Lot details Registration No: L943JJO Chassis No: WDB1290672F07126 Mot Expiry: April 2011
Unveiled at the March 1989 Geneva Motor Show, the new Mercedes-Benz R129-series SL range was beautifully engineered. Based around a two-door monocoque bodyshell, its sophisticated all-round independent suspension (double-wishbone front / five-link rear) was augmented by a host of active and passive safety features including: electronic stability control, ventilated ABS disc brakes, adaptive-damping shock absorbers, front airbags and an integral rollover bar that deployed in less than a third of a second (if the car ever sensed an impending flip). Suitably cosseting, the convertible's impeccably built cabin was protected by a fully automated power hood and featured such niceties as memory seats, electric windows / mirrors and an adjustable steering column. Yet lurking beneath all the luxury and refinement was a performance orientated sports car. Launch flagship, the mighty 500 SL (known as the SL 500 from 1994 onwards) was powered by the first of Mercedes' four-valve per cylinder, dual-overhead camshaft V8 powerplants. Credited with 326bhp and 332lbft of torque, this fearsome 4973cc (M119.982) unit was allied to four-speed (later five-speed) automatic transmission as standard. Reputedly capable of over 150mph and 0-60mph in 6.3 seconds, the model was updated with a more emissions friendly but marginally less powerful 4966cc (M113.963) engine from June 1998 onwards.
Finished in silver with grey leather upholstery, this particular example is described by the vendor as being in "excellent" condition with regard to its automatic transmission, electrical equipment, interior trim, bodywork and paintwork. Though, he notes that the engine has a "misfire at low revs". Reportedly accompanied by a service book showing Mercedes-Benz main dealer entries up to 105,547 miles, 'L993 JJO' is further understood to have benefited from an oil and filter change plus new air filter, pollen filter and plug leads on 19th March 2010 at an indicated 131,000 miles. The latter work being carried out by The Village Car Centre of Rochdale. Riding on alloy wheels, this smart SL 500 is offered for sale with the aforementioned service book and six expired MOT certificates.
PLEASE NOTE: The registration number on this vehicle is L943JJO and not as stated in the catalogue.
PLEASE NOTE: This vehicle has an MOT until April 2011.
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