A left-hand-drive V12 SL that has already proven itself over distance: built not just to be owned, but to be driven.
A left-hand-drive V12 SL that has already proven itself over distance: built not just to be owned, but to be driven.
Presented for sale is a particularly well-resolved R129 SL600. Delivered new to the United States in 1998, the car remained there for the majority of its life, passing through four owners across Maryland, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin, as documented by its Carfax prior to its acquisition in June 2021. Throughout this period, it was used sparingly, accruing mileage gradually and consistently.
The vehicle was acquired sight-unseen from Wisconsin-based 600 Grosser specialist Karl Middlehauve, and imported to the UK in 2021. Upon arrival, both cosmetic discrepancies and underlying mechanical issues became evident, necessitating a comprehensive programme of recommissioning.
Initial works were undertaken by The SL Shop between 2021 and 2022, establishing a strong mechanical baseline. Subsequent detailed diagnosis at JonPaul Motor Services identified the root cause of the fuel system issues, culminating in a full remediation programme completed in 2024. This included replacement of the internally corroded fuel tank reservoir, pumps, and associated components, addressing the underlying issue and restoring the correct running characteristics.
The car has benefitted from a number of subtle, period-correct upgrades, including a genuine set of refurbished AMG Aero III wheels fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres, and a discreetly modified Bosch BO1150 head unit with Bluetooth connectivity. Importantly, all original removed components have been retained. The car wears its original soft top and factory Wopavin flex-glass still in excellent condition.
Since acquisition, the current owner has covered just over 14,000 miles, using the car as intended for long-distance touring. Maintenance has been carried out without compromise, with a clear emphasis on mechanical integrity. Since import, the car has benefited from over £30,000 of documented recommissioning and servicing expenditure, in addition to further investment in period-correct enhancements.
Now presenting exceptionally well following a 2-step paint correction, the car exhibits clean, sharp lines and a composed stance that reflect both its condition and the level of investment behind it. With 36,862 miles recorded, this represents a rare opportunity to acquire a well sorted SL600 that can be driven and enjoyed with confidence.
Disclaimer:
In the interest of full transparency, there are a few minor points to note. The interior dome light does not currently activate when the doors are opened, although it functions correctly when operated manually. The original boot-mounted CD changer is inoperative, having been rendered redundant by the upgraded Bluetooth head unit. There is also a small chip to the wood veneer on the center console. These minor cosmetic and convenience-related items do not detract from the car’s overall condition or functionality.
Vehicle History & Provenance (WDBFA76F4XF171481):
29th November, 1999: Maryland Motor Vehicle Department, Germantown, MD; CARFAX first-owner entry.
26th November, 2001: Michigan Motor Vehicle Department, Coldwater, MI; Title issued (#223M3300088). CARFAX-documented mileage reads 3,625 miles.
8th October, 2002: Michigan Motor Vehicle Department, Bloomfield Hills, MI; Title issued (#172N2810382). New owner reported (2nd owner); CARFAX recorded mileage 5,120 miles.
27th January, 2006: Auto Auction; vehicle sold. CARFAX mileage reads 16,969 miles.
6th February, 2006: Ohio Motor Vehicle Department, Delta, OH; Dealer Title issued (#2600250901); dealer-kept inventory.
8th June, 2006: Ohio Motor Vehicle Department, Toledo, OH; Dealer Title issued (#4802910912); dealer-kept inventory. CARFAX mileage reads 17,105 miles.
15th June, 2006: Erhard BMW of Farmington Hills, Farmington, MI; Dealer Title issued. Service entre: wheel(s) repaired.
20th June, 2006: Michigan Motor Vehicle Department, Farmington, MI; Dealer Title issued (#130T1710047); dealer-kept inventory. CARFAX mileage reads 18,422 miles.
23rd June, 2006: Dealer Inventory, Farmington, MI; vehicle offered for sale. CARFAX mileage reads 18,688 miles.
29th June, 2006: Erhard BMW of Farmington Hills, Farmington, MI; Service entry: pre-delivery inspection completed, vehicle washed/detailed, alignment performed.
12th July, 2006: Michigan Motor Vehicle Department, Northville, MI; Title issued (#130T1930331). New owner reported (3rd owner).
14th of July, 2006: Service Plan Co. Northville, MI; car serviced (mileage not recorded).
16th May, 2007: Michigan Motor Vehicle Department, MI; Registration issued.
5th May, 2008: Michigan Motor Vehicle Department, MI; Registration issued.
