Introduction
Alan Stuart
Launched just over 30 years ago, the R129 is arguably already a timeless classic.
The R129 SL had a production run from 1989 to 2001, the two-seat roadster modernised significantly in the styling and features like an automated electro-hydraulic soft-top. The SL500, with its reliable M119 5.0L V8 engine, had more power than some of the Ferraris on sale at the same time.
The SL500 was also one of the safest cars ever built, with it’s ‘Wunderbar’ (an automatic roll bar) which deployed within milliseconds of an incident involving the car flipping over. Even to this day, it’s considered an extremely safe sports car to own.
This example is rather special, low mileage at ~27,500, and has been owned by James' family since new. Finished in blue with contrasting cream leather, it really offers timeless good looks.
This auction listing was written from information supplied by Alan after meeting James the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.
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I WANT ONEAsk Questions
HI, there appears to be a damp or oil patch under the left side of the engine (viewed from below) do you know what the cause is??
Many Thanks Chris
Hi Chris – I dont I’m afraid. I scrolled through all the pictures and cant see which one you are referring to.
Hi,
https://www.tradeclassics.com/auctions/mercedes/1994-mercedes-benz-sl500-r129/#gallery3-28
Patch on lhs. Thx.
It may be where I was driving the previous day in the rain – there is certainly no leaks or oil marks on the floor – Ive just checked.
12000
Hi, I have gone onto the Mercedes website earlier, one (and other bidders) are free to check (Mercedes link below) when it was last serviced by Mercedes, unfortunately this only confirms the mileage and not the date. It say 23,007 miles after I’ve entered the registration. Have you heard back from Mercedes general inquiries line? I would just like to know what year the 23,007 (last Mercedes servicing) took place in order to bridge the history from 1994 to 2015 as a prospective buyer.
https://www.mymercedesservice.co.uk/#/your-vehicle
I am still trying to get hold of Mercedes but I swill update this site as soon as I have. I do have photos of the car on the day I removed it from long term storage
Hi, from the background I understand this is not an imported car and it mentions you purchased this car from your father-in-law in 2015. Did he have this off the road between 2005 and 2015? As the online .gov site very helpfully for buyers usually allows anyone to view the MOT history for vehicles going back to around 2005 / 2006 online. This car doesn’t have any online MOT history prior to 3 June 2015 at 23,928. Did your father-in-law have the vehicle off the road and SORN in order to avoid the annual £270 road tax?
Hi Yes he did have it off road – it was stored in an underground car park in central London. He actually lived in Switzerland but retained the car. When I bought it I recommissioned it at TM Motors for which I have the receipts.
Great news, thanks James for the speedy response. Would you perhaps be able to obtain the SORN certificates or invoices (or extracts) prior to Friday for the this period it was off the road, or for the storage costs of the central London car park? It’s just for the purpose of the provenance and paperwork. Many thanks,
In a receipt, there was a large bill that included paintwork. What was that paintwork for precisely? Any panel damage or panel filler used?
I had the car resprayed when I had it recommissioned. There has never been any damage to the car.
Was this respray the item in the TM Motors invoice on 3-7-2015 for £2,300, “TO CARRY OUT BODYWORK AS REQUIRED”? Do you know if this was a glass-out job?
Yes it was the invoice for £3437.04 was when I recommissioned the car and £2300 was for the respray. I am not sure if it was windows out. But they did an excellent job as in the original colour.
Hi , have you been successful in searching out the original maintenance history. Thanks
I am trying to contact Mercedes U.K who apparently will have the record. I will update when I manage to get through.
Thank you. As I have not seen the car in real life, how does the respray compare to the original factory finish? Any bubbling or peeling?
Is it a uk car ? 2 keys service history ?
No leaks
Everything working ? Original radio ?
Its a U.K car originally bought from Lancaster Mercedes in Bow. They are now part of of the Jardine Group. No Leaks, everything is working as it should. The radio is not original.
Do you by any chance have the original radio? Many thanks,
Hi, is there any chance of viewing the car? I’m very close by to Surbiton
Hi Yes thats no problem if you call Trade Classics they can arrange.
Thanks Adam I’ll register to bid
Good evening, this may seem a silly question but is this an auction only or can I purchase at a fixed price . Thanks Mark
Hey Mark – it’s an auction only 🙂 Adam TC
Vehicle Location
Surbiton
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