Mercedes SL500 (R129) Record Sale

• SLSHOP’s ‘Next Big Thing’ Sermon along with Hagerty’s 2023 Bull Market List materialises in January 2023 as un-registered SL500 sells for a record figure
• Early 1993 SL500 example with under 3,000 miles sells for over £55,000
• Record milestone marks new chapter for the SL’s market legacy

Warwickshire-based, SLSHOP has confirmed the record sale of a distinctive 1993 SL500 (R129), marking a new milestone for the model since the company started trading over 12 years ago. The company previously revealed the vehicle as part of a ‘Low Mileage Trio’ story, showcasing the SL500 as part of a collection of three unique vehicles in the company’s inventory, with the R129 remaining as part of their own collection up until the present.

The 1993 Brilliant Silver SL500 is unique due to its absence of previous ownership. The low mileage odometer of under 3,000 miles is a result of the vehicle being a TUV test vehicle for Mercedes-Benz Stuttgart until it was brought to the UK in the mid-2000s. The vehicle has never been registered on the road for personal use.

The R129 SL went through three lifecycle changes, with this particular example being an ‘early example’ and is distinguished by a number of cosmetic and mechanical elements. These include the three side vents, orange headlamps and side indicator lights, contrasting lower ‘Sacco Boards’, as well as period-style interior dials from the R129’s predecessor.

Featuring the M119 V8, the early R129 SL models are considered the ‘purists SL’ as they feature distributor caps rather than the fuel injection system of the later models, giving them a deeper soundtrack. Further appeal is due to the power from these early models standing at 320ps, which is the highest figure of all SL500 models produced between 1989 – 2001.

Originality goes far beyond the preserved Anthracite leather interior seats. The vehicle’s factory condition is indicated by the Stuttgart workshop markings still evident within the engine bay and underneath. Testament to the conditions the vehicle has been preserved in over the past 30 years.

SLSHOP’s Sales Director, Bruce Greetham stated that ‘’this R129 SL500 is very much a symbol of the market’s movements. We have been talking about the significance of the R129 for several years now, and now it appears our hard work has paid off. Values of the R129 SL are beginning to reflect its luxurious motoring capabilities, and when low mileage, correctly cared for examples like this come along, enthusiasts and collectors act quickly.’’

The company believes that whilst it is always exciting to see ‘garage queens’ transition through their premises, they fundamentally believe that the experience and memories offered by classic motoring are unrivalled. They, therefore, want to encourage people to make the most of these machines and #DriveMore, #DoMore and #SeeMore.

SLSHOP advises owners of the R129 SL to continue to enjoy their car but choose the right specialist to carry out maintenance and restoration work. With the model over 30 years old in some cases now, the right support for this era of Mercedes-Benz is paramount to ensure both usability and protection of the vehicle’s future value.

The company is expecting several unique R129 SL models to land in their Showroom over the coming weeks, including two right-hand drive SL60 models which are some of the rarest from the R129 model line-up.