1991 Mercedes-Benz R129 500 SL with Grey Leather (278)

1991 Mercedes-Benz 500SL (R129)

Pearl Grey Metallic (122) with Grey Leather (278)

A superbly smart looking 500SL in a desirable colour, an ‘early’ car that looks as good as it drives – beautiful.

When Mercedes-Benz introduced the R129 SL, it caused major issues for customers who were waiting on a final edition R107.

The R107 had been in showrooms for almost two decades, and automotive styling, tastes, fashion and technology had gone through a seismic shift between 1971 and 1989. Society had moved on. The R129 would spearhead a new type of car, focused on safety, comfort and performance. It was a world away from the oh-so-popular R107, and would be an instant hit. The iconic chrome, side mouldings and bumpers that defined the R107 were long gone, replaced by clean, understated styling with lashings of technology – this was the new era of the Mercedes-Benz SL, and buyers signed up in droves – often leaving an embarrassing cancelled R107 order in the process. The popularity of the R129 meant that some ‘cancelled order’ R107 SLs would languish in showrooms for some years before finding buyers, and we’ve seen R107s that weren’t sold and registered until well into the 1990s – including an R107 500SL on a 1992 J Plate! Such was the allure and attraction of the R129 that buyers just had to have it.

Like the R107, the R129 was first available as an inline-six or V8, offering two inline-six engines (300SL and 300SL-24) a the iconic 5.0 litre V8 (500SL). These were joined by the 12 litre variant in in June 1992 (SL600).

For Autumn 1993 both 300SL models were replaced with upgraded engines, now split between 2.8 litre (SL280) and 3.2 litre (SL320), both based on the M104 engine. For the first time the SL moniker preceded the engine designation, the first change to SL badging in almost 50 years!

In 1996 Mercedes-Benz began to develop a replacement for the R129, so the model benefitted from a facelift and a range of new engines that hit showrooms in 1998.

This final swan song of the R129 introduced the world to the M112 engine, the first V6 from Mercedes-Benz. Buyers now had a choice of the SL280 V6, SL320 V6 and SL500 V8 (all of which were new engines), along with continued production of the SL600 V12.

Aesthetically these final year cars were improved inside and out. In the cabin, new soft nappa leather seating, a restyled steering wheel, an improved dial display, the passenger was given a stowage net on the transmission tunnel and the audio systems were upgraded. Outside the R129 was given larger wheels as standard, with more wheel choices available from the showroom. These improvements boosted the appeal of the SL, and a range of special edition cars and glorious metallic colours ensured it was a strong seller right up until the R230 arrived in 2001.

When it comes to desirability, buyers like to go for a very early or very late R129 – although it has to be said this isn’t set in stone!

These late model cars are well equipped and have a more aggressive, sporting look when compared with an early R129 SL, but personal taste is the biggest factor in choosing one of these cars. The R129 comes from an era where styling was subtle, the engine did the talking with no need for gaping holes, huge vents and multiple spoilers – that era would soon follow.

The R129 is the last of the dinosaurs, an early incarnation of the modern grand tourer, understated and yet glamorous, capable and refined. They make excellent second, third or fourth cars, offer intercontinental luxury and an impressive turn of performance regardless of which engine you choose.

The beautiful paintwork on this early R129 is perfectly matched with the grey leather. This very smart and ‘Germanic’ combination suits the elegant shape of the R129, giving it a modern look for the car that heralded the beginning of the electronic generation.

A very detailed folder of history accompanies this car, containing a plethora of invoices and receipts, the large majority of which are Mercedes-Benz official documents for either parts purchases or service and maintenance work.

This early SL500 is an exceptional find, complete with full documented Mercedes-Benz history from new. A well organised folder accompanies the car, complete with invoices and receipts that detail three decades of care and attention.

7,278 miles
12,524 miles
19,247 miles
24,478 miles
29,923 miles
36,997 miles
43,832 miles
48,665 miles
55,019 miles
59,624 miles
61,807 miles
67,480 miles
71,729 miles
82,196 miles
87,525 miles

This Mercedes-Benz has been hand-picked by SLSHOP’s sales team due to its high calibre status. Every inch of this vehicle’s exterior, interior and mechanicals have been inspected by SLSHOP’s workshops to ensure the vehicle meets our world leading standards. While every effort has been made to offer pristine vehicles, there will be some age-related marks, unless otherwise stated.  

We advise interested parties to join us for a coffee to peruse the documentation accompanying this vehicle. There are servicing records and invoices, MOT and tax records dating back many years and as such must be viewed in person.  

241 FRONT SEAT LH ELECTRIC ADJUSTABLE WITH MEMORY 242 FRONT SEAT RH ELECTRIC ADJUSTABLE WITH MEMORY 246 MIRROR WITH MEMORY CIRCUIT 283 DRAFT DEFLECTOR 341 ADDITIONAL BLINKER LAMPS 362 RHD VEHICLES AS PER EC REGULATIONS (CONTROL CODE) 444 TEMPOMAT (CRUISE CONTROL) AND AIRBAG 461 INSTRUMENT WITH MILES IND. AND ENGLISH LEGEND 538 AUTOMATIC ANTENNA AND FRONT LOUDSPEAKER - WITHOUT RADIO SET 551 ANTI-THEFT/ANTI-BREAK-IN WARNING SYSTEM 565 REAR SEATS USED ON SL MODELS 581 AUTOMATIC CLIMATE CONTROL 592 HEAT-INSULATING GLASS, ALL-AROUND, HEATED REAR WINDOW PANE, BAND FILTER 600 HEADLAMP WIPER/WASHER 613 HEADLAMP LEFT-HAND TRAFFIC 663 60 LITERS OF FUEL 740 BLACK SOFT TOP FABRIC 9001 869 No code designation available 873 SEAT HEATER FOR LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT SEATS 880 CLOSING SYSTEM WITH INFRARED REMOTE CONTROL