1996 Mercedes-Benz SL500 (R129) Automatic

The R129 Series of Mercedes-Benz SL roadsters were produced from 1989 through 2002 and replaced the R107 in 1989 and were, in turn, replaced by the R230 SL-Class in 2002 for the 2003 model year. They were two-door, two-seat convertibles with an automated (electro-hydraulic), collapsible textile roof, with a shell-like, colour-matched tonneau cover. All R129s came standard with an aluminium detachable hardtop that was fitted by folding the canvas roof down and manually attaching the hardtop. Designed in 1984, the R129 was based on the shortened floor pan of the Mercedes-Benz W124 and featured many innovative details for the time, including electronically controlled damping (Adaptive Damping System or ADS) and a hidden, automatically extending roll-over bar for safety. The number of standard features was high, with electric operation of the windows, mirrors, seats and hydraulic convertible top, all of which paved the way towards the more innovative roof design we see today.

Flagship of the R129 range was the mighty 500SL (known as the SL500 from 1994 onwards) which was powered by the first of Mercedes' four-valve per cylinder, dual-overhead camshaft V8 powerplants. Credited with 326bhp and 332lb/ft of torque, this fearsome 4,973cc unit was allied to 4-speed automatic transmission as standard and was capable of over 150mph and 0-60mph in 6.3 seconds.

The smart low-mileage example we are pleased to offer here appears to have been cosseted all of its days and has covered just over 41,000 miles from new. It moved to the Channel Islands when barely a year old with just over 7,190 miles indicated, residing in Jersey for much of its early life with occasional Continental trips and covering around 30,000 miles in the following 20 years prior to returning to the UK in 2016. It has continued to be lightly used since its return and the odometer at the time of cataloguing indicated just 41,195 miles.

Accompanied by its original book pack including the service book showing regular maintenance by Mercedes-Benz in Jersey, the car appears to have had a major service in 2017 by its new UK-keeper at a cost of just over £5,000. Just two former keepers in the UK are listed in the V5C meaning this car has almost certainly been owned by just five keepers during its lifetime. There are various other receipts and invoices within its history file, including a 'health check' by the respected SL Shop that scores highly for mechanical standards. Pleasingly, the appropriate registration number, ASL 500, will remain with the car.

Offering a great opportunity to acquire a quality convertible with the three-pointed star that can be driven away from the sale and enjoyed for the rest of the summer. The tyres have plenty of tread but they are of an age and there are some age-appropriate marks on the paintwork that are no surprise on a car that has lived in the Channel Islands, but again, nothing too serious and offered as it is without Reserve, there is likely to be a savvy fan or two of the marque who see this as a fabulous opportunity to acquire a very desirable example of the wonderful SL500.