1996 Mercedes-Benz SL500 R129

Highlights

• Garaged and driven only in dry summer months for the last 14 years
• Service history from Mercedes-Benz and respected independent specialists
• Rare factory-fitted orthopaedic seats
• Recent mechanical renewal including genuine Mercedes-Benz brake components and springs
• Private registration plate (N500 OSL) included in the sale
• Service stamps can be found at the end of the photos

The Appeal

The R129 took the Sports-Leicht into the 1990s with sheer class. Taking over the R107's crown, this was a suitably over-engineered, rugged and easy-to-drive tourer that made for a perfect executive tourer. It's since become a real cornerstone classic.

This 1996 example has been garaged and used exclusively in dry summer months for the last 14 years, a level of care that shows in its presentation. It's an unusual spec, too - one of the few R129s fitted with the rare factory orthopaedic seats.

Mechanically, the car benefits from a service history with Mercedes-Benz and respected independent specialists. A professional pre-purchase inspection was carried out in early 2025, with all identified issues subsequently addressed. Recent work includes renewed brake discs and pads, replaced springs, and a major service - all using genuine Mercedes-Benz parts where applicable.
With a fresh MOT valid until June 2027 and fewer than 100 miles covered since its latest service, this SL500 presents well and is reportedly ready and raring to go.

Key Information

• Mileage: 88,300 miles, supported by service history records
• Country of registration: United Kingdom
• MOT status: valid until June 2027
• Technical specs: 5.0-litre V8 petrol, five-speed automatic
• Paperwork: Service history from Mercedes-Benz and independent specialists; professional PPI report from early 2025

Service History

31/1/1996 PDI MB

12304 10/2/1997 MB

18824 3/10/1998 MB

23761 22/11/1999 MB

31746 31/1/2001 MB

34906 17/4/2002 MB

43752 19/2/2004 MB

50045 23/11/2006 MB

55061 20/12/2008 MB

56001 28/4/2011 MB Specialist

62356 20/4/2015 MB Specialist

67725 29/4/2017 MB Specialist

70868 17/06/2019 MB Specialist

71470 20/7/2020 SS MB Specialist

77345 12/7/2023 TM MB Specialist

85907 5/3/2025 TM MB Specialist

88071 17/6/2026 TM MB Specialist

The Detail

• Major service completed in March 2025, with fewer than 100 miles covered since
• Professional pre-purchase inspection carried out in early 2025, with all identified issues subsequently addressed
• All brake discs and pads replaced with genuine Mercedes-Benz parts in August 2025
• All springs replaced with genuine Mercedes-Benz springs in June 2025
• Underside rust-protected using Lanoguard in April 2025
• Recently treated to a full detail and ceramic coating
• Grey leather interior is well-presented
• Soft top is in very good condition and reportedly functions well
• Hard top reportedly in good order
• Modern radio installed with iPhone connectivity; original Mercedes-Benz radio also included
• The vendor states all electrics work as they should

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.

✓ Unless stated otherwise, you must assume that any cherished, personalised, or heritage vehicle registration is not included in the sale of a vehicle.