1996 Mercedes-Benz SL 500 Auto
“ Every iteration of the SL gives its successor a tough act to follow. The R129 rose to that challenge and, frankly, knocked it out of the park. ”
This is a very good, well-maintained example with an exemplary history.

Background
The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is a grand tourer sports car and has been manufactured by Mercedes since 1954. 

An American importer by the name of Max Hoffman suggested to Mercedes that there might well be a market for a more civilised version of a Grand Prix car. Something tailored to deep-pocketed performance enthusiasts in the cash swamped post-war American market. He turned out to be very right indeed, and the US remains the primary market for the SL to this day.

Always more of a sporting grand tourer than a fully-fledged sports car, the SL was supplied with a standard folding fabric roof, while the optional hardtop gave almost saloon-like levels of civility. With the hardtop option box ticked, the convertible SL was a truly all-purpose, all-season car. 

We can reveal that the SL stands for ‘Super-Leicht’ – or ‘Super Light’, a fact ratified only fairly recently by some Mercedes historians locked away in a dusty Bremen basement. 

There is, perhaps, some irony here, given that the SL weighs almost two tonnes with a well-lunched couple on board. 

So, it should come as no real surprise to learn that performance is brisk rather than racy. But these cars handle well for their bulk and are over-engineered to the point where they’re more than capable of despatching inter-continental mileages with rare grace and panache. 

The R129 Mercedes SL was built between 1989 and 2002, with more than 200,000 eventually rolling off the production line. 

Using a shortened W124 floorpan, the R129 was technologically advanced for its time, featuring electronically controlled suspension damping, a hydraulic roof mechanism and electric seats, windows and pretty much everything else.

The R129 model was the first convertible/roadster to offer automatic roll bar deployment as a safety aid in the event of any sudden, unplanned upside-down driving.

The car also introduced an electrically operated soft-top roof that could be raised or lowered at the touch of a button, adding convenience and elegance to the driving experience. Inside the cabin, occupants were treated to a luxurious and well-appointed interior, with high-quality materials and meticulous attention to detail.

On the road, the R129 SL demonstrated exceptional handling and ride comfort, thanks to its innovative rear suspension system. 

The car's precise steering and well-tuned suspension made it a joy to drive, whether cruising on the open road or tackling winding mountain passes. 

The R129 was equally adept at providing a comfortable and composed ride during long-distance journeys, making it a versatile grand tourer.

Overview
The vendor, who is well-known to us here at HQ, has owned this excellent SL 500 since 2017, when it first joined his impressive collection of fine classic cars.

He bought the car from another chap with a fine collection, primarily of high-quality Mercedes-Benz classics, including ‘Gullwings’ and the like.

So, in other words, this car has been bought – twice – by people who know their classic Mercs and only buy really, really good examples. 

The vendor believes that he is just the third owner of the car from new.

The car starts, drives, handles and stops with all the ability and competence you would want and expect. 

It was driven to our Oxfordshire HQ from Cardiff. It didn’t miss a beat and the vendor didn’t expect it to. 

We’ve also driven it and can attest to its mechanical integrity, dynamic competence and superb build quality. 

The car is in very good original condition, thanks in part to its very reasonable mileage of 82,218.

Estimate: £8,000 - £12,000

View Current Bid Price HERE