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Mercedes R129 SL500

Mileage: 10,703 Top Speed: 155 Year: 1998 0 - 60: 6.2 MOT Expiry: Aug 12 BHP: 315 Tax Expiry: Expired Transmission: 5 Speed Automatic Exterior Colour: Aquamarine Blue Engine Capacity: 4973cc Interior Colour: Beige Nappa Leather Engine Configuration: V8

Mercedes R129 SL500 | £Sold

Mileage: 10,703

Model History

Designed and built as a grand tourer the SL was first introduced in 1954. The designation SL derives from the German Sport Lightweight and was first applied to the 300SL Gullwing.

 

The SL model range is still in production today and has spanned five generations of models from 1954 to the present day.

 

The R129 as featured here is the fourth generation of car and was built from 1989-2001. Featuring a shorter wheelbase and updated rear suspension over it predecessor the R107 (third generation SL) the R129 was quick to introduce model updates and featured a large amount of styling, mechanical and technological updates over its 12 year life span.

 

The R129 shot to the public's attention in 1991 when Diana, Princess of Wales sold her Jaguar to purchase a 500SL. This sparked a media storm as this was the first time a member of the royal family had chosen a foreign car. The media questioned whether British royalty should be driving foreign cars and eventually due to pressure she was forced to return the car to Mercedes-Benz in 1992. The car now features in the Mercedes-Benz Museum.

Equipment

Climate control, Driver passenger and side airbags, Factory fitted hard top, Cruise control, Electric heated memory seats, Electric steering column, Rain sensitive windscreen wipers, Rear seats, ESP, Wood/leather steering wheel, Anti-dazzle rear view mirror, MB radio/cassette with 10 CD Changer,  Bi-Xenon headlights with wash/wipe, Wind deflector

Exterior

This stunning SL is finished in a beautiful metallic blue which is a great combination with the beige nappa leather. Due to spending its life indoors and only covering 10,703 miles the paint finish is completely flawless. It has never had any paintwork done and there is not a single mark on the car, not even a stone chip to the front! The factory fitted hard top is also unmarked and the electric hood works with perfect MB precision and shows no sign of age. The car was spec'd with the then very rare option of Bi-Xenon headlights. This car really does look brand new.

Interior

The first thing you notice when you open the door is the fresh new car smell, its amazing that after 13 years it still smells like it did in 1998. The nappa leather is of the highest quality and due to the careful storage it is as soft and supple as the day it left the factory. This SL is fully spec'd and everything works with the perfect precision that you get from this era of Mercedes Benz, its a real credit to their incredible engineering skills. No negatives to report, its just like going back to the 90's and sitting in a brand new SL in the dealership.

Engine & Transmission

As you would expect with a car with this mileage and history the car is mechanically perfect. the engine is incredibly smooth and pulls the car effortlessly through the gears.

Wheels, Tyres & Brakes

The standard alloys are in immaculate condition and shod with a matching set of Continental Sport tyres that have minimal wear. The brakes are very powerful and work exactly as they should pulling the car up quickly in a straight line.

History File

This SL was ordered with pretty much every option and first registered in 1998. The car spent the first 10 years of its life with the original owner who treated it like a baby. Its never been left outside in the sun for long periods and never driven in wet conditions. It has been meticulously maintained and runs and feels like a brand new car. For the last 4 years it has been in the hands of a discerning private collector.

 

Its arguably one of the best R129 Mercedes SL's left and is sure to make a great investment for the future.