27th April, 2009: Michigan Motor Vehicle Department, MI; Registration issued.
6th October, 2009: Dealer Inventory. Vehicle offered for sale, CARFAX mileage reads 20,995 miles.
16th October, 2009: Michigan Motor Vehicle Department, Wausau, WI; Dealer Title issued (#263X2890071).
19th October, 2009: Dealer inventory; Vehicle sold.
30th October, 2009: Wisconsin Motor Vehicle Department, Wausau, WI; Registration and Title issued (#09303M20108). New owner reported (4th owner). Exempt from odometer reporting, vehicle colour noted as black.
4th November, 2009: Ballweg Mercedes Benz Wassau, WI; Vehicle serviced.
10th September, 2010: Wisconsin Motor Vehicle Department, Wausau, WI; Registration issued. Exempt from odometer reading, vehicle colour reported as black.
14th September, 2011: Wisconsin Motor Vehicle Department, Wausau, WI; Registration issued. Exempt from odometer reading, vehicle colour reported as black.
2011-2021: Vehicle sat. No reported history. Reported mileage from June 2009 to February 2021 details 1,230 miles in the intervening period.
1st February, 2021: Jay’s Auto Repair Schofield, WI; Vehicle serviced. CARFAX mileage reads 22,225 miles.
30th March, 2021: Jay’s Auto Repair Schofield, WI; Vehicle serviced. CARFAX mileage reads 22,446 miles.
30th June, 2021: Bill of sale evidences transfer of ownership to current custodian.
21st July, 2021: Evidence of undisclosed pre-purchase damage taken stock of. Cosmetic damage to front right fender, cosmetic damage to rear left wheel arch, cosmetic damage to front right bumper and missing tow-eye cover duly noted.
3rd August, 2021: Acton Coachworks, London; repair estimate issued covering bumper, wing, trims, paintwork rectification totalling £2,843.12.
4th August, 2021: Fastlane Paint & Body, Hertfordshire; comprehensive bodywork and paint estimate including bonnet, wings, door, bumper and refinishing works totalling £6,009.26.
13th August, 2021: SL Shop, Warwickshire; bodywork estimate (offsite works) including front wing, bumper, and rear quarter repair and repaint totalling £3,102.89.
17th August, 2021: Hapag-Lloyd Sea Waybill; vehicle shipped from New York, USA, to Southampton, UK, aboard Cape Pioneer.
14th September, 2021: EV Cargo Global Forwarding, Southampton; Tax Disbursement to HMRC and import clearing processed.
28th September, 2021: Containerlift Lifting & Shipping; collection and unloading of shipping container delivered to FPF Warehousing, Hampshire.
26th November, 2021: SL Shop, Warwickshire; Invoice 14611 totalling £847.36.
15th December, 2021: SL Shop, Warwickshire; Invoice 14762 totalling £119.40.
22nd December, 2021: SL Shop, Warwickshire; Invoice 14792 totalling £2,271.31.
1st January, 2022: V5C issued, first UK registration (5th owner, current owner).
5th January, 2022: Knights MOT Centre R C Knight, Stratford Upon Avon; MOT issued, reported mileage 22,480 miles.
June 2021 (current owner purchase) to January 2022 (first MOT): Recorded mileage discrepancy 34 miles.
28th January, 2022: Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency, Swansea; confirmation of first UK registration confirmed for WDBFA76F4XF171481. Date of manufacture for SL 600 Roadster (DVLA model code M2 486) confirmed June 1998.
11th February, 2022: SL Shop, Warwickshire; Invoice 15105 totalling £395.00.
15th March, 2022: SL Shop, Warwickshire; Invoice 15357 totalling £6,346.60.
15th March, 2022: SL Shop, Warwickshire; Invoice 15360 totalling £441.00.
15th March, 2022: SL Shop, Warwickshire; Invoice 15361 totalling £3,102.89.
15th March, 2022: SL Shop, Warwickshire; Invoice 15362 totalling £195.43.
18th April, 2022: Ebay purchase; Mercedes R129 OEM Tool Kit Set, $179.99.
29th April, 2022: UK Custom Covers Limited, Fareham; HTCS017 Hardtop Stand (Black) with Tailored Hardtop Cover Bag (Black) to fit Mercedes SL R129 1989-2002, £159.95.
26th July, 2022: Star-Tec, Chessington; Invoice 27489 totalling £237.60.
11th August, 2022: Star-Tec, Chessington; Invoice 27556 totalling £557.39.
