2001 Mercedes-Benz SL320

This is a fine example of the R129 in an excellent overall condition and sensible, original miles from the last model year before production ceased. The car has been used and enjoyed by four previous owners with little of its ownership history known before its current tenure. The car has been quite lightly used compared to many R129’s of a similar vintage. The car’s mileage represents a shade under 3,000 miles per year on average.

We can establish that the car has been well maintained at all points in its history, however. The original service booklet contains no less than 13 entries made by both Mercedes Benz main dealers and independent specialists.

The current owner, Dominic, is a Mercedes Benz enthusiast who has owned several of the marque’s models over the years. He had long promised himself an R129 but spotted this example at the same time as a CLK he liked the look of. So tempting were they that he bought both in the expectation that one would endear itself more than the other with a view to just keeping the better car. Four years later he still proudly owns both cars.

It is now only other projects and the lack of suitable garaging which has persuaded him to part with this great looking and well-presented Sacco masterpiece.

The SL320 looks both fetching and period correct in equal measure in its bright Brilliant Silver livery. Its protective panels along its flanks and over its bumpers, the so called “Sacco” panels after our friend Bruno, are finished in a mildly contrasting shade of silver which is alluded to in the V5 as “two-tone silver”. The overall effect is pleasing and eye-catching.

The design of the R129 was quite a departure from the somewhat conservative R107 and instantly cut a modern and contemporary dash in comparison. Much of this was down the almost complete absence of brightwork with only the grill providing a modicum of chrome. The design won Mercedes Benz both the international Car Design Award for 1990 and the admiration of a generation of autophiles.

This SL dates from a period when huge wheels were yet to be commonplace. As a result, the SL sits on its modest but seemingly original 5-hole, 17-inch alloy wheels. These appear to be in fine fettle all round and are fitted with a matching set of quality Dunlop SP Sport Max tyres in the factory specified 225/45 configuration.

Much like 21-inch rims, multi part, origami-esque, folding metal roofs weren’t yet de rigueur when the R129 launched in 1989. Consequently, our SL features a robustly engineered removeable hard top which anchors firmly and securely atop the car once the fabric hood is safely stowed under the electrically operated hard tonneau. The paint finish on the hard top appears to be as equally well presented as the rest of the car. The folding fabric hood looks to be in great overall condition and there is no apparent cracking or fogging to the rear windows. As you will see from our video the folding hood deploys quickly and effectively in around the 20 seconds originally specified by Mercedes.

The silver livery seems to suit the modernist Sacco design of the R129 really well, regardless of if the hard top is on, the hood up or hood down. The gentle wedge shape remains surprisingly contemporary and is built to military grade standards, the likes of which are impossible to find in cars of today.

The interior of the SL320 is an object lesson in premium sports car cabins with few equals. The interiors of this period were as impeccably screwed together as the exterior with a fit and finish that few could match.

In this context our SL doesn’t disappoint one bit. The seats are finished in the later un-perforated leather in an Anthracite shade. Both front seats are electrically adjustable, heated and featuring the first production appearance of seatbelts built into the seat backs. Just one of the 20 patented parts. There are three setting memory functions for both seats too, a rare refinement for the period. The token rear seats are trimmed in matching leather and fold forward to provide additional carpeted storage for bags and other paraphernalia. The driver’s seat base appears to have collapsed a little but remains entirely serviceable.

The black carpets seem to have been protected by carpet, over-mats and present in excellent condition throughout. The dashboard is finished in black leather and the familiar VDO gauge set sits behind the stitched leather steering wheel. The large centre console is finished in a dark wood veneer and houses the period-correct Mercedes Benz “Audio 10” cassette head unit.

Door cards are finished in black leather with accents of dark veneer and carpet. The cream headlining of both hard and soft tops looks to be in a fine, unmarked condition. A totally original interior and befitting of a car truly belying its age and mileage. The well-shaped boot is trimmed with its original grey carpet and the spare wheel and tool set are housed under the floor. Even the original Mercedes Benz first aid kit and warning triangle are still present.

This ultimate sports tourer is fitted with the well-proven M112 E32 3.2L V6 petrol engine. This was the first V6 engine built and used by Mercedes Benz. This unit has become well known as a well proven and advanced unit featuring two spark plugs and three valves per cylinder, sequential fuel injection, forged steel connecting rods and magnesium intake manifold. It is popular in R129 circles as providing a winning blend of power, torque and reasonable economy. Power is fed to the rear wheels via a smooth changing five speed automatic gearbox.

The under-bonnet presentation is generally good and seems to support the car’s history of diligent and regular maintenance. The only exception is the sound insulation material which has suffered damage at one side and resulted in some minor surface corrosion being visible to the underside of the bonnet. The underside of the car looks straight and clean and appropriate to the age and mileage of the car.

Dominic reports that the car runs very well with no mechanical issues reported. During our visit it certainly started well, idled cleanly and revved smoothly and sweetly. R129’s are known to achieve very significant mileages if regularly maintained and at 65,000 miles we would expect this example to have many years of loyal service ahead of it.

This SL comes with an extensive paperwork archive providing some valuable provenance. This includes the current V5 and hard copy MOT. The latter is advisory free and valid until February 2024. There are numerous previous MOT’s on hand too, documenting the mileage history.

There are a number of invoices present covering the car’s entire history. The original book pack is present complete with owner’s manual and all-important service booklet. This documents inspections at the following intervals – 11,061 miles / 25,313 miles / 35,132 miles / 36,414 miles / 44,182 miles / 49,024 miles / 56,336 miles / 58,562 miles /60,373 miles / 62,251 miles / 64,662 miles.

If ever there was a classic somewhat in waiting, then the R129 must surely be it. It follows a long line of illustrious forebears that are already highly desirable and becoming increasingly valuable. In this context the R129 still represents incredible value which will likely mean a future of increasing sale prices as the supply of good cars inevitably dwindles as time passes.

This is a lovely example which is both original and honest in equal measure. It has covered modest miles, for an R129, and has been regularly and diligently maintained. The condition is excellent overall with only a coupe of minor areas that could be further improved. Finally, these cars are built to last, and how! This is your opportunity to become an R129 whilst the value proposition remains so strong.

We estimate this car to fetch between £10,000 - £15,000 in auction.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with the vendor in Belmesthorpe (Stamford), United Kingdom. To arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.