2001 Mercedes-Benz R129 SL320 with Helios Leather (239)

Without doubt the salesperson’s eyebow would have raised when the customer across the desk was finalising the order for this SL 320. Finished in Chalcedony Blue (usually found on the W220 S Class) paired with a Helios leather interior we at the SLSHOP salute that owner for their decision, because it’s a refreshing change from the more usual colour and trim combinations we see here. This cheerfully bright 2001 SL 320 will be one of the very last of the R129 generation of SL, and in the twenty-three years since it’s been nicely looked after by all its previous owners, having covered just 56,153 miles collectively in their hands.

There’s a fully-stamped service booklet and a history file that’s got enough pages to rival Joyce’s Ulysses, this is a very nice looking and driving example which offers an inexpensive introduction into SL ownership. Also available for sale, under separate negotiation, is an extensive parts collection, which the current owner has amassed this containing many difficult to find trim pieces for the interior, as well as some useful consumables for servicing.

With the majority of its mileage having been undertaken in its first decade of use, and plenty of regular servicing, this SL 320 has been well looked after. Lifting the bonnet reveals an engine bay that’s sparkling clean, with the bodywork being straight and the paint, save the very odd stone chip and some storage paint repairs evident on the included hard-top roof, being good. The folding fabric roof, in dark blue, could do some attention, it looking a bit tatty in places. All that does very little to detract from its otherwise overall good condition of this SL. The interior has worn well, though the leather would benefit from a bit of conditioning, and a deep clean would get the rear seatbelts and some of the carpet trims closer to factory-fresh. The alloy wheels are all in good condition, but the centre caps have some age-related patina – a new set would lift the car significantly.  Similarly, if you’re buying this SL 320 with the intention of driving it, a new set of tyres will not just enhance your drive, but add to your safety, too.

History files seldom come as complete as that which accompanies this SL 320, with it substantial enough to fill a large ring binder and more besides. All that demonstrates that money’s been spent on the car when needed, with the car’s condition testifying to that. The service book is fully stamped, that, in conjunction with previous MOTs certifying the relatively low mileage – around 200 miles a month since it was delivered. Among those files you’ll discover this SL 320 has been located in England, Northern Ireland and Scotland when with its various previous owners, while evidence of Mercedes-Benz Club documentation points to enthusiasts among them, which is always a good sign.

An opportunity to acquire one of the last of the line R129 SL 320s in a colour combination that’s a little different from the norm, and all the better because of it. R129s are increasingly appreciated as useable modern classics, and this example offers the opportunity to enjoy ownership, with its low mileage giving you plenty room for maneuverer to add plenty worry-free miles. Before doing so we’d strongly recommend some quality replacement tyres and while you’ve the wheels off some new centre caps to lift the exterior. Do that and this is an affordable, enjoyable SL, which, with very little work, can be elevated from very good overall condition to outstanding. Note – the owner supplied this car with an extensive list of spare parts, these are available to buy under separate negotiation.