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Mercedes-Benz 300SL r129 300SL-24 1991

General description : Model History

Designed and built as a grand tourer the SL was first introduced in 1954. The designation SL derives from the German "Sport Lightweight" and was first applied to the 300SL Gullwing. The SL model range is still in production today and has spanned five generations of models from 1954 to the present day.

The R129, as featured here, is the fourth generation of SL and was built from 1989-2002. Featuring a shorter wheelbase and updated rear suspension over its predecessor, the R107, the R129 was quick to introduce model updates and featured a large amount of styling, mechanical, and technological updates over its 12 year life span.

The R129 shot to the public's attention in 1991 when Diana, Princess of Wales sold her Jaguar to purchase a 500SL. This sparked a media storm as this was the first time a member of the royal family had chosen a foreign car. The media questioned whether British royalty should be driving foreign cars and eventually due to pressure she was forced to return the car to Mercedes-Benz in 1992. The car now features in the Mercedes-Benz Museum.

Equipment

Metallic silver paintwork, Anthracite Leather upholstery, Rear seats, Electric-folding soft-top in black, Removable aluminium hardtop, Eight-hole alloy wheels, Four-speed automatic transmission, Electrically adjustable front seats, Electrically adjustable steering wheel, Mercedes ‘Masterpiece’ leather gear knob, Air conditioning, Mercedes cassette radio, Heat insulating glass, Mercedes carpet mats, Central locking, Alloy spare wheel, Wind deflector, Mercedes toolkit, Mercedes first aid kit.

Exterior

This attractive R129 looks great in bright metallic silver – always a great choice for a Mercedes of any vintage. Although not entirely flawless the lustrous paintwork is very presentable throughout, showing just a handful of discreet blemishes on very close inspection. Pleasingly there are no signs of corrosion to the body, with all light lenses remaining clear and free from moisture ingress. The removable aluminium hardtop presents well but there are some defects to the soft-top which the new keeper may wish to address.

Interior

Boasting the desirable rear seat option this SL’s pre-facelift cabin retains plenty of period charm. The Anthracite leather has worn especially well, with only light wear to the driver’s bolster hinting at the car’s age. Aside from only very light marking to the wood trim atop the centre console the cabin is in excellent shape throughout. Commonly worn/damaged items like the spectacle box lid, centre console storage covers, and adjustable armrest all look great and present without fault. In the boot area you’ll find the original Mercedes tool roll, first aid kit, removable wind deflector, and matching alloy spare wheel.

ENGINE & TRANSMISSION

The venerable 24v straight-six starts without fuss and idles up to temperature smoothly. The four-speed auto ‘box operates with ease, handling the engine’s power perfectly on test. A fresh service has recently been carried out at the current mileage and the MOT is valid until July 2020 with no advisories.

WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES

The Mercedes sits on classic eight-hole alloys, all in nice original condition. Some signs of wear are visible on close inspection, but nothing untoward for the age, although a perfectionist may choose to refurb. The wheels are shod in high quality Pirelli tyres with plenty of tread all round; the rears were replaced in March 2018 at 58k miles.

History File

The SL was first registered in September 1991. It was sold new in Singapore and boasts a complete supplying-dealer service history up until 41k miles. Since arriving in the UK back in 1998 it has been used sparingly in the hands of only three additional keepers, with the odometer now reading just 59k miles.

We have recently had the SL fully inspected, serviced and MOT’d for the new keeper’s piece of mind, with only a small amount of mechanical work having been required prior to sale. Such items included replacing the heater motor assembly and renewing both front lower balljoint gators. The MOT certificate is complete with no advisories and is valid until July 2020.

http://www.4starclassics.com/for-sale/mercedes-r129-300sl-24-for-sale/

1991 Mercedes-Benz 300SL r129 300SL-24 is listed sold on ClassicDigest in Kingsley by 4 Star Classics for £7995.

 

Car Facts

Car type : Car Make : Mercedes-Benz Model : 300SL r129 Model Version : 300SL-24 Engine size : 3.0 Model Year : 1991 Sub type : Coupé Location : Hampshire

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About Mercedes-Benz
In the annals of automotive history, the journey of Mercedes-Benz is a tale that unfolds with the ingenuity of its founding pioneers. In the year 1886, Karl Benz crafted the Benz Patent Motorwagen, a creation that would go down in history as the world's inaugural automobile. Unbeknownst to him, this moment marked the genesis of what would evolve into the most illustrious premium car manufacturer globally. The financial underpinning of this pioneering venture, interestingly, was provided by Karl Benz's wife, Bertha Benz, demonstrating a remarkable partnership that would set the tone for Mercedes-Benz's legacy.

