1996 Mercedes-Benz SL500

A very special R129 SL. This 1996 SL500 has covered just 35k miles from new. It has been cherished by its last MB Club member owner since 2005 and remains in outstanding, original condition.

First registered in May 1996 by Drake & Fletcher Ltd of Kent to the owner of an engineering firm. In 2002 he sold the car to his accountant who kept it until 2005 when it was sold to the last owner.

Having always been garaged, never used on salted roads or inclement weather, this SL remains in immaculate original condition and retains its original paintwork. As a result, this SL won its class at the 2018 Mercedes Club national concours, and second place at the MB Club R129 day.

Finished in Brilliant Silver with black leather interior and hood, it was optioned with adaptive damping (ADS), memory seats and rear seats, plus the usual electric seats, climate control and hard top.

The car comes complete with all its tools, accessories, two remote keys, books and a full service history.

The file starts with the original bill of sale and contains all bills for maintenance and repair since new, plus all previous MoT certificates and previous logbooks.The car has been serviced at MB main dealer and one specialist since new.

Looking through the file we note that there has been very little work required outside of scheduled maintenance, and that the important transmission and differential service has been carried out.

The car is in quite exceptional condition throughout. The hood and hardtop are perfect, the wheels unmarked and wear matching Michelins all round. The underside is superb and free from any corrosion and the engine bay is incredibly fresh.

Being a ’96, this car benefits from the revisions made in that year, notably the improved (non-biodegradable) wiring, coil-on-plug ignition and a five-speed automatic transmission.

This must be one of the finest R129s available; highly original, low mileage and with superb provenance.

Option Codes

214 – Adaptive damping system (ADS)

241 – Front seat, left, electrically adjustable with memory

242 – Front seat, right, electrically adjustable with memory

249 – Auto dipping interior mirror

340 – Third stop lamp

472 – ESP

533 – Speakers without radio

565 – Rear seats

600 – Headlamp wash/wipe

740 – Black fabric top