Modern Classic Mercedes Specialist

SLSHOP’s craftsmen have a reputation for creating exceptional cars that are ready to be driven, admired by passers-by, and cherished across generations of the same family. This reputation comes from our obsession with the Mercedes Heritage and their Specialist models. These include the W121, W194 and W113 Pagoda, as well as the iconic R107 SL. As we’ve consolidated our unrivalled knowledge of these cars, we’ve extended our services. We now give Modern Classic and non-SL owners support from our workshops. 

This extension allows us to safeguard the future of the R129 SL, as well as other Modern Classic models such as the R170, R171 and R230 SL. We’ve expanded our Modern Classics department to accommodate these models. We offer all our services to R129 SL owners, as well as regular servicing for the R170 and R230 models.

We’re now seeing more and more R129 SL models passing through our workshops, including this beautiful SL600 American import.

In September, our R129 Owners Services Customer Consultant, Stuart, received an email from a very passionate individual. He was looking for a modern classic Mercedes Specialist to support him with an R129 SL purchase. The plan quickly evolved…Purchase an R129 SL unseen from a dealer in Wisconsin. Then ship it to SLSHOP and spend the next few years enjoying the car.

The New Owner:

As a long-term enthusiast, the owner recalls his first interaction with the SL600 as a child growing up in Lagos, Nigeria.

‘’My father drove an early SL600 in period and I would often be strapped in for weekend outings, blasting across the Lagos-Ibadan expressway to visit my mother’s family. These formative years alongside my father in his beloved R129 sparked my obsession with the model. Not only that but the 308 GTB. As a petrolhead, it is a rite of passage to have some years of obsessing over Ferraris. My father still owns the R129 SL600 to this day, continuing to reside in Lagos.

I have spent the past year looking for a similar model. With the 12-cylinders being uncommon in the UK, especially in black, I switched my search to the US. Here, there appears to be an abundance of cars.

I was advised to reach out to an organisation based in Wisconsin who are renowned for their 600 Grosser Benz restoration work. As I was purchasing this car without being able to view it, I put complete trust in them to reveal any cosmetic or mechanical defects. Unfortunately, and very disappointingly, I was misled in respect of both. I was finally able to view the car upon arrival at SLSHOP, where we established minor damage to the driver’s side front wing. Despite this, I was ecstatic with the car. It’s truly wonderful and I am thoroughly looking forward to experiencing its grand touring traits.

Once Modern Classic Mercedes Specialist SLSHOP has repaired the bodywork and Callum has serviced and checked over the mechanicals, I’ll be preparing the car for a series of trips in 2022. This includes a drive down to Cannes, as well as an exploration of Germany’s Autobahns at full throttle…’’

SLSHOP – The Modern Classic Mercedes Specialist

We’re delighted to have been picked as the Mercedes specialist to give this R129 the seal of approval it deserves. The black metallic paint combined with black leather, as well as the V12 power plant, makes this car extremely unique on UK roads. With waves of envy rippling through SLSHOP’s three departments, the team report having never seen an R129 SL in this combination before.

Callum has rigorously inspected this car to check for any signs of water ingress and failure of the seals. Being over 30 years old and having not been driven a considerable amount, the odometer shows circa 20,000 miles. But it’s still worth having a Mercedes specialist check the mechanical and electrical components. Callum has cleaned out the sump and replaced the oil level sensors, confirming that there are no signs of electrical issues throughout the car. The US-spec will be slightly altered to conform to UK road laws. Once Callum has finished his work, our Bodyshop will tend to the damaged wing before respraying the whole section to ensure an exact match.

So, Should You Buy an Overseas Modern Classic Unseen?

Yes, but due diligence is key. Get advice from other enthusiasts who have been through the process. Definitely get a Modern Classic Mercedes Specialist to look over the car upon receipt. Expect to find several things that need attention.

Do You Need Help Servicing or Restoring Your SL?

Speak with our Workshops team about your car by emailing [email protected] or call +44 (0) 1789 337 070

Are You Looking for Parts for Your SL?

Shop Parts here.