1991 Mercedes-Benz R129 500SL

MODEL HISTORY:

Mercedes-Benz build-quality was at its best with the R129 range at its launch in 1989; and the 500SL was ‘the best of the best’. But with high sales prices – reflecting the engineering development costs – this new SL would have to be something really special to win hearts, minds and wallets, following the great success of the previous range of SLs, the R107.

With safety features that made it appealing to a more modern buyer; with roll-bar system that was triggered in milliseconds; a soft top that was raised and lowered by the flick of the console switch; and with a styling which Chief Designer (and Engineer) Bruno Sacco described as his favourite for Mercedes; it was a great success across the world and waiting lists were stretched for many months to get one.  

And on the road?

The quad cam engine with 32 valves gives the 500SL that low down grunt you get from a naturally aspirated V8!

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DESCRIPTION.

On sale here at Bruce Greetham Classic Benz is a fine example of a very early R129 500SL from March 1991. It is beautifully presented in the original paint of Nautic Blue over an immaculate Cream Leather interior with a contrasting Dark Blue mohair Soft Top (also original).

We know that this colour option suits this model, and the contrast between the blue and cream is spot on.

It has only covered 26,000 miles after spending time in a car collection. The condition is staggering for such an early model and super exciting when you come across them from time to time. Looking across the small fixings around the SL - door shuts, locks hard top mountings - you can see this car has been very well cared for.

The Engine is a work of art: you can see all the factory markings, stickers in place with not a drop of oil in place.  The plastics look like they were fitted yesterday.

This 500SL is just a joy to behold!

HISTORY.

This R129 500SL comes with all the dealer handbooks, manuals and service book, and a file of work on recommissioning with correct tyres fluids. It has four previous owners, with the current owner buying it from a collector who may have had one too many cars to handle - which is why the mileage is so super low.

WHY BUY.

My time around SLs and experiencing each model, I find a pure unmolested R129 SL500 a joy to be in. When you sit in the cabin and look at those pinpoint accurate orange needles like the day they were fitted, you know that this SL has been loved. The tightness of the steering, the brakes, all feel super sharp. The switches offer that crisp touch feel that you only get from a Mercedes. If you want to experience of driving a R129 500SL V8 when it was new, then please call me Bruce Greetham at Classic Benz and you will see what I mean.  

To make an appointment please contact 07359 660954.