Description
The R129 was based on the shortened floorpan of the Mercedes-Benz W124 and featured many innovative details for its time, for instance, electronically controlled damping (optional) and a hidden, automatically expanding roll-over bar. The R107’s rather dated rear diagonal swing axle gave way to a modern multi-link axle. The number of standard features was high; with mirrors, seats, a hood and electric action for the windows. In autumn 1993, Mercedes rearranged names and models; the 300 SL was replaced by the 24-valve SL 280 and SL 320 (with 2.8 L and 3.2 L I6 engines, only the 280 being available with a manual gearbox). SL 500 and 600 continued with their respective powerful engines and Antilock Braking System (ABS), which senses impending wheel lockup under heavy braking and pumps the front brakes individually or the rear brakes together as needed up to 30 times per second, preventing lockup and maintain steering ability. 1995 saw a mild facelift concerning head and taillights and several new features adopted as standard: such as side air bags, automatic climate control and ESP, among other things.
This early example was delivered new in December 1992 via Colindale Mercedes-Benz to a Royal Household, who have kept the car from new and are still the current owners.
The car is presented in red metallic with a beige leather interior and is supplied with its body colour matching hardtop. Showing just 6,831 miles on the odometer, which given the previous ownership is believed to be correct, this car comes with a recent service from a Mercedes-Benz main dealer.
With its ultrasmooth V12 engine and with the hood down, this is the ultimate sports car for open top touring. This surely must be one of the finest and lowest mileage Mercedes sports cars of this era available today, and offer for the first time since delivery.
