on to be one of their longest-serving, best-selling models. Thankfully, they were a sensible bunch, and opted to introduce a car of evolution rather than reinventing the wheel. Slightly sleeker, modernised and more luxuriously trimmed, the R129 nonetheless shared much of what worked so well with its predecessor.

Indeed, they proved so enduring with the public that you can still see them on the roads today - plying their abilities ably against modern traffic and still offering that distinctly stately drive that only a Merc' of this era can provide.

This ex-Japanese example is amongst the best R129s we've encountered - quite an accolade. Having benefited from fastidious maintenance and salt-free roads, this car is in excellent order, with a solid underside and much of its build stickers still intact. Presented in the ever-desirable silver metallic and still offering a powerful V8-led ride, this is a simply remarkable example of a much-prized model - and not one you should let pass you by.



History and Paperwork

  • Registered in 1991
  • Arrived in the UK in 2018
  • 2 registered UK keepers
  • Believed to be only 1 Japanese owner
  • Valid, advisory-free MOT until July 2025
  • Highly original example with all original stickers from Japan
  • Complete with all original booklets, manuals, audiobooks, and stamps
  • Full Japanese history with booklets and stamps
  • Service carried out in March 2024, including fluid changes and inspection
  • New spark plugs and distributor caps fitted a few years ago
  • Dry stored in the UK with minimal use over the last 6 years
  • Remarkably low 29,090km on the clock 
  • Speedo changed to MPH for use in the UK
  • Mileage registered and showing in KM’s so will always remain accurate



The Condition

  • Bodywork is free of significant corrosion and presents well without being fully resprayed
  • Paintwork presents well with only a few small blemishes
  • Alloys are in fine fettle, except for a touch of peeling on one wheel
  • Falken tyres are 7 years old and appear in good condition
  • Windows currently being professionally cleaned and de-hazed by detailer
  • Two-tone bumpers in excellent order
  • Hood operates correctly
  • This is in excellent order, with a little nick on the bottom edge of the driver's side
  • Completely dry and solid underneath with very little sign of corrosion
  • Never been wax oiled - the vendor notes that it's far too good to be caked in wax!
  • Complete with hard top and soft top 
  • Interior appears in smart condition
  • Wood and trims in good order
  • Dashboard is nicely presented
  • All instruments are clean and well-presented
  • Seats are free of any rips or tears
  • Car includes:
    •  Original cassette player in fine working order
    • Two-stage heated seats are working correctly 
    • Electric windows and mirrors all functioning as they should
    • Heated rear screen is working in good order 
    • Three-stage memory seats on both sides are all working correctly
  • The vendor notes a gentle knock from the hardtop when driving over bumps
  • This has also received a fresh headliner and comes complete with stan



The Mechanics

  • 5.0-Litre V8 powerplant
  • Automatic transmission with 4 gears
  • Engine looks in excellent order
  • Zinc coating still present under the bonnet
  • Original Japanese stickers present
  • The vendor reports that:
    • The gearbox is smooth and feels as new
    • The car pulls as it should and notches through the gears correctly
    • Brakes work as they should with plenty of life left in them
    • Suspension feels like new and ride quality is good
  • Car is ready to use
  • We've no reports of any mechanical issues
  • Ultimately, this is a simply superb example



BEFORE YOU BUY 
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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. 
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Vehicle specification
  • Year 1991
  • Make Mercedes
  • Model SL Class
  • Colour Silver
  • Odometer 29,090 Miles
  • Engine size 5000
Listing Details
  • Seller type Private
  • Town Selby
  • Location Yorkshire
  • Country United Kingdom

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