Delivered new on 14th August 1991 through Mercedes-Benz Riverdale Brighton, originally supplied to Guernsey. Two owners from new, just over 53,000 miles.

Colour & Trim

Almandine Red over Mushroom leather — a classic R129 combination, and as it happens the same spec as Princess Diana's
Black folding hood
Matching factory hardtop included

Factory Specification (key options)

Adaptive damping system with self-levelling suspension front and rear (ADS)
Dual electric seats with memory, mirror memory
Acceleration slip regulation (ASR)
Rear cross seats (2 occasional rear seats in place of parcel shelf)
Headlamp wipers
Cruise control
Infrared remote central locking
Heat-insulating glass with windshield band filter
Draft deflector (Windschott)
Factory anti-theft alarm
Right-hand drive, English instruments

Mechanical

Full recommission by the SL Shop in 2023, following forensic inspection — work totalling over £20,000
Comprehensive service history throughout

Wheels & Tyres

Currently on fully refurbished AMG Aero 3-style alloys with near-new Michelin Pilot Sport tyres
Included in the sale: full set of 16" Mercedes Monkar alloys with as-new Michelin Primacy 4 tyres

History & Documentation

Original sales materials and dealer brochures
Paint and interior sample brochures
Complete book pack and all service manuals
Original warranty card
Original factory build data sheet
Two main key fobs plus the original chunky early key fob

As a pre-1993 car, this 500 SL benefits from the early wiring loom — the later biodegradable insulation used after 1993 is a well-documented headache on R129s, and not something that applies here. Under the bonnet is the original 32-valve 5.0-litre M119 V8 with variable inlet cam timing — the most powerful naturally aspirated version of the engine fitted to the R129, and by most accounts the most characterful. In many respects, this is the one to have.

SERVICE HISTORY

08/08/1991

Pre-Delivery Inspection

Riverdale of Brighton Mercedes-Benz

18/02/1992

5,239 mi

900 mile Service

Jacksons Garage, Guernsey

08/03/1995

5,964 mi

6,000 mile Service

Mercedes-Benz Jacksons Group, Guernsey

17/05/1996

10,907 mi

12,000 mile Service

Mercedes-Benz Jacksons Group, Guernsey

09/04/1999

25,149 mi

24,000 mile Service

Mercedes-Benz Jacksons Group, Guernsey

02/03/2000

31,809 mi

30,000 mile Service

Mercedes-Benz Jacksons Group, Bournemouth

05/02/2004

38,433 mi

36,000 mile Service

Mercedes-Benz Jacksons Group, Bournemouth

09/02/2006

41,216 mi

42,000 mile Service

Mercedes-Benz Jacksons Group, Bournemouth

26/05/2022

46,647 mi

Major Inspection Service + Transmission & Diff Service + Brake Fluid

Hawthorns Engineering, Farnham

19/04/2023

46,720 mi

Minor Service

Godfrey's Automotive Services, Lincolnshire

01/12/2023

48,688 mi

Full Recommision (£15k)

The SL Shop

03/06/2025

49,839 mi

Minor Service

Godfrey's Automotive Services, Lincolnshire

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