1996 Mercedes-Benz SL - 320 R129

The Mercedes-Benz SL Roadster – a name that has stood for the perfect symbiosis of sporty elegance, luxury and technical innovation for decades. One model series that impressively cemented this reputation and still boasts an enthusiastic fan base today is the 129 series. Its story began spectacularly in March 1989 at the Geneva Motor Show and continued, following a major facelift in 1995, well into the late 1990s. Compared to its long-serving predecessor (the 107 series), the new SL (R129) was a completely new design. Much like the 350 SL before it, it demonstrated the progress made in automotive engineering through a wealth of innovative details and was a pioneering car in every respect. Even at its launch in 1989, the R129 SL impressed with its harmonious and exceptionally successful styling. It expressed dynamism and sportiness just as much as comfort and elegance. The design was rooted in tradition, yet with its new solutions it also looked clearly to the future. This beautiful Mercedes SL 320 from the first facelift was originally delivered in Switzerland and was first registered in the canton of Ticino on 19 January 1996. Finished in elegant black with blue leather upholstery, a 231 hp inline six-cylinder engine, a 5-speed automatic gearbox, cruise control, air conditioning, an electric soft top, a hardtop, electrically adjustable and heated front seats, and two additional rear seats, the R129 cost around CHF 125‘000 at the time. The elegant roadster remained in sunny Ticino until 2005/06, before passing – after a second owner – to the current owner in June 2012 with just under 107‘000 km on the clock. The current owner has enjoyed using the reliable SL over the past 14 years and, as the available records show, has always ensured it was well maintained. Among other things, the catalytic converter was replaced in 2014, the water pump in 2017, the cylinder head gasket in 2020, all ignition leads in 2025, and all brake discs and pads in May 2026. Recently, the headlining in the hardtop was also replaced, and the centre and rear silencers were changed. With just three owners and with a well-stamped service booklet, the SL is in good to very good condition. The car runs flawlessly, the bodywork is in beautiful condition, and the interior is very well maintained, despite having clocked up just under 266‘000 km. This beautiful convertible will be handed over to its new owner with an additional set of unrestored AMG Aero 3 wheels in 8.5x17-inch. The most recent veteran MOT took place in June 2026, meaning the R129 can be registered immediately.