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Closed Auction- Unsold

1997 Mercedes-Benz SL320 (R129)

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  • Mileage~114,340
  • TransmissionAuto
  • Engine3.2L
  • LocationKettering

AUCTION CLOSED

1997 Mercedes-Benz SL320 (R129)

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Introduction

Glyn Parry
Vehicle Consigner and Photographer

The SL320 - sophisticated engineering, stylish flowing lines, communicative driving and legendary Mercedes build quality.

Launched in 1989 at the Geneva Motor show the SL320 (R129) continued the established, Mercedes tradition of well-engineered, stylish and elegant sports cars. The car enjoyed a 13-year production run until being replaced by the R230 series in 2002.

Driven by a 3.2-litre straight-six, delivering around 228bhp through a five-speed automatic gearbox, the SL320 gets to 60mph in 8.3 seconds and can achieve a specified top speed of a whisker under 140mph.

Benefitting from a wide range of features to enhance the driving experience including ventilated discs, stability control and adaptive damping shock absorbers these cars are an ideal usable sports classic. These are rewarding cars to own and drive.

This SL320 is a fantastic example. Presented in Black/Green Metallic over a mushroom leather interior the car looks great. It’s difficult to believe it’s 25 years old. This example comes with the Panoramic, all glass hard top, a highly desirable option on these cars.

We have taken plenty of high-resolution photos and videos of this beautiful convertible - please do take a look and judge for yourself.

This auction listing was written from information supplied by Glyn after meeting Paul 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

I’m a huge fan of modern classics and this SL320 has to be one my favourites – I love the colour; it looks fantastic and it’s huge fun to drive.

Paul loves his cars, and he particularly loves modern classics - he has his own philosophy on this:

“Why buy a new car when you can have one of this quality” - we wouldn’t disagree with that!

Paul has owned this Mercedes for around 18 months and now needs to thin out his collection for health reasons.

“I have really enjoyed this car and if the new owner loves it half as much as I have, then they won’t be disappointed”.

Paul will be happy to answer any questions about his car in the comments section below

Paul
Vehicle Owner

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CONTACT OWNER

Exterior

Stunning lines, beautiful styling and fantastic colourway - there’s a lot to love about this SL320.

Wheels and Tyres

All four 17-inch alloy road wheels have been refurbished and look in excellent condition. They are shod with recent 245/45/17 tyres all of which look in great shape and have plenty of tread remaining.

There is a full size, un-refurbished spare in the boot.

Bodywork

The car stands straight, shut lines appear very good and doors, bonnet and boot all open and close with precision – very typical Mercedes.

Overall, the bodywork looks excellent, and we really had to search to find any signs of age-related wear.

The panoramic hood works exactly as it should with only some slight corrosion around the bottom corners of the rear window.

We’ve taken plenty of pictures and videos - do take a look to assess the condition for yourselves.

Paint

The Black/Green metallic finish is a great colour for these cars. We could see no significant scratches or chips and overall, the paint looks in good condition.

It is fair to say the car would benefit from a polish and some detailing which Paul believes would make it look absolutely stunning.

Glass and Trim

Windscreen, side windows, rear windows and highly desirable panoramic roof all look in very good condition, as do the lenses and mirrors.

Trim and badging appear in great shape – impressive given the age of the car.

Interior

A superb combination of luxury and functionality - the leather interior is comfortable and spacious, yet has a purposeful and sporty feel.

Seats and Carpets

The mushroom leather seats are generally in great condition with no major rips or tears. While the passenger and rear seats appear largely untouched, the driver’s seat, particularly the bolster, is showing signs of wear as would be expected.

The thick pile carpets are in good condition and are protected by Mercedes cover mats.

Dashboard

Dials are clear, unbroken and we understand all work exactly as they should. The dashboard is well laid out with switches, dials and controls all within comfortable, easy reach – Mercedes ergonomics at their best.

