Mercedes SL320 R129 - Part 2
Discussion
This cars story continues .....
As this is reputed to be the best time of year to sell a convertible I have advertised it on Pistonheads, Car and Classic and on eBay.
I'm not a big fan of the hassle of selling privately.
So far, I've had -
Two low offers.
A lengthy chat with another R129 owner who may be replacing his.
A call from a collector who buys these sight unseen to store away.
No actual car viewings although I did get an email through C&C from someone fairly local who wants to see the car but when I tried to respond I get a failed email delivery message.
So, Calum, if you read this, please try one of the other contact methods.
I recently used Gumtree to sell an exercise bike for my sister. There were a lot more scammer contacts than there were actual buyers!
Still reflecting on what to do next.
Part of the reason for buying a convertible was as an alternative to the motorbike but I've probably done over 700 miles in the last week on the bike and didn't get too wet!
An MX5 would still be a good option for that purpose.
I've pretty much done all the tinkering I want to with the R129 which is where the E Type option would be good as I'm pretty sure any one of them that I buy would need some work.
Scottish Motor Services have one in green but I don't want something that tidy as it looks too good for regular use.
As this is reputed to be the best time of year to sell a convertible I have advertised it on Pistonheads, Car and Classic and on eBay.
I'm not a big fan of the hassle of selling privately.
So far, I've had -
Two low offers.
A lengthy chat with another R129 owner who may be replacing his.
A call from a collector who buys these sight unseen to store away.
No actual car viewings although I did get an email through C&C from someone fairly local who wants to see the car but when I tried to respond I get a failed email delivery message.
So, Calum, if you read this, please try one of the other contact methods.
I recently used Gumtree to sell an exercise bike for my sister. There were a lot more scammer contacts than there were actual buyers!
Still reflecting on what to do next.
Part of the reason for buying a convertible was as an alternative to the motorbike but I've probably done over 700 miles in the last week on the bike and didn't get too wet!
An MX5 would still be a good option for that purpose.
I've pretty much done all the tinkering I want to with the R129 which is where the E Type option would be good as I'm pretty sure any one of them that I buy would need some work.
Scottish Motor Services have one in green but I don't want something that tidy as it looks too good for regular use.
My time with this SL is over as the car has been sold.
I had mentioned that I do not enjoy the hassle of selling a car privately but this one has been a pleasant experience.
There were a few messages from the eBay ad, mostly offering low prices but the two gents that actually came to see the car were a pleasure to deal with.
I accepted slightly less than I paid for it but it would appear to be in safe hands with the new owner.
When I told the other prospective purchaser that it was sold his response was "Gutted" and he told me that he was going to be calling me that evening with an offer slightly higher than I had accepted. I felt a bit sorry for him as he liked the car.
It was a bit sad to see it drive off. I have put more time and money into this car than any other I have owned.
I'm also a bit concerned as the new owner has bought it to replace one that he sold previously! I hope this will not be added to the list of cars I regret selling.
I had mentioned that I do not enjoy the hassle of selling a car privately but this one has been a pleasant experience.
There were a few messages from the eBay ad, mostly offering low prices but the two gents that actually came to see the car were a pleasure to deal with.
I accepted slightly less than I paid for it but it would appear to be in safe hands with the new owner.
When I told the other prospective purchaser that it was sold his response was "Gutted" and he told me that he was going to be calling me that evening with an offer slightly higher than I had accepted. I felt a bit sorry for him as he liked the car.
It was a bit sad to see it drive off. I have put more time and money into this car than any other I have owned.
I'm also a bit concerned as the new owner has bought it to replace one that he sold previously! I hope this will not be added to the list of cars I regret selling.
Yogioes said:
The garage looks very bare.
I’m reviewing my options and currently swaying between an MX5 or an E Type.
Slightly different, I know. Depends on my mood.
However, I am easily swayed when I read about or see somebody else’s story.
Still, part of the fun is in the “what about….”
Having had an R129 and still regretting selling it and having a Series 1 E-type, may I just say that you will most likely spend your time bemoaning the lack of build quality of even a well-put together Jaguar? I’m reviewing my options and currently swaying between an MX5 or an E Type.
Slightly different, I know. Depends on my mood.
However, I am easily swayed when I read about or see somebody else’s story.
Still, part of the fun is in the “what about….”
Top tier Mercedes from the 90s just make you intolerant of the shoddy standards of most car makers and largely ruin the experience of all other cars IMO. Even if you aim off, there’s that eternal nagging voice saying just why couldn’t they be arsed to do this right?
Jings!
That’s a wee bit concerning!
I had quite a few fords when I was younger and at the time they seemed fine.
However, I had looked at some at a car show after getting the SL and had become aware of how cheap and simple they were.
