Mercedes-Benz 300SL r129 SL500 1996
General description :
Model History
Designed and built as a grand tourer the SL was first introduced in 1954. The designation SL derives from the German "Sport Lightweight" and was first applied to the 300SL Gullwing. The SL model range is still in production today and has spanned five generations of models from 1954 to the present day.
The R129, as featured here, is the fourth generation of SL and was built from 1989-2002. Featuring a shorter wheelbase and updated rear suspension over its predecessor, the R107, the R129 was quick to introduce model updates and featured a large amount of styling, mechanical, and technological updates over its 12 year life span.
The R129 shot to the public's attention in 1991 when Diana, Princess of Wales, sold her Jaguar to purchase a 500SL. This sparked a media storm as this was the first time a member of the royal family had chosen a foreign car. The media questioned whether British royalty should be driving foreign cars and eventually due to pressure she was forced to return the car to Mercedes-Benz in 1992. The car now features in the Mercedes-Benz Museum.
Some of the cosmetic and mechanical updates for 1995 cars included more modern rounded rents in the front wings, body coloured bumpers, side airbags, and a new five-speed transmission for the V8 and V12 models. The design of the steering wheel, seats, and gear selector knob were also updated.
Equipment
Green Black Metallic paintwork, Black leather upholstery, 5-speed automatic transmission, 5-spoke AMG alloy wheels, Removable hardtop, Electrically operated soft-top in black, Electric-folding door mirrors, Heated and electrically adjustable front seats with memory, Self-dimming rear view mirror, Leather steering wheel and gear selector, Mercedes cassette radio, Bose sound system, Mercedes CD changer with remote, Cassette storage, Headlamp washer system, White front indicators and side repeaters, R129 tool roll, Warning triangle, Remote central locking, Tailored overmats, Mercedes first aid kit, Spare wheel, Spare keys.
Exterior
This facelift V8 SL presents wonderfully in lustrous Green Black Metallic, a lovely colour that can appear very dark blue or green depending on the light. Aside from some expected light frontal stone chips the paintwork shows very few signs of age with a deep shine across every panel – our studio photos really don’t do it justice. The underside is also remarkably fresh and is 100% free from rust. The removable aluminium hardtop is pristine and the electric folding soft-top operates smoothly at the touch of a button; the black mohair fabric remains in excellent unworn condition and there is no damage to the rear window.
VIEWINGS WELCOME BY APPOINTMENT ONLY /// ADDITIONAL PHOTOS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST
Interior
The unspoiled cabin is equipped with the later-style steering wheel and seats, which are heated and electrically-adjustable with memory on both the driver and passenger side. Looking as if they’ve seen half the mileage the seats are amazingly unworn, and in the footwells the carpets are still protected by the original velour overmats. Glancing across the dash the switchgear and trim still looks really fresh, the glossy walnut centre console retaining a lovely damage-free shine throughout. Pleasingly the original Mercedes cassette player remains in place along with the boot-mounted CD changer, remote control, and Bose speaker system. Inside the boot you’ll find the alloy spare wheel, warning triangle, and R129 tool roll all still present and correct.
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
The Mercedes 5-litre V8 is a perfect complement to the R129. With just¬ 85k miles on the clock the car remains in excellent fettle, and has just been freshly serviced and inspected for the new keeper’s peace of mind. Another benefit of the facelifted SL500 is its electronically-controlled five-speed transmission (previously a hydraulic four-speed) that operates very smoothly even by modern standards.
WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES
The SL sits on upgraded 18-inch genuine AMG alloy wheels. The five spoke design suits the R129 perfectly, each wheel remaining in great order with only minor curb marking to report on close inspection. The brakes and tyres have all just been checked and remain in fine operational condition.
History File
The low mileage SL500 was first registered in May 1996. Originally supplied to Japan it remains in outstanding rust-free condition throughout, a real testament to the salt-free roads on which it resided from new. The car arrived in the UK in 2015 and has been garaged ever since to preserve its amazing condition. It has also been really well maintained, with recent services carried out in May 2015, July 2016, July 2017, June 2018, June 2019, and most recently in January 2021 at the current mileage of 85k miles. Since arriving with us the car has also been fully inspected and freshly MOT’d, ready to be enjoyed by the new keeper.
The History File is complete with the Mercedes document pack, owner’s manual, service booklet, hardback SL brochure, Mercedes datacard, spare keys, MOT certificates, and a raft of invoices.
