Lot details Registration No: T948SOU Chassis No: WDB1290642F178609 Mot Expiry: June 2009
After 18 years in production, the Mercedes 'Panzerwagen' SL was replaced by a more purposeful-looking roadster (coded R129) launched at the 1989 Geneva Motor Show. Longevity had been a trait of every SL from the first 'Pagoda' onwards, and this new model remained in production until 2001. One of this convertible's innovations was its pop-up rollover bar that deployed in less than a third of a second to protect the occupants in the case of an inversion. More secure multilink rear suspension replaced the R107's old semi-trailing-arm design, clothed in a wedge-shaped body that still managed to exude all of Mercedes' tradition values of conservative style, while cloaking cutting-edge technology and innate build quality. The new car was at first available as the 300SL and 500SL, but in 1993 Mercedes rearranged the model structure, introducing the SL320 with a 3199cc straight-six, coupled to a four-speed auto. In 1995 a mild facelift brought new, softer-styled headlights plus side air bags, automatic climate control and Mercedes' ESP Electronic Stability Program, which looks after traction, stability control and ABS including Brake Assist. HID headlights were optional, as was an otherwordly full-glass hardtop which this car has. A second facelift in late 1998 comprised new external mirrors, 17-inch wheels and new bumpers, plus a new 18-valve (three per cylinder) M112 V6 producing 221bhp at 5600 rpm). Reportedly in excellent order with 82,000 miles recorded and understandably described by the vendor as "mint", this second-facelift V6 car has the added attraction of Mercedes' Panoramic full-glass roof which looks best in concert with darker colours, as here, plus electrically-operated soft-top. This car rides on 17-inch alloy wheels and comes with a current MOT.
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