Discussion
Are these about to become a proper bona fide classic?
Both Classic & Sports Car and Classic Car magazine have ran recent articles, waxing lyrical about the fact that the R129 SL is vastly under valued and about to enter the fold as a "proper" classic.
I have loved these since they were introduced in 1989 and to my eyes the earliest cars look the best, undiluted by cosmetic "improvements" and marketing department driven facelifts, an early 500 SL with two tone silver/grey, amber indicators and flat faced alloys is a very appealing prospect at less than £7,000 for a good one. However finding an early unmolested car is probably a challenge, most seem to have fake AMG wheels, no history and massive mileages, I still want one though, and I think now is the time to buy, wish me luck!
Both Classic & Sports Car and Classic Car magazine have ran recent articles, waxing lyrical about the fact that the R129 SL is vastly under valued and about to enter the fold as a "proper" classic.
I have loved these since they were introduced in 1989 and to my eyes the earliest cars look the best, undiluted by cosmetic "improvements" and marketing department driven facelifts, an early 500 SL with two tone silver/grey, amber indicators and flat faced alloys is a very appealing prospect at less than £7,000 for a good one. However finding an early unmolested car is probably a challenge, most seem to have fake AMG wheels, no history and massive mileages, I still want one though, and I think now is the time to buy, wish me luck!
The last of the properly built Mercs. No idea if the prices are about right but these look good cars.
http://www.mercseller.com/?pg=search&cat=32
http://www.mercseller.com/?pg=search&cat=32
joncon said:
i am thinking of buying one of these later this year early next year,
i think it would be a cool car to take to classic le mans.
any bad things to look out for ?
Make sure everything works. You'll need to spend at least an hour checking all knobs, buttons, switches and motors. Roof, locking, armrest slidy function and opening, door bins lock with the central locking. Make sure the hood operates and the hard top goes on and off ok.i think it would be a cool car to take to classic le mans.
any bad things to look out for ?
Check carefully for body work issues, front edge of the front wings tend to get a bit of rust.
i love the retro look....I bought a 98 SL500 last spring almost on a whim.75k miles with Full merc history and two owners. They are fantastic machines, mine has the pan roof and gazillions of extras incl heated seats, cruise etc.
Ownership has been totally painless and the car is an absolute pleasure to drive.
They are surprisingly quick and handle far better than you would expect. There is a video clip from merc from the launch of a 500 being thrown around and it seems to love it!! The grip is definitely there but they do roll around a bit.
I cant think of another 'reliable' car which offer the same value for money, my car was £92k new in 98...
Find a good one and you really wont regret it.
The pan roof transforms the car into a proper coupe and despite being 13 years old they have ABS, sophisticated traction control and airbags.
I am considering selling mine and buying a 993 but am still in two minds...
Ownership has been totally painless and the car is an absolute pleasure to drive.
They are surprisingly quick and handle far better than you would expect. There is a video clip from merc from the launch of a 500 being thrown around and it seems to love it!! The grip is definitely there but they do roll around a bit.
I cant think of another 'reliable' car which offer the same value for money, my car was £92k new in 98...
Find a good one and you really wont regret it.
The pan roof transforms the car into a proper coupe and despite being 13 years old they have ABS, sophisticated traction control and airbags.
I am considering selling mine and buying a 993 but am still in two minds...
Am I the only one who prefers the facelift version?
I prefer the mirrors, the front spoiler, modern Xenon (?) and the clear indicators.
I'd take a 2000 SL500 with the panorama glass hardtop.
They do look lovely and are my favourite SL after the Pagode (and of course the 300SL gullwing...).
I prefer the mirrors, the front spoiler, modern Xenon (?) and the clear indicators.
I'd take a 2000 SL500 with the panorama glass hardtop.
They do look lovely and are my favourite SL after the Pagode (and of course the 300SL gullwing...).
A good friend of mine (87 years old) has an immaculate 24V version and whilst no slouch, I am disappointed at how lardy it is when I drive it. He loves it though and has every little thing done by the main dealers. New hood, new alloys - everything and it's only done 53,00 miles.
He paid £15k (three owners from new) for it 5 years ago and has the original bill of sale for over £70k!!!
It still has the original Motorola carphone in and I feel just like Bobby Ewing driving it, (before the shower......)
He paid £15k (three owners from new) for it 5 years ago and has the original bill of sale for over £70k!!!
It still has the original Motorola carphone in and I feel just like Bobby Ewing driving it, (before the shower......)
Valentin said:
Am I the only one who prefers the facelift version?
I prefer the mirrors, the front spoiler, modern Xenon (?) and the clear indicators.
I'd take a 2000 SL500 with the panorama glass hardtop.
They do look lovely and are my favourite SL after the Pagode (and of course the 300SL gullwing...).
To my eyes the original 1989 car looks the best, the two tone cladding reduces the slab sidedness. My ideal car would be an early original 500 SL or 300 24V.I prefer the mirrors, the front spoiler, modern Xenon (?) and the clear indicators.
I'd take a 2000 SL500 with the panorama glass hardtop.
They do look lovely and are my favourite SL after the Pagode (and of course the 300SL gullwing...).
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