Mercedes-Benz 600SL r129 SL60 AMG 1997
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.
The SL60 AMG – as featured here – was extremely rare. Its enormously powerful and ultra-smooth 6-litre V8 engine delivered ferocious performance, all of which could be enjoyed from the luxury cabin for which Mercedes-Benz was renowned. Costing more than £100,000 when new and delivering close to 410hp with an (unlimited) top speed of more than 185mph, the SL60 was a remarkable piece of engineering excellence. To blend such incredible performance with predictable handling and a sumptuous, electronics-packed, leather-bound cabin was a feat that could only be achieved in the nineties by Mercedes-Benz. On sale from 1993 until 1998, it is understood that of the 1,000 or so SL60 AMGs produced, only 49 were built in right-hand drive and supplied to the UK.
Equipment
Brilliant Silver Metallic paintwork, Grey leather upholstery, Removable hardtop in Brilliant Silver Metallic, Electric-folding soft-top in black (740), AMG styling package including front spoiler, side skirts, and rear apron (772), AMG multi-piece alloy wheels with AMG sports suspension (783), AMG engineering package (957), Heated and electrically-adjustable front seats with memory (873/241/242), Multi-contour driver’s seat (405), Self-dimming rear view mirror (249), Leather and wood-trimmed steering wheel (289), Heated driver’s door mirror (501), Rear seats (565), Headlamp wash/wipe (600), Fire extinguisher (682), Digital climate control air conditioning, Removable wind deflector, Tailored carpet mats, Original bill of sale, Spare keys, Tailored indoor car cover.
Exterior
As a UK-supplied factory AMG, this magnificent 6-litre V8 R129 is a rare beast indeed – 1 only of only 49 in fact. Resplendent in Brilliant Silver Metallic, the body presents to a very high standard, untarnished by any unsightly scratches, dents or signs of poor repair. At the front end there’s hardly a stone chip in sight, with only a few light marks low down on the front bumper showing the car's honesty; the underside is also notably fresh (photos available upon request). The SL60 is equipped with factory AMG suspension and a bodykit that includes a more aggressive front spoiler, side skirts and rear apron. The removable hardtop and black fabric soft-top are both in fine condition, operating with ease at the touch of a button.
VIEWINGS WELCOME BY APPOINTMENT ONLY /// ADDITIONAL PHOTOS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST
Interior
The interior presents immaculately. The supple grey leather looks fantastic and shows almost no wear to the bolsters or perforated centre sections. Both front seats are electrically-adjustable with memory, the driver’s seat also boasting the desirable multi-contour backrest adjustment. Contrasting walnut trim complements the leather beautifully and further extends to the steering wheel, another factory option from new that really adds to the sense of occasion. Looking closer there is no damage to the centre console, door cards or delicate speaker covers. In the footwells the pale carpets are protected by a set of tailored overmats, and at the rear the seats appear unused.
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
The SL60 AMG’s M119 powerplant is a ferocious yet smooth 6-litre V8 with an official output of 375hp, and a 0-60mph time of 5.8 seconds. Top speed is limited to 155mph but with the limiter removed she’s good for 180mph+. AMG have since unofficially admitted that the 0-60mph time is closer to 5.0 seconds, and that the engine actually produces between 405-410hp.
The engine bay of this example is remarkably clean, the car having been well maintained from new. The last service was carried out at 72k miles by marque specialist Simon Light Limited and included all new spark plugs.
WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES
The SL60 sits on the correct two-piece AMG alloys in immaculate condition. There is no curb marking, lacquer damage or wear to any of the bolts, and the wheels are shod in matching Michelin Pilot Sport tyres all round. At 69k miles the braking system was completely overhauled; the work included new discs and pads all round, new handbrake shoes, wear indicators, rear brake pipes, and all new brake fluid. The calipers were also removed, sandblasted, and repainted in gloss black for a smart factory finish.
History File
This rare example was supplied new by Glen Henderson Mercedes in March 1997 with a hefty price tag of over £103k. It remained with the first owner until 2011 and has seen only two additional keepers since then. The History File is complete with a raft of invoices, plenty of old MOT certificates, the Mercedes document pouch, three spare keys, the original bill of sale from the supplying dealer, and a copy of Modern Classics magazine in which this example was featured.
The car was last serviced at 72k miles. Prior to this, in 2017, the steering box was rebuilt and a new power steering pump was fitted – all costing in excess of £1,400. At 69k miles the underside was overhauled along with the braking system. The underbody was then sealed and cavity injected as required; the total for this work was over £3,500.
http://www.4starclassics.com/for-sale/mercedes-r129-sl60-amg-for-sale/
1997 Mercedes-Benz 600SL r129 SL60 AMG is listed sold on ClassicDigest in Kingsley by 4 Star Classics for £37995.
Car Facts
Car type : Car Make : Mercedes-Benz Model : 600SL r129 Model Version : SL60 AMG Engine size : 6.0 Model Year : 1997 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.