The wood trim appears in excellent condition with no significant marks, scratches or peeling.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The leather covered steering wheel is sound but showing some signs of wear with a little of the stitching coming undone. Likewise, the auto selector lever shows some signs of use. We are being very picky though! Overall, the interior looks and feels great - do check out the interior video and images to judge for yourself.

Mechanics

Silky smooth, 3.2 Litre, 228bhp straight six blends with the 5-speed auto box and beautifully engineered chassis to provide an entertaining, communicative and thoroughly rewarding drive.

Engine and Gearbox

Delivering 0-60 in 8.3 seconds and a factory specified top speed of 139mph this car is no slouch!

Check out our On-The-Road video where you’ll see the car fires up easily and quickly settles down to a steady idle. We could see no oil leaks or hear anything untoward during tickover.

The oil pressure looked good, and emissions from the twin tailpipes appeared clear.

Suspension and Brakes

Underpinned by Mercedes engineering with ABS and ventilated discs all round, you can be assured this car will stop well when needed. Paul assures us the brakes work exactly as they should.

The Drive

On our short test drive with Paul, the car pulled smoothly and precisely through the gears, steering felt precise, and the car stopped evenly without any sign of judder.

There were no knocks, whines or bangs that we could hear, and the car felt surefooted and planted. Paul confirms all systems, dials and switches work exactly as they should

Electrics and Other

Paul confirms all electrics on this SL320 are working properly including electrically adjustable seats, roof and climate control. The car comes with a Sony CD player with a 6 CD changer in the boot. The original Radio/CD player comes with the car.

History and Paperwork

Luxurious, comfortable, wonderfully engineered and a joy to drive, yet another example of that Mercedes magic.

A great example of the R129 with the highly desirable panoramic roof and lovely colourway, this car is ready to go. Offering fantastic value and luxury sports motoring the SL320 is great for day to day use or some top down, effortless, long-distance cruising.

While there is no formal history with the car, past MOTs show it’s covered only around ~5,000 miles in the last 10 years.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and actioned a 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, and 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 on 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 bid/s, 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
31.01.2022 MOT 114,203
31.01.2022 MOT 114,199
27.01.2021 MOT 113,933
18.01.2020 MOT 113,775
11.01.2019 MOT 113,670
13.01.2018 MOT 113,055
11.01.2017 MOT 112,287
15.01.2016 MOT 110,905
12.01.2011 MOT 110,876
25.01.2010 MOT 110,746
09.01.2009 MOT 110,683
02.06.2007 MOT 102,739
16.02.2006 MOT 95,056
Key Details
  • ModelSL320
  • TransmissionAuto
  • Reg. Date26.08.1997
  • CC~3,199
  • Mileage~114,340
  • HistoryNo
  • ColourBlack/Green Metallic
  • Interior ColourBeige
  • Interior TrimLeather
  • Chassis #WDB1290632F158184
  • Engine #10499122029546
  • MOTExp 30.01.2023
  • MOT ExemptNo
  • Road Tax ExemptNo
  • HPi ClearYes
  • Former Keepers7
  • Tyre TreadGood
  • LHD or RHDRHD
  • VisitedYes
  • Sale TypePrivate
  • Owned18 Months
  • Key FeatureQuality Car






Auction Closed

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This car didn't meet its reserve price and may soon be available as a private sale - please contact us for more information.

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Ask Questions
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4 Comments
azizsacranie
azizsacranie
2 years ago

Does the car have full service history?
Has it had any previous paint work done to it?
When was the last service done?

Kulraj Salh
Admin
  azizsacranie
2 years ago

Hi,

We’ve uploaded the service history that comes with the car, you can find it in the “History and Paperwork” gallery.

Best,

Kulraj – Trade Classics

nez70
nez70
2 years ago

Your examples of similar recent sales are not comparable.
One example has done 53k and the other has done 66k !

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Vehicle Location

Kettering

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