At this price point, genuinely good and low mileage rust-free V8 R129 SLs are getting harder to find. With equivalent special edition SLs like the Silver Arrow commanding double the price of standard cars, SL500s such as this one – and especially of this calibre – still offer excellent value for money today.
http://www.4starclassics.com/for-sale/mercedes-r129-sl500-for-sale/
1996 Mercedes-Benz 300SL r129 SL500 is listed sold on ClassicDigest in Kingsley by 4 Star Classics for £14995.
Car Facts
Car type : Car Make : Mercedes-Benz Model : 300SL r129 Model Version : SL500 Engine size : 5.0 Model Year : 1996 Sub type : Coupé Location : Hampshire
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About Mercedes-Benz
In the annals of automotive history, the journey of Mercedes-Benz is a tale that unfolds with the ingenuity of its founding pioneers. In the year 1886, Karl Benz crafted the Benz Patent Motorwagen, a creation that would go down in history as the world's inaugural automobile. Unbeknownst to him, this moment marked the genesis of what would evolve into the most illustrious premium car manufacturer globally. The financial underpinning of this pioneering venture, interestingly, was provided by Karl Benz's wife, Bertha Benz, demonstrating a remarkable partnership that would set the tone for Mercedes-Benz's legacy.A parallel narrative emerged not far away, as Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft, founded by Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach, entered the scene. In 1901, they unveiled their automobile under the now-famous moniker "Mercedes," meaning "godsend" in Spanish. This name was bestowed upon the car at the behest of Emil Jellinek's daughter, the distributor for Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft. The wheels of innovation were set in motion.
Fast forward to 1926, a pivotal year that witnessed the merger of Daimler with Benz & Cie., culminating in the birth of Daimler-Benz. The amalgamation saw the adoption of "Mercedes-Benz" as the distinguished trademark for their automobiles, fusing the legacies of two visionary entities into one.
Contrary to perceptions of conservatism, the trajectory of Daimler-Benz unfolds as a chronicle of industry firsts. From the introduction of the honeycomb radiator to the float carburetor, and the pioneering implementation of four-wheel brakes in 1924, Daimler-Benz consistently pushed the boundaries of automotive innovation. The diesel-powered Mercedes-Benz 260 D in 1936 marked the inception of diesel engines in passenger cars. The iconic Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing made history as the first car with direct fuel injection, albeit the Gutbrod's tiny 2-stroke engine can claim precedence.
Safety innovations became a hallmark, with Béla Barényi's patented safety cell design in the "Ponton"-models in 1951, featuring front and rear crumple zones. The W116 450SEL 6.9 saw the introduction of the Anti-Lock Brake system (ABS), another pioneering safety feature. From the first production airbags and beyond, the legacy of "firsts" continued to be etched into the fabric of Daimler-Benz.
Over its centennial journey, Mercedes-Benz has not merely produced cars but has sculpted automotive icons. The SSKL, 710 SSK Trossi Roadster, 770K Grosser, 540K Spezial Roadster, 300SL Gullwing, w100 600 Pullman, w111 280SE 3.5 Flachkühler, w113 230SL Pagoda, w109 300 SEL 6.3, and w201 2.3-16 Cosworth stand testament to the brand's commitment to engineering excellence.
The roaring Silver Arrows, or "Silberpfeile," including the W 25, W 125, W154, W165, and W196, created a legacy of dominance on the racetrack. These machines were not merely cars; they were expressions of precision, speed, and an indomitable spirit that left their competitors in the dust.
As Mercedes-Benz marches into the future, it does so not just as an automaker but as a custodian of a legacy, a torchbearer of innovation, and a beacon of automotive excellence. The road ahead is sure to witness the continued fusion of cutting-edge technology, timeless design, and an unwavering commitment to setting new standards in the world of automobiles.
One luminary figure who left an indelible mark was Béla Barényi, often heralded as the "father of passive safety" for his pioneering work in safety engineering. His patented safety cell design, featuring front and rear crumple zones, became a hallmark of Mercedes-Benz's commitment to occupant safety, setting new standards that reverberated throughout the automotive world.
Moving through the chronicles, the collaborative genius of Wilhelm Maybach, alongside Gottlieb Daimler, laid the foundation for Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft. Their innovations not only birthed the first Mercedes but established a culture of relentless pursuit of technological excellence that remains integral to Mercedes-Benz's DNA.
In the post-merger era of 1926, Ferdinand Porsche emerged as a prominent figure within Mercedes-Benz. His work on the Mercedes-Benz S-Type, a supercharged race car, garnered acclaim and set the stage for a legacy that extended far beyond the marque. Porsche's impact would later extend to his eponymous company, but his influence at Mercedes-Benz during those formative years was pivotal.
As the 20th century progressed, the legendary Rudolf Uhlenhaut emerged as a key figure. Uhlenhaut, an accomplished engineer and the driving force behind the iconic Silver Arrows, played a crucial role in Mercedes-Benz's dominance in motorsports. His engineering prowess and attention to detail were instrumental in creating some of the most formidable racing cars of the era.
In the latter half of the century, figures like Bruno Sacco, the head of design at Mercedes-Benz from 1975 to 1999, left an indelible imprint on the brand's aesthetic identity. Sacco's design philosophy, characterized by clean lines and timeless elegance, shaped iconic models like the W126 S-Class and the W201 190E, solidifying Mercedes-Benz's reputation for luxury and sophistication.
The narrative would be incomplete without acknowledging the contributions of engineers like Hans Scherenberg, whose leadership in the 1970s ushered in a new era of technological innovation at Mercedes-Benz. Scherenberg's tenure saw the development of groundbreaking technologies, including the Anti-Lock Brake system (ABS) and the introduction of airbags in production cars.