Mercedes-Benz R129 SL500 Silver Arrow AMG styling 2-piece (2002)

Vehicle description

Compared to the Mercedes-Benz R 107, the SL generation of the R 129 model series was more powerful and left the baroque design behind. While the glued-in windscreen of the predecessor still served as rollover protection, an automatically extendable, sensor-controlled bracket now retracts behind the seats. Six-cylinder, eight-cylinder and twelve-cylinder engines ensured a wide range of models and performance at the same time. The 500 SL/SL 500 with eight-cylinder engine reached a large number of units: As the model name already revealed, a 5.0-liter V8 worked in the bow of the R 129. More than 94,000 units of the 500 SL/SL 500 were produced in a total of 13 years of R 129 construction. Of the limited special model called "Silver Arrow", however, only a quantity of 1,550 copies was issued.

The Mercedes-Benz R 129 model series offered in this auction is the limited special model of an SL 500 called "Silver Arrow", which dates from 2001 and owns the FIN WDBFA68FX2F202555. According to the seller, this roadster is an import, over the years 3 owners called this Mercedes-Benz their own. 2 vehicle keys exist, a history of the car can not be submitted. The so-called matching numbers are assumed. Only recently, the TÜV was renewed for this V8 roadster, it will now run until July 2024.

Externally, this Mercedes-Benz special model impresses with its "Silver Arrow – Metallic Paint" (code 777): The current owner is not aware of any repainting, the paint condition of this R 129 can be classified as good, as over the years only slight traces of use have come together, none of which tarnish the impeccable state of preservation of the exterior. External characteristics of the special model Silver Arrow are the modified air outlets in the front fenders and the "Silver Arrow" lettering above them. The black soft top of the SL can be found in acceptable condition: cracks in the fabric skin or even in the plastic rear window cannot be objected to. The current owner can rule out an accident during his holding period.

On 18-inch AMG aluminum rims in very good condition, tires of the Michelin brand from the production year 2021 are mounted. The condition of the brakes is stated by the seller as very good, in the area of the chassis no modifications deviating from the original condition can be determined.

In the interior of the Silver Arrow Mercedes-Benz SL 500, the two-tone design with black and white is immediately noticeable – the seat centre panels are white and the side bolsters of the full-leather integral seats are black. The leather steering wheel and the leather gear knob also reflect the two-tone design that is characteristic of this SL special model. Other features of the Silver Arrow: chrome shaft strips, a highly polished wind deflector frame, wooden décor bird's eye maple, door sills with "Silver Arrow" lettering and the pearl-cut control console. Overall, the interior of this SL 500 is said to be in a used condition, which is reflected in the condition of the total mileage and the corresponding use. Among the optional extras, the following options should be listed: Electrically adjustable seats on both sides with memory, heated seats, xenon headlights, ESP, garage door opener, radio MB Audio 30, sound system.

An aluminium trim in the instrument cluster and nostalgic hands characterise the Special Silver Arrow model and are intended to recall the Mercedes-Benz past. The display shows 203,500 miles. All instruments in the interior work perfectly.

The three-valve V8 engine with a displacement of 5.0 litres delivers 306 hp. An electronically controlled 5-speed automatic transmission brings the power of the 8 cylinders to the road via the rear axle. In July 2022, a final service took place, dome storage and the pump of the windscreen washer system were last repaired. The seller also mentions that there is a hardtop in body color that has been preserved in perfect condition.

If you look at the overall mileage of this SL, the underbody condition of the roadster can be attested to a very good condition. The R 129 model series was the most luxurious SL-Class at Mercedes-Benz at the time: its timeless design, its rich engines and, in comparison with the competition at the time, superior technology make it a popular classic. Mercedes-Benz launched the Silver Arrow special models of the R 129 in honour of the Silver Arrows and their racing drivers from the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s in a limited edition of only 1,550 vehicles. That is why the SL 500 offered here represents a particularly exclusive model in Mercedes-Benz history.

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