20th January, 2023: Surrey MOTS Ltd; Chessington; MOT issued, reported mileage 27,603 miles.
27th January, 2023: Star-Tec, Chessington; Invoice 28223 totalling £918.97.
29th March, 2023: Car Radios EU; purchase of Original Mercedes APS BT-2 Control Unit BO1150 Bosch Kassette Navigationssytem, €279.00.
12th May, 2023: Modification of BO1150 head unit to retrofit bluetooth connectivity, and shipment to UK from Romania, €488.99.
8th September, 2023: RS-Wheels Hungary Kft; purchase of refurbished staggered OZ Racing AMG Aero III split rims, €6,500.00.
15th September, 2023: Belgravia Garage, London; Invoice 73418 totalling £36.00.
24th October, 2023: JonPaul Motor Services Ltd, Epping; Invoice 028825 totalling £1,136.04.
21st November, 2023: Centre Midas, Armentières; estimate totalling €789.61.
27th November, 2023: The R129 Co, Biddenden; Invoice 115551 totalling £62.90.
1st December, 2023: Centre Midas, Armentières; Invoice F-1603-2023-3580 totalling €789.61.
15th April, 2024: Ebay purchase from Riva Parts UAB, Kaunas; Mercedes SL R129 500 Kraftstofftank A1294700801 Bj. 1999 17214133 (325461452890), €294.12. Replacement R129 1999 fuel tank reservoir.
16th April, 2024: The R129 Co, Biddenden; Invoice 116372 totalling £414.15.
20th April, 2024: Anglijos Ekspresas, Lithuania; Invoice LT797290099034289100 totalling £85.00. Shipment of fuel tank reservoir from Lithuania to UK.
22nd April, 2024: Belgravia Garage, London; Invoice 75927 totalling £54.85.
22nd April, 2024: Belgravia Garage, London; MOT issued, reported mileage 28, 261 miles. MOT erroneous failure for US-spec Indicators.
22nd April, 2024: Belgravia Garage, London; MOT issued, reported mileage 28,262 miles. MOT passed same day, non-issues resolved.
8th May, 2024: JonPaul Motor Services, Epping; Invoice 029233 totalling £2,127.26.
8th May, 2024: Ebay purchase from AutoHub Shop, California; 98-02 Mercedes R129 SL500 SL600 Gas Fuel Tank Reservoir 1294700801 OEM, $447.28.
16th May, 2024: Smartbudget USA, Maryland; Invoice OLUKOYEAKINKUGBLHRBWI totalling $593.78. Air freight of OEM fuel tank reservoir from USA to UK.
21st May, 2024: GR Freight Services, Hounslow; Invoice 21350 totalling £423.54. HMRC clearing and delivery to London.
24th May, 2024: Oldtimer Ltd, Riga; Invoice 20846 totalling €179.00. Purchase of Euro Clear Turn Indicator for R129, Made in Germany, plastic, HS85122010.
5th June, 2024: JonPaul Motor Services, Epping; Invoice 029288 totalling £554.70.
10th June, 2024: Greenford Security Services, London; Invoice 94607 totalling £240.00. Replacement key.
13th June, 2024: FedEx, Atherstone; Invoice 393175375 totalling £39.98. Shipment of Clear Euro Indicators from Latvia to UK.
18th February, 2025: JonPaul Motor Services, Epping; Invoice 029762 totalling £379.20.
7th April, 2025: Belgravia Garage, London; Invoice 78551 totalling £54.85.
7th April, 2025: Belgravia Garage, London; MOT issued, reported mileage 31,983 miles.
16th March, 2026: Key Garage, Epping; MOT issued, reported mileage 36,409 miles. MOT erroneous failure for US-spec Indicators.
16th March, 2026: Key Garage, Epping; MOT issued, reported mileage 36,409 miles. MOT passed same day, non-issues resolved.
2nd April, 2026: JonPaul Motor Services, Epping; Invoice 030586 totalling £848.65.
16th April, 2026: DB Detailing, London; Invoice 182 totalling £510.00. 2-step paint correction, interior and exterior detailing and wheel refresh carried out on premises at Sextons London (Chelsea Harbour).
8th May, 2026: HoodTech, Chester; Invoice 208052026 totalling £645.00. Refurbish front soft top hydraulic cylinders.
Google Drive link to additional photographs and vehicle provenance: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1pxRJqjPMA7ob7wDHD8HriQwwdrXjb_qe?usp=sharing
Have this vehicle inspected by experts!
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