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 SL and was built from 1989-2002. Featuring a shorter wheelbase and updated rear suspension over its predecessor, the R107, 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

Green Black Metallic paintwork, Saffron Nappa leather upholstery, 18-inch AMG alloy wheels, 5-speed automatic transmission, Panoramic glass hardtop, Electric soft-top in black, Heated electric front seats with memory function, Xenon headlamps with wash/wipe, Electric folding door mirrors, Cruise control, Mercedes-Benz Audio 30 cassette player, CD changer, Leather steering wheel with wood trim, Leather gear selector, Removable wind deflector, Remote central locking, Alarm, Immobiliser, Mercedes overmats, Spare key.

Exterior

This facelift SL looks marvellous in Green Black Metallic with contrasting Saffron upholstery, a striking combination perfectly offset by the unmarked AMG alloy wheels. Having just been treated to a full machine polish on arrival with us the paintwork presents with a great shine and relatively few blemishes to report. There are a couple of light scratches on the front bumper and a small blister has just started to appear on the nearside front arch but otherwise it remains a very smart example. The lights are perfectly clear all round and the desirable panoramic glass hardtop is very nice optional extra.

VIEWINGS WELCOME BY APPOINTMENT ONLY /// ADDITIONAL PHOTOS AND VIDEOS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

Interior

The bright and airy cabin is adorned with glossy walnut trim on the centre console, door panels, and steering wheel. The Saffron Nappa upholstery presents in wonderful condition with only minimal wear to the bolsters commensurate with the mileage; the folding rear seats are trimmed in the same supple leather and are free from marking. The centre console presents in excellent condition showing no scratches or wear to the trim. At the rear of the car the boot area is also very clean and tidy, neatly housing the CD changer and covered wind defector. All in all, a lovely place to be, especially with the heated seats, original Mercedes-Benz sound system, and ice-cold AC that’s just been recharged.

ENGINE & TRANSMISSION

The 5-litre V8 is a perfect complement to the R129. With effortless power delivery and a smooth five-speed ‘box this example feels extremely capable and is an absolute joy to drive. The engine bay presents in great order and the bonnet insulation is still pleasingly intact. The car has driven only 64k miles from new and boasts an excellent maintenance record with 11 stamps in the book; 8 Mercedes-Benz and 3 specialist. For the new keeper’s peace of mind a full vehicle health check was carried out on arrival with us.

WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES

The striking 18-inch AMG alloy wheels finish this SL off perfectly. They have all been professional refurbished in the past and so present immaculately with no unsightly kerb marks or age-related wear. They are wrapped in a matching set of premium Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres, all with at least 6mm of tread. The brakes have also been checked and remain in fine operational condition, effortlessly stopping the car quickly and in a straight line.

History File

This attractive V8 R129 was supplied new by Brunswick Mercedes in January 1999. The car has now driven 64,878 miles in the hands of 6 registered keepers. It is accompanied by a great maintenance record with 11 main dealer/specialist services having been carried out, the last just 180 miles ago. Since arriving with us the car has been fully checked over by our trusted classic car workshop; they have just recharged the air conditioning and replaced both front anti-roll bar bushes. The service history is as follows:

08/09/1999 at 6,997 miles – Mercedes-Benz
12/06/2002 at 15,470 miles – Mercedes-Benz
16/12/2004 at 25,693 miles – Mercedes-Benz
06/02/2007 at 35,892 miles – Mercedes-Benz
27/04/2009 at 46,352 miles – Mercedes-Benz
05/08/2011 at 53,579 miles – Mercedes-Benz
19/11/2012 at 58,653 miles – Specialist
16/09/2015 at 62,584 miles – Specialist
02/02/2017 at 63,224 miles – Mercedes-Benz
22/05/2019 at 63,338 miles – Mercedes-Benz
18/08/2022 at 64,700 miles – Specialist

Enquire about this car