2001 Mercedes-Benz SL500 Silver Arrow (R129) |

Closed Auction- Unsold

2001 Mercedes-Benz SL500 Silver Arrow (R129)

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Mileage~40,977
TransmissionAutomatic
Engine5.0L
LocationStanmore

AUCTION CLOSED

2001 Mercedes-Benz SL500 Silver Arrow (R129)

Introduction

Darren Rungasamy

Automotive Editor, Photographer and Consigner

Just 100 RHD Silver Arrow Editions were built to honour Mercedes’ 1930s Grand Prix racers.

The glorious evolution of the Mercedes' Sport Light range stretches back to 1954. Catering for those seeking a sports luxury car with a granite-like build quality, the SL has established itself as the default German open-top luxury cruiser. The fourth generation of SL, known as the R129 Series, was the first Mercedes to feature a fully automatic hydraulically operated fabric top and automatic roll bar. The R129 also added an element of sporting prowess, on top of its technological and safety vantage points. These last edition SLs were considered the very best, thanks to their generous equipment and subtle but regular evolution. To honour their’ 1930 Grand Prix racers, Mercedes produced the limited edition Silver Arrow versions of the SL500, with just 100 RHD cars being sold in the UK.

Kitted out with the full AMG body package, they were all finished in a unique 777 Silver Arrow paint, a two-tone silver and black interior, unique leather seats and steering wheel. The last of the breed is often something special, but the SL500 Silver Arrow has to be considered the pinnacle of the R129 legacy. With just ~40,977 on the clock, it comes with its factory panoramic hardtop and retains its original factory specifications. It has just 4 owners over its lifetime, comes with two keys and an MOT to April 2024.

This listing was written from information supplied by Darren after meeting Hyder the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

The SL is a definite head turner, not one if you're shy!

Having owned several R129 over the years, Hyder is familiar with the strengths and talents of the Mercedes flagship roadsters and leapt on the opportunity to grab one of the limited edition Silver Arrow models in 2021.

Since owning it, it has been stored in a secure garage but he admits the lack of use is the main reason for the car's sale. Hyder will be on had to answer any questions in the comment section below.

Hyder

Vehicle Owner

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Exterior
Interior
Mechanics
History
All Images

EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

Catching your eye with its unique Silver Arrow finish, this SL500 has been well looked after over the years.

Wheels and Tyres

The unique Silver Arrow edition BBS 18” split rim alloys are in good condition, with some signs of age on the stainless steel trim rings.

The car is fitted with a matching set of Continental tyres, all of which are over 10 years old. They show signs of wear but are all within the legal constraints.

Bodywork

Externally the car is well-presented, we didn't notice any dents or panel damage. All panels flow smoothly, all doors open and close with ease and display even shut lines. The structure, floor pan and wheel wells of the car appear to be solid throughout. The engine bay is in good shape, with some signs of age noted on the boot floor. With a previous keeper in February 2008, the car suffered some bricks falling on it in the garage, this resulted in the car being involved in a Category D insurance claim.

We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our high-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view of what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Paint

The Silver Arrow paint has a good lustre with an even colour match throughout. The finish is generally free of any significant marks or scuffs. We spotted a handful of chips on the front bumper, but overall the car has worn its years well.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these high-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint.

Glass and Trim

The glass is in good shape with decent seals. The Xenon headlights are free of damage and other lenses are in good condition.

The trim is well presented, with its unique badges intact. There are a few signs of age noted - mainly confined to the grill.

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INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

Reflecting its low mileage, the cabin is in superb condition with the exclusive SL Edition features.

Seats and Carpets

The two-tone heated leather seats are well presented, with age-related wear noted on the driver's side bolster. The rear seats appear to be unused as you might expect for a car like this.

The cabin carpets and mats are all clean and damp-free, and the luggage area was dry on the day of the visit.

