German-delivery example, manual transmission, Almandine Red Metallic, documented history since 2001, and original hardtop.
This Mercedes-Benz 300 SL (R129) was originally delivered in Germany and has remained with only two owners since first registration. Particularly appealing is the combination of the rare Almandine Red Metallic exterior, black leather interior, and the increasingly uncommon 5-speed manual transmission. The odometer currently reads 80,002 kilometers, with the mileage plausibly documented from 2001 onward through available records. Included in the sale are the original body-colored hardtop and an extensive collection of documentation relating to the vehicle’s history.
When Mercedes-Benz introduced the R129 in the spring of 1989, the new SL represented a significant technological leap forward. Developed under the direction of chief designer Bruno Sacco, the roadster combined timeless elegance with cutting-edge safety technology. An automatically deploying rollover bar, an electro-hydraulic soft top, and numerous electronic assistance systems made the R129 one of the most advanced open-top automobiles of its era.
The chassis also established new benchmarks in driving dynamics. Its balanced suspension combined outstanding long-distance comfort with confident handling, making the SL one of the most respected grand tourers of the 1990s. Among enthusiasts, the inline-six models are particularly appreciated for their smooth performance, reliability, and classic Mercedes-Benz driving character.
While the vast majority of R129s were equipped with automatic transmissions, examples fitted with the 5-speed manual gearbox are considerably rarer today and continue to gain popularity among collectors and enthusiasts.
The roadster is finished in Almandine Red Metallic, a distinctive Mercedes-Benz color that has become increasingly rare today. The original body-colored hardtop is included with the vehicle. According to the seller, there are currently no known signs of corrosion.
Paint thickness measurements range between 507 and 627 microns, indicating that the car was completely repainted at some point during previous ownership. However, no documentation regarding the timing or reason for this repaint is available.
The black Sonnenland soft top was replaced in 2014 following storm damage. As expected for a vehicle of this age and mileage, minor signs of use are present, including a small scratch on the right front bumper and a slight parking dent on the driver's door without visible paint damage.
The interior is trimmed in black leather and reflects the high-quality craftsmanship for which the R129 remains highly regarded today. Equipment includes electrically adjustable seats, heated seats, and power windows.
The locking mechanism of the center armrest is currently inoperative. In addition, the burl walnut trim on the driver's door shows localized lifting, and a small adhesive residue is present in the passenger footwell.
Power comes from a 3.0-liter inline-six engine paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. According to the seller, no functional issues with either the engine or transmission were experienced during ownership.
In March 2026, the Mercedes-Benz received a service including an oil change. The starter motor and battery were also replaced in 2026. The German technical inspection (TÜV) remains valid until March 2028.
The tires were manufactured in 2020 and, according to the seller, retain approximately 6 mm of tread at the front and around 8 mm at the rear. No visible signs of age-related cracking or deterioration are known.
A MAE rear silencer provides a sportier exhaust note.
The vehicle was originally delivered in Germany and has remained with only two owners. The odometer currently reads 80,002 kilometers. Mileage since 2001 can be plausibly verified through TÜV inspection reports and additional documentation.
The sale includes German registration documents, numerous TÜV inspection reports, and an appraisal relating to the storm damage that led to the replacement of the soft top. Although the original service booklet is no longer available, the existing documentation provides a well-supported record of the vehicle's history spanning more than two decades.
The Mercedes-Benz R129 is now firmly established as one of the defining roadsters of the 1990s and a modern classic. This example combines the desirable manual transmission with an attractive color combination, German first delivery, and a well-documented ownership history covering many years. The openly disclosed signs of use emphasize the car's authentic character and provide an honest overall impression. For enthusiasts of the R129, this 300 SL represents an appealing opportunity to acquire a classic example in a highly desirable specification.
Some automobiles become more convincing with age—and the R129 is undoubtedly one of them. Its clean, restrained design has aged remarkably well, while a manually shifted inline-six serves as a reminder that an SL was once far more of a grand tourer than a luxury convertible. Finished in Almandine Red Metallic, this car perfectly captures the understated elegance that Mercedes-Benz mastered so confidently in the early 1990s.
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