2001 Mercedes-Benz SL500 (R129) Silver Arrow

The fourth generation SL, denominated the R129, was launched at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1989. The beautifully engineered roadster was based around a two-door monocoque bodyshell and its sophisticated all-round independent suspension was complemented by a host of active and passive safety features including: electronic stability control, ventilated ABS disc brakes, adaptive-damping shock absorbers, front airbags and an integral rollover bar that deployed in less than a third of a second if the car ever sensed an impending flip.

The cabin was exceptionally well built, covered by a fully automated power hood, and featured such luxuries as memory seats, electric windows/mirrors and an adjustable steering column. Yet, lurking beneath all the luxury and refinement, was a performance-focused 'grand tourer'.

The SL500 was powered by Mercedes' four-valves per cylinder, dual-overhead camshaft, 5-litre V8 producing 326bhp and 332lb/ft of torque, mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission as standard in the later cars. With 0-60mph dispatched in 6.3 seconds and topping out in excess of 150mph, the SL500 was no slouch, shaming some out and out sports cars of the period, whilst the driver relaxed in their luxurious cabin.

With the R129 having been in production between 1989 and 2002, the limited edition SL500 Silver Arrow was released for two major reasons; to mark the end of production of a model that had been particularly successful worldwide and, more importantly, to pay homage to not just one of the greatest Mercedes-Benz Works drivers, but one of the greatest drivers of all time, Sir Stirling Moss OBE. The special edition Silver Arrow boasted a unique specification which included Silver Arrow ‘777’ paintwork, black/silver Nappa leather upholstery, AMG body styling, bespoke 18" multi-piece alloy wheels, silver brake callipers, chrome-sheen aluminium exterior trim, illuminated door sills, ‘engine-turned’ aluminium instrument and gearshift surrounds and Bird’s-Eye Maple Black wood trim. Only 100 special-edition SL500 Silver Arrow cars were allocated to the UK-market.

Dating from 2001, LC51 ELX is one of those 100 UK Silver Arrows and was first registered on 20th September 2001. The car presents exceptionally well, having covered a modest and warranted 59,000 miles from new in the hands of its three former keepers. In March 2024, the car benefited from a service and MOT by a marque specialist, which it passed with 'No Advisories'.

This Silver Arrow is a wonderful example, complemented by a reassuringly large history file showcasing the level of care and maintenance lavished upon it. Within the history file is the original owners book pack wallet containing the owner’s manual, supplementary manuals and stamped service book which displays ten entries, all completed by specialists, with an additional service invoice alongside. In addition to the official documentation, there is a plethora of old MOT Certificates, numerous previous invoices, a selection of former tax discs, ‘Own A Limited Edition Mercedes SL’ sales literature and two sets of keys.

Limited edition Mercedes-Benz have been appreciating rapidly in front of our eyes and this wonderful Silver Arrows represents serious value and would look at home anywhere you park it, particularly at motoring events where the connection with the late Sir Stirling Moss OBE is always appreciated.