"Following the resounding success of the R107, the R129 Mercedes-Benz SL had a rather tough act to follow, as it still had to carry on the tradition of a fast and reliable grand touring convertible. The advantage designers had with the R129 was technology. By the time the final car rolled off the production line in 1989, these earlier models had been in production for 18 years with very little change. Therefore, the SL500 featured many new and innovative ideas, such as controlled electronic damping, automatically expanding roll-over bar and a more modern multi-link rear axle. In addition to this was a fully operating electric roof, windows, door mirrors and seats, which made this model easy and comfortable to operate. The new SL also boasted a more powerful engine and the stopping power was aided by anti-locking braking for added reassurance.
This very good 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL 500 has only covered 77,379 miles from new and has been very well maintained throughout. It comes with a good service history with the last service having been carried out in July 2023. Also, earlier this year, a new headlining was fitted to the detachable hardtop. Finished in Silver metallic with matching hardtop and grey leather interior, this SL 500 is supplied with a V5 registration document, an MoT test certificate which expires in June 2024, the handbook pack which includes the stamped service book and a file containing invoices from 2020 totalling £4,500 spent on the car and various old MoT test certificates. Offered in what is possibly the best colour combination with the most desirable V8 engine, this is a very desirable example of the ever popular R129 Mercedes-Benz SL.
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