Description

1992 Mercedes-Benz 300SL-24 (R129)

Rare 231bhp 24v version of this popular soft-top in storage for many years until late 2020; attractive colour scheme

In storage for the last ten years, pulled out and offered for sale as the result of a deceased estate, this car still exudes a sense of style and 90's sophistication. Supplied new in August 1992 this R129 is finished in Almandine metallic with contrasting cream hide interior with wlanut trim.  Fitted here, with the potent, 231bhp 3.0 M104 higher performance engine mated to 4-speed automatic transmission with Sports and Winter mode, this engine variant was available for the first 3 years only before being replaced by the 3.2 straight six (SL320) in 1993 making the 300-24v version somewhat more sought-after given its rarity.

The car presents well considering its 29 year age and mileage of 93,958 but also considering its been in storage for the last ten years with some marks to the rear bumper and lower front bumper valence corners as pictured.  The car still wears its original 16" 8-hole alloy wheels shod with Goodyear 225/55 ZR16 tyres which unlike today's huge alloys with skinny tyres that jar, give a pleasant, comfortable ride quality.

Inside, we find cream leather wth electric operation for both seats which also boast two-stage seat heating, electric windows, cruise control, electric mirrors, dual zone climate control with AC and heated glass rear screen for the hard top.  The hard top on these R129's is of course removable with an automatic soft-top stowed beneath.  As a result of this car standing and having a  flat battery when removed, we have not been able to remove the hard top to ascertain the condition of the soft-top underneath.  The emergency roll-bar light is illuminated meaning until it is re-set the roof cannot be removed.

As a rsesult of  having been in storage for so long, this car has not had an MOT since November 2011 at 93,927 miles at which time no advisories were recorded with only 30 miles covered since. The car has been fitted with a new battery and fresh fuel, starting and running smoothly as we moved it around for these shots.  We did note, intermittently the dash pod lights flicker with the driver's door closed, but not when open.  Bar the roll-over proteection hoop light, no other fault lights were displayed, the car appearing to run and change gear normally at low speed.

As is so often the case with vehicles from a deceased estate, the estate has not been able to locate any documentation for the car bar the replacement V5 which is present. Owner's packs with manuals are available online from Ebay and similar should the new owner wish to purchase one. In the boot we find the tool kit, spare wheel and removable wind deflector (essential for top down motoring).

An interesting opportunity to re-commission a nice car from the era when Mercedes really did make the best cars in the world, and a rarer high performance model in a deisrable colour scheme at an estimate that gives scope for the limited remedial works required. R129's are a very good and usable Modern Classic offering stylish wind in the hair motoring with year round use given the beautifylly designed removable hard top.

For more info contact - will.daniels@brightwells.com