Mercedes-Benz 300 SL-24 V (R129)
Highlights
• 64,000 km
• One owner
• Verifiable and complete maintenance and service history
The Vehicle
This Mercedes-Benz 300 SL-24 V from the R129 series was built in 1991 and is presented in its elegant original color, Almandin Red Metallic (512). The vehicle is offered with a color-matched hardtop.
A minor detail regarding the ownership history: The vehicle registration document formally lists two owners. However, the first entry was for the company owned by the second listed owner. The vehicle thus actually remained in the same hands throughout—only the ownership status was transferred from the company to the private owner. In other words: two entries in the paperwork, but in reality only one owner.
The SL was driven exclusively during the summer months, always parked in the garage, and regularly serviced. The combination of low mileage, genuine first ownership, and documented maintenance makes this vehicle a particularly interesting example of the early R129 series.
An inspection on the lift reveals a very positive picture: the engine and transmission operate flawlessly; the engine and transmission compartments are dry and show no noticeable oil seepage. The suspension and drivetrain bearings also show no signs of significant wear, and the brake system is in very good condition as well.
As is to be expected with a vehicle over 30 years old, there are signs of wear and tear due to age and use. Overall, however, the R129 gives the impression of being very well-maintained and authentic.
Exterior & Interior
The original color, Almandin Red Metallic (512), suits the R129 exceptionally well and underscores the timeless lines of the design created by Bruno Sacco. Paint thickness measurements average between 250 and 380 µm and are primarily due to cosmetic repairs.
The matching hardtop is included with the vehicle and expands its versatility, especially during the cooler months.
The interior conveys the combination of high-quality craftsmanship, comfort, and solidity typical of Mercedes-Benz from this era. The low mileage and careful use are reflected in the vehicle’s overall well-maintained appearance.
Technology & Maintenance
The refined 3.0-liter inline-six M104 engine with 24 valves combines confident power delivery with smooth operation, making the 300 SL-24 V an exceptionally pleasant touring car.
An important note regarding the vehicle’s history: Due to a slight coolant leak, the cylinder head gasket, water pump, timing chain, and associated components were replaced in August 2023 at 63,500 km at the Mercedes-Benz dealership in Berlin.
Additional documented work:
• 2020: Soft top mechanism serviced at Mercedes-Benz and the fabric soft top’s headliner replaced
• 2025: Battery and distributor cap replaced
• Regular maintenance performed according to the service booklet
The tires are from 2019 and have approximately 7 mm of tread depth on the front axle and approximately 6 mm on the rear axle.
History
The vehicle’s history is an essential part of this offer. 64,000 km, truly a single owner, regular maintenance, primarily summer use, and garage storage all add up to a remarkably consistent vehicle history.
The early R129 is one of the Mercedes-Benz models that set new standards right from its debut. Bruno Sacco’s clean design language, the refined inline-six engine, and technical features such as the automatically deploying roll bar made the R129 one of the most advanced roadsters of its time.
Today, this once-modern roadster has long since become a sought-after classic.
Conclusion
64,000 kilometers, truly only one owner, and a maintenance history that can be traced back over decades—an early R129 really doesn’t need much more than that. Anyone looking for a 300 SL-24 V that is authentic, well-maintained, and technically sound should take a very close look at this Almandin Red model.
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