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Vehicle History
Overall condition: Superb
Number of owners: 4
History: Near complete Mercedes service history
MOT: April 2024
The Mercedes-Benz R129 was launched in 1989 and was the latest in the long running SL range and offered customers a luxurious, yet affordable, roadster that was available with either convertible fabric roof, or detachable hardtop. Over its 12-year production run, a variety of models were available, but all had the charm of a two-seater and the efficiency and engineering quality for which Mercedes-Benz were renowned.
Exterior
Finished in striking Signal Red, this pre-facelift example of the R129 has the trademark looks of a Mercedes of this era. The large rectangular headlights, colour-coded bodywork and unmistakable front grille and badge provide a front end with purpose and kick off a gentle wedge profile towards the squared rear.
In bold red such as this, the side vents rear of the front wheels hint at the smallest nod to the 1980s Testarossa, but this is undoubtedly the sensible side of sports car ownership, thanks to Mercedes’ famed build quality.
With colour matched removable hardtop and black fabric roof, this particular SL offers the best of both worlds: a hardtop for the winter and soft top for the summer, but even with the former fitted, the aesthetic appeal of this diminutive sports car is unquestionable; 16in OEM Alamak alloys with almost new tyres completing the look.
Mechanics
The 5-litre, double overhead cam V8 is certainly not short on power and, coupled with the four-speed automatic gearbox, provides a top speed of 155mph with a 0-60mph time of around 6 seconds. With a smoothness and torque range for which the Mercedes engine is renowned, the SL500 is capable of turning a humble trip to the shops or a touring holiday into an exciting and pleasing experience and, with Mercedes dealer stamps in the service book up to 35,800 miles as well as documented specialist servicing and maintenance thereafter, the positives are certainly stacked in the favour of the new owner.
Interior
Inside, the full beige leather-trimmed interior provides the perfect space from which to embark on a summer road trip. With only 39,000 miles, the condition is as you would expect and the ‘walnut’ veneer centre console houses a panel of controls that would only confirm this car’s suitability for use as either an everyday mode of transport, or for special occasions – electrically adjustable seats with memory function, electric windows, cruise control, climate control and a Blaupunkt Amsterdam TCM 127 entertainment system.
With the hardtop removed and soft top stowed, the car also comes complete with a wind deflector to make those summer trips even more enjoyable, while a pair of matching trim seats in the rear – complete with fitted seat belts – turn this SL500 into an occasional four-seater.
Why buy?
For decades, the bullet-proof engineering and long-lasting mechanicals associated with the Mercedes name have made the ‘silver star’ a sensible option, but the SL500 offers a unique package of good looks, timeless appeal AND reliability. Low mileage, unquestionable kerb appeal and serious service history to boot – this is one sports car that definitely makes sense.
Vehicle Specification
- 38,772 Miles
- Automatic
- RHD
- 5-litre V8
- Signal Red
- Beige Leather
- WDB1290672F083074
Seller Overview
Location
- Essex, RM11
Seller Type
- Dealer
Notice to bidders
Please note whilst Bidding Classics offer the most descriptive auction listings and in-depth photos and videos, we cannot claim they are totally accurate reflections of the condition of each vehicle listed for sale. Therefore, we encourage all bidders to do their own due diligence and arrange a viewing of each vehicle for sale. Viewings can be arranged by posting in the comments section below, this will trigger an email to the seller, who will get in contact to arrange a time of mutual convenience.
Also, it is likely that many of the classic cars sold through our platform will have had repair work in the past that we cannot verify. As such we do not warrant (and no warranty shall be implied) that the repairs have been carried out to a high standard or that any replacement parts are genuine.
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