Ex-Japanese example with a full Japanese history file
Dry stored in the UK with minimal use over the last 6 years
Comprehensive service history with recent maintenance
The Appeal
There's little doubt that Mercedes-Benz knew they were facing a herculean task when it came to replacing the R107. Their previous big roadster had made a huge impact on the market and had gone on to be one of their longest-serving, best-selling models. Thankfully, they were a sensible bunch, and opted to introduce a car of evolution rather than reinventing the wheel. Slightly sleeker, modernised and more luxuriously trimmed, the R129 nonetheless shared much of what worked so well with its predecessor.
Indeed, they proved so enduring with the public that you can still see them on the roads today - plying their abilities ably against modern traffic and still offering that distinctly stately drive that only a Merc' of this era can provide.
This ex-Japanese example is amongst the best R129s we've encountered - quite an accolade. Having benefited from fastidious maintenance and salt-free roads, this car is in excellent order, with a solid underside and much of its build stickers still intact. Presented in the ever-desirable silver metallic and still offering a powerful V8-led ride, this is a simply remarkable example of a much-prized model - and not one you should let pass you by.
History and Paperwork
Registered in 1991
Arrived in the UK in 2018
2 registered UK keepers
Believed to be only 1 Japanese owner
Valid, advisory-free MOT until July 2025
Highly original example with all original stickers from Japan
Complete with all original booklets, manuals, audiobooks, and stamps
Full Japanese history with booklets and stamps
Service carried out in March 2024, including fluid changes and inspection
New spark plugs and distributor caps fitted a few years ago
Dry stored in the UK with minimal use over the last 6 years
Remarkably low 29,090km on the clock
Speedo changed to MPH for use in the UK
Mileage registered and showing in KM’s so will always remain accurate
The Condition
Bodywork is free of significant corrosion and presents well without being fully resprayed
Paintwork presents well with only a few small blemishes
Alloys are in fine fettle, except for a touch of peeling on one wheel
Falken tyres are 7 years old and appear in good condition
Windows currently being professionally cleaned and de-hazed by detailer
Two-tone bumpers in excellent order
Hood operates correctly
This is in excellent order, with a little nick on the bottom edge of the driver's side
Completely dry and solid underneath with very little sign of corrosion
Never been wax oiled - the vendor notes that it's far too good to be caked in wax!
Complete with hard top and soft top
Interior appears in smart condition
Wood and trims in good order
Dashboard is nicely presented
All instruments are clean and well-presented
Seats are free of any rips or tears
Car includes:
Original cassette player in fine working order
Two-stage heated seats are working correctly
Electric windows and mirrors all functioning as they should
Heated rear screen is working in good order
Three-stage memory seats on both sides are all working correctly
The vendor notes a gentle knock from the hardtop when driving over bumps
This has also received a fresh headliner and comes complete with stan
The Mechanics
5.0-Litre V8 powerplant
Automatic transmission with 4 gears
Engine looks in excellent order
Zinc coating still present under the bonnet
Original Japanese stickers present
The vendor reports that:
The gearbox is smooth and feels as new
The car pulls as it should and notches through the gears correctly
Brakes work as they should with plenty of life left in them
Suspension feels like new and ride quality is good
Car is ready to use
We've no reports of any mechanical issues
Ultimately, this is a simply superb example
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.
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or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand..
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More about buying with us
1991 Mercedes-Benz SL500 (R129)
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