2001 Mercedes-Benz R129 SL320 with Black Leather (231)

It was clear by the time the R107 was on its way out that with each passing generation of the SL, Mercedes-Benz were consistently creating better cars. So, it’s no surprise that the succeeding R129 was presented with large shoes to fill when it arrived. But what’s relatively unknown is that Mercedes were already busy prepping the new SL way before the R107’s time was over. The years of research and development that they put into this new car enabled them to bring out something that didn’t just justify the two-letter model designation, it effectively transformed the SL line. Thoroughly different from the model it replaced — and not just in the way it looked — the R129 SL proved itself, with more than 200,000 sales in 12 years. Technologically advanced but equally worthy of the three-pointed star it adorned, one of the best ways to enjoy the R129 would be in its late-model guise, a good example of which has become available at the SLSHOP.

 Presented here is a 2001 Mercedes-Benz R129 SL320 with a little over 100,000 miles on the clock but more importantly a handsome amount spent to bring it to the near-excellent state it’s in. As is the case with much-loved classics, this one too comes with previous invoices detailing the extensive work that’s been done to the car, a largely clean MoT record, and a well-documented service history stamped at both Mercedes-Benz dealers and specialists including The SLSHOP. Our Assured Check confirms the car’s brilliant condition, and you can access the full report to see for yourself.

The late-model R129s have a distinctive edge over earlier cars, and Y263 LJX isn't any different. Specced in Brilliant Silver, the refreshed styling has worked wonders on this one, too. The R129 has aged gracefully, and on close inspection, you'd find that to be true here. On the outside, the bodywork shows only very minor blemishes, the wheels are nearly spot-free, and it's hard to tell its age by the car's overall condition. The move away from the chrome-intensive styling of the R107 is evident but the R129 SL doesn't get overshadowed by its forebears. This shouldn't come as a surprise considering Bruno Sacco, the car's designer, considers the R129 SL his personal favourite among his work.

The interior paints a solid picture, too. Devoid of any major wear, the cabin looks spectacular with the simple yet charming design approach by Mercedes-Benz. It in no way gives away, apart from the little readout in the instrument cluster, that the car has done just over 105k miles since new. The R129 was supplied with a hard top, and this example has the optional (and definitely more desirable) panoramic one. The standard convertible soft top seems free from damage or discolouration.

Updated at frequent intervals throughout its life, the late-model cars weren't just visually upgraded but also benefitted from new engines. Like for the SL280 and SL320, Mercedes-Benz opted for the M112 V6 with over 200 bhp and less weight than the V8- and V12-engined versions. The SL320 was better-equipped and more powerful of the duo.

This 2001 SL320 was first registered in May 2001 and according to the accompanying service book, it's been regularly serviced throughout. It came to its current keeper two years ago and has since been put through the exercise of maintaining its pristine standard to a tee, which the included invoices are a big testament to. Since 2022, the car has had a wide range of essential work done at the SLSHOP including corrosion removal, replacement of a variety of parts, and periodic service.

The SL320's arrival marked a change in Mercedes-Benz's approach in the powertrain department for the SL model line. Fun to drive but not at the expense of running or service costs, the M112 makes the R129 even more desirable. This particular example comes not just with bucketloads of work done to it but also a well-preserved history — and a resulting overall condition that's hard to ignore. It has scored respectably in the SLSHOP's Assured Check, which is going to be reassuring for anyone who's looking for an SL that they could just buy and run it, as they would've back when these were new. Come to think of it, it'd be hard to think that the R129 is more than three decades old and that this very car is not too far from its 25th anniversary, either. Wow!