1999 Mercedes-Benz SL 280

Lot details
Registration No: T585RNU
Chassis No: WDB1290592F181168
Mot Expiry: June 2013

The fourth generation (R129 Series) of Mercedes-Benz's iconic SL models was launched at the Geneva Motor Show of 1989. It was a beautifully-engineered motorcar that bristled with technical refinement and innovative safety features. The specification included independent suspension all round (double wishbone at the front/five link system at the rear), adaptive damping, ventilated disc brakes with ABS, electronic stability control, integral roll-over bar and front air bags. A total of 213,089 R129s are understood to have been manufactured before the model was superseded by the R230 in 2001.

The extremely tidy and very attractive looking right-hand drive SL280 being sold vacated the Stuttgart factory in 1999 and had three keepers before being purchased by the vendor from our sale of July 2008. He informs us that only routine servicing and minor cosmetic improvements have been required during his tenure (eg the replacement of the underbonnet insulation and the refurbishment of the five spoke alloy wheels in 2008) and currently describes the two-door bodywork, V6 engine and automatic gearbox as "excellent", the Aquamarine Blue paintwork as "exceptionally good" and the Grey leather interior trim as "exceptionally smart". 'T585 RNU' comes complete with factory hardtop, all previous MOTs and one valid into June of next year. The odometer currently displays an unwarranted 60,400 miles.