I know they were built for a different market and purpose.
One of the things I appreciated about SL was the build quality and engineering.
That’s a wee bit concerning!
I had quite a few fords when I was younger and at the time they seemed fine.
However, I had looked at some at a car show after getting the SL and had become aware of how cheap and simple they were.
I know they were built for a different market and purpose.
One of the things I appreciated about SL was the build quality and engineering.
I'd go and drive an E-Type if I were you, I know they are pretty but they're pretty horrible to drive in my experience. What about a late XJS 6 litre convertible?
Nothing Jaguar shy of an X150 from 2006 onwards will touch an R129 for build and engineering.
Nothing Jaguar shy of an X150 from 2006 onwards will touch an R129 for build and engineering.
Edited by anonymous-user on Friday 18th June 09:45
Sad to hear that you’ve moved it on but sounds like it’s gone to a good home.
Agree re the above on E types. On one of our south of france trips in the 129 I ended up with an e type roadster for the day. I drove into the garage in the merc and out in the jag so had a good back to back, and after the initial 15 minute “I can’t believe I’m driving an E type roadster about Nice” faded it was an absolutely horrible thing to drive.
Agree re the above on E types. On one of our south of france trips in the 129 I ended up with an e type roadster for the day. I drove into the garage in the merc and out in the jag so had a good back to back, and after the initial 15 minute “I can’t believe I’m driving an E type roadster about Nice” faded it was an absolutely horrible thing to drive.
Well, I suppose it’s possible that at least one person was wondering if I replaced the SL…….
Maybe not?
I had narrowed it down to an MX5 or an e type.
There were a couple of 1966 E Types in Perth that I liked the look of. US imports so LHD but despite several phone calls, left messages and an email I got no response.
An MX5 was the sensible option and I started to include the ND as an option.
So, what did I do…..
I went to Amore Autos and drove three of the Chimaera’s they had that I liked.
Great setup and well worth a visit if your looking for a TVR.
The first one was a 500. It was a bit of a brutal assault on the senses.
Second was a 400 that seemed a bit tame by comparison.
They had just got in a red 450 which hadn’t been priced as yet. I liked this one and it’s history.
But I decided to leave it and headed north via Durham to see a fourth one. Another 450.
I still don’t know what I’m doing, but I bought it.
Currently on my way home with it, stopped at the services to rest my ears and my ankle. Couldn’t find the cruise control button ;-)
Picture to follow as I don’t know how to reduce the picture on my phone to allow upload
Old duffer apparently.
Me. Not the car.
Maybe not?
I had narrowed it down to an MX5 or an e type.
There were a couple of 1966 E Types in Perth that I liked the look of. US imports so LHD but despite several phone calls, left messages and an email I got no response.
An MX5 was the sensible option and I started to include the ND as an option.
So, what did I do…..
I went to Amore Autos and drove three of the Chimaera’s they had that I liked.
Great setup and well worth a visit if your looking for a TVR.
The first one was a 500. It was a bit of a brutal assault on the senses.
Second was a 400 that seemed a bit tame by comparison.
They had just got in a red 450 which hadn’t been priced as yet. I liked this one and it’s history.
But I decided to leave it and headed north via Durham to see a fourth one. Another 450.
I still don’t know what I’m doing, but I bought it.
Currently on my way home with it, stopped at the services to rest my ears and my ankle. Couldn’t find the cruise control button ;-)
Picture to follow as I don’t know how to reduce the picture on my phone to allow upload
Old duffer apparently.
Me. Not the car.
Edited by Yogioes on Wednesday 4th August 16:48
I suppose I need to stop posting on this thread as this new car has little in common with an R129.
As an aside, I had to stop myself looking at adverts for R129's. Who knows, maybe someday I will return. Good cars.
Anyway, pictures of the TVR on the journey home.
The obligatory petrol station shot
This was at the side of the A66. The road was closed for a while and I was getting roasted so I pulled off to the side for some shaded shelter and waited until the traffic started moving again.
It looks like it is basically the same car as TR4man's
As an aside, I had to stop myself looking at adverts for R129's. Who knows, maybe someday I will return. Good cars.
Anyway, pictures of the TVR on the journey home.
The obligatory petrol station shot
This was at the side of the A66. The road was closed for a while and I was getting roasted so I pulled off to the side for some shaded shelter and waited until the traffic started moving again.
It looks like it is basically the same car as TR4man's
Yogioes said:
I suppose I need to stop posting on this thread as this new car has little in common with an R129.
If (and I hope you do) you start a new thread on living with the chim 450 - would you ve so kind as to pop a link to the new thread in here so it pops up in my bookmarks and I can then bookmark the new journeyOk, so for anybody interested in where I go with the TVR ......
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
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