Dashboard

The dashboard is in good shape, with no issues noted on the dials or switchgear, other than wear on the main audio knob. The original radio is not functional due to a mislaid pin code but was working along with the automatic aerial when the owner first bought the car.

There is a fracture on the lower centre console veneer, but otherwise, the cabin is reflective of the car's low mileage. Both hard-top and soft-top roof linings are good, we noted that the driver-side door card will need readjusting, but otherwise, both sides are in good condition.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The Silver Arrow SL Edition specific leather steering wheel is in good shape, the gear lever is also in good condition, in line with the low mileage of the car.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

The subtle exhaust note and intoxicating smoothness of the V8 engine is a treat with the roof down!

Engine and Gearbox

The engine fires up immediately with no issues, there were no unwanted noises noticed either. The engine ran smoothly with its warning lights remaining off as it idled. No fluid leaks were observed on the day. The engine is cleanly presented with decent hoses and ancilleries.

The 5-speed automatic gearbox functions without issue and there was no reports of slippage. Watch the video to see the car in action.

Suspension and Brakes

The ride was nicely balanced during our short test run, with no unwanted thuds or knocking heard from the suspension components. A quick peak at the underside showed mild surface corrosion on the suspension arms, likely due to a historical lack of use. Please inspect the images in the mechanical gallery to make an assessment.

The braking appears to be effective with no negative actions, free of judders and grinding. They reassuringly stop the car, with no vibrations noted on the steering wheel. The Silver Arrow edition model is fitted with Brembo callipers.

The Drive

Comfortable with a brisk pace would be the best statement to summarise the SL500, the M113 E50 5.0-litre, 24-valve V8 produces ~302BHP and pulls with impressive confidence. While on the test run, the engine sounded composed, with no unwanted tapping or misfiring.

The ride was compliant, smooth and comfortable with no creaks or knocks heard. Hyder has not reported any issues in terms of the oil pressure or engine temperature, we left the engine running for at least 20 minutes with no ill effects.

Electrics and Other

The car is fitted with a panoramic glass hard top, there are a handful of scuffs noted on the surface of the roof but it's in decent shape. The soft top is in good condition, with a little loose stitching noted around the rear screen. The electric roof operation was demonstrated to work without fault. Hyder assures us all the electrical components of the car are working as expected apart from the radio due to the mislaid code as mentioned earlier.

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History and Paperwork

This Silver Arrow has a robust service history and has been well maintained, it comes to market from ~3 year ownership, low mileage, and with a very reasonable reserve.

Registered in October 2001, it comes with a Mercedes-Benz service history of up to 36,909 miles, with an independent service carried out in 2020 at 38,675 miles. This also includes new front discs, pads and a hardtop reset and service. Additional invoices relate to a new sensor, a roof switch and a battery. The car also comes with a body of previous MOTs back to 2009 and a handful of road tax discs. It comes with its original owner's wallet and two keys. The car has an MOT valid until April 2024. The SL500 was a Category D insurance write-off in February 2008, when bricks fell on it when stored in a garage, since repaired with a former keeper.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned an HPI check on the vehicle.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment of the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bids, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Service History

Date	Type	Mileage
17-04-2023	MOT	40,897
16-04-2022	MOT	40,837
17-02-2021	MOT	38,709
17-03-2020	Service	38,675
18-02-2020	MOT	38,375
06-09-2018	MOT	37,714
18-05-2018	Rood Fault Repair	-
07-09-2017	MOT	37,424
05-11-2015	Front Fenders	-
06-07-2015	MOT	37,319
13-11-2014	Wheel Refurb	-
28-05-2014	MOT	36,945
09-05-2014	Service	36,909
23-02-2012	MOT	32,814
29-03-2010	MOT	30,397
06-10-2009	MOT	29,438
04-08-2008	MOT	26,776
15-12-2007	MOT	26,494
14-12-2006	MOT	24,949
14-12-2006	Service	24,947
02-11-2005	MOT	23,487
09-11-2004	Service	21,948
02-09-2003	Service	14,552