Mercedes-Benz R129 SL320 (1993)

Vehicle description

One of the main attractions at the Geneva Motor Show in the spring of 1989 was the world premiere of the new SL model series from Mercedes-Benz. The Stuttgart-based company sent the roadster with the legendary letter abbreviation into the fifth round – and put the predecessor model into well-deserved retirement after 18 years of construction. From then on, the new SL listened to the R129 factory designation and had virtually no similarities with its predecessor: the roadster, which was drawn in the well-known Sacco manner, looked much more modern and dynamic than its comparatively baroque-looking predecessor due to its clear lines and the renunciation of lush chrome elements, and already anticipated design elements of the S-Class presented two years later. And even under the modern sheet metal dress, everything was new in the R129: All-electric fabric roof, extendable roll bar, integral seats, optional "Adaptive Damping System" and luxury equipment with all kinds of comfort made the Roadster a real high-tech vehicle. However, the Stuttgart-based company remained true to the basic concept: designed as a classic roadster, the R129 was able to convince above all with its driving performance. Mercedes-Benz also offered the SL in the fifth generation with a wide range of engines: In addition to various six- and eight-cylinder engines, customers were also able to choose the twelve-cylinder engine installed in the top model 600SL for the first time. From 1993, the series followed the new nomenclature of the Stuttgarter, and was henceforth referred to as the "SL-Class".

In this auction, it is now possible to purchase a Mercedes-Benz SL 320 of the R129 model series. The car with the vehicle identification number WDB1290631F089729 rolled off the production line in 1993 and was registered on 26 August of the same year on its first of a total of four owners for German road traffic. The history of the car can be traced via enclosed documents and test reports, the checkbook is partially kept. The next general inspection is scheduled for the roadster in August 2022. According to the information, the car has "matching numbers", a valuation report is not available. The SL comes with a set of a total of three vehicle keys. According to the seller, the vehicle is in current possession in accident-free condition.

Mercedes-Benz calls the colour scheme of the roadster "blue-black metallic", which according to the information is the original paint. The body still looks very well maintained even after almost thirty years, and only at second glance can smaller scratches in the area of the front right bumper be recognized, which are among the only complaints on the exterior of the car. The stylish soft top of the roadster also has no defects, and the enclosed hardtop in body colour allows the SL to be transformed into a coupé as required.

The car is equipped with the original eight-hole alloy wheels from Mercedes-Benz, which also look very well maintained and show no visual defects. The condition of the mounted Michelin tyres is described by the seller as new. There are no modifications to the body and chassis, and the brakes also work without restrictions. The car is in his current possession in accident-free condition.

Typical Mercedes luxury of the 90s prevails in the interior of the car, where the well-kept overall impression continues. The anthracite-coloured leather with which the door panels and the comfortable seats are equipped is still in the best shape after three decades. Also in the remaining areas of the interior, the car hardly shows any signs of wear: The wood-clad center console with the numerous control buttons and the original Becker "Grand Prix" radio also shows hardly any signs of use. In addition to power steering and central locking, other features include power windows, heated seats, air conditioning, ABS and cruise control.

Behind the steering wheel of the SL, where five round instruments provide the driver with all the relevant information, it is also as factual as usual. On the centrally mounted, six-digit speedometer, a total mileage of 89895km can be read, which can be traced via enclosed documents such as invoices and test reports. According to the information, all instruments work without restrictions.

Under the hood of the roadster rests the in-line six-cylinder engine known as the M104, which provides propulsion in the SL320. The engine has a displacement of 3199 cm³ and produces a maximum output of 231 hp. Power is transmitted to the rear wheels via the standard five-speed automatic transmission. The SL received the last service in May 2022, where in addition to an oil service and change of brake fluid, a renewal of the tires was also carried out. Defects in the area of technology and engine are not known, so that there is currently no further work to be done on the roadster.

The car is also in carefree condition on the underbody, where no defects can be found in the age-appropriate appearance. The SL series has always produced numerous classics from Mercedes-Benz – and the R129 model series is no exception. Friends of classic roadsters will get their money's worth with this well-kept SL 320, and thanks to the lavish equipment they do not have to do without modern comfort.

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