A parallel narrative emerged not far away, as Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft, founded by Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach, entered the scene. In 1901, they unveiled their automobile under the now-famous moniker "Mercedes," meaning "godsend" in Spanish. This name was bestowed upon the car at the behest of Emil Jellinek's daughter, the distributor for Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft. The wheels of innovation were set in motion.

Fast forward to 1926, a pivotal year that witnessed the merger of Daimler with Benz & Cie., culminating in the birth of Daimler-Benz. The amalgamation saw the adoption of "Mercedes-Benz" as the distinguished trademark for their automobiles, fusing the legacies of two visionary entities into one.

Contrary to perceptions of conservatism, the trajectory of Daimler-Benz unfolds as a chronicle of industry firsts. From the introduction of the honeycomb radiator to the float carburetor, and the pioneering implementation of four-wheel brakes in 1924, Daimler-Benz consistently pushed the boundaries of automotive innovation. The diesel-powered Mercedes-Benz 260 D in 1936 marked the inception of diesel engines in passenger cars. The iconic Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing made history as the first car with direct fuel injection, albeit the Gutbrod's tiny 2-stroke engine can claim precedence.

Safety innovations became a hallmark, with Béla Barényi's patented safety cell design in the "Ponton"-models in 1951, featuring front and rear crumple zones. The W116 450SEL 6.9 saw the introduction of the Anti-Lock Brake system (ABS), another pioneering safety feature. From the first production airbags and beyond, the legacy of "firsts" continued to be etched into the fabric of Daimler-Benz.

Over its centennial journey, Mercedes-Benz has not merely produced cars but has sculpted automotive icons. The SSKL, 710 SSK Trossi Roadster, 770K Grosser, 540K Spezial Roadster, 300SL Gullwing, w100 600 Pullman, w111 280SE 3.5 Flachkühler, w113 230SL Pagoda, w109 300 SEL 6.3, and w201 2.3-16 Cosworth stand testament to the brand's commitment to engineering excellence.

The roaring Silver Arrows, or "Silberpfeile," including the W 25, W 125, W154, W165, and W196, created a legacy of dominance on the racetrack. These machines were not merely cars; they were expressions of precision, speed, and an indomitable spirit that left their competitors in the dust.

As Mercedes-Benz marches into the future, it does so not just as an automaker but as a custodian of a legacy, a torchbearer of innovation, and a beacon of automotive excellence. The road ahead is sure to witness the continued fusion of cutting-edge technology, timeless design, and an unwavering commitment to setting new standards in the world of automobiles.

One luminary figure who left an indelible mark was Béla Barényi, often heralded as the "father of passive safety" for his pioneering work in safety engineering. His patented safety cell design, featuring front and rear crumple zones, became a hallmark of Mercedes-Benz's commitment to occupant safety, setting new standards that reverberated throughout the automotive world.

Moving through the chronicles, the collaborative genius of Wilhelm Maybach, alongside Gottlieb Daimler, laid the foundation for Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft. Their innovations not only birthed the first Mercedes but established a culture of relentless pursuit of technological excellence that remains integral to Mercedes-Benz's DNA.

In the post-merger era of 1926, Ferdinand Porsche emerged as a prominent figure within Mercedes-Benz. His work on the Mercedes-Benz S-Type, a supercharged race car, garnered acclaim and set the stage for a legacy that extended far beyond the marque. Porsche's impact would later extend to his eponymous company, but his influence at Mercedes-Benz during those formative years was pivotal.

As the 20th century progressed, the legendary Rudolf Uhlenhaut emerged as a key figure. Uhlenhaut, an accomplished engineer and the driving force behind the iconic Silver Arrows, played a crucial role in Mercedes-Benz's dominance in motorsports. His engineering prowess and attention to detail were instrumental in creating some of the most formidable racing cars of the era.

In the latter half of the century, figures like Bruno Sacco, the head of design at Mercedes-Benz from 1975 to 1999, left an indelible imprint on the brand's aesthetic identity. Sacco's design philosophy, characterized by clean lines and timeless elegance, shaped iconic models like the W126 S-Class and the W201 190E, solidifying Mercedes-Benz's reputation for luxury and sophistication.

The narrative would be incomplete without acknowledging the contributions of engineers like Hans Scherenberg, whose leadership in the 1970s ushered in a new era of technological innovation at Mercedes-Benz. Scherenberg's tenure saw the development of groundbreaking technologies, including the Anti-Lock Brake system (ABS) and the introduction of airbags in production cars.
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