HAC SPORTS

 

Model: Mercedes-Benz R129 SL500
Engine & Transmission: M119 5.0 V8 / 5 Speed Automatic
Colour: Azurite Blue Metallic (366) over Mushroom  (275)
Registration: N790 DNK
VIN: WDB1290672F127287
Mileage: 83,700 Miles
Location: Harry Alexander Classics UK, Vantage Park, Goodwood Drive, Sparkford, Somerset, BA22 7FQ
Viewings: Viewings and inspections by appointment are most welcome.
Country of registration: United Kingdom
Date of first registration: 11 October 1995
Price: £19,995 ONO

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From our personal collection comes this beautiful, low mileage M119 engined R129 SL500 in Azurite Blue (366) over Mushroom (275). Completely repainted in our ownership last summer, the paint work, body and arches are resplendent.

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A very early first facelift, this 1996 model year example was first registered in October 1995 and features the upgraded 5 speed automatic gearbox mated to the wonderful 5 litre V8 producing 320 BHP and 470 NM of torque.

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The 500 model was a significant price premium in the UK and European markets over the 320 and 280 engined models. Very few were sold and hence far fewer are available today compared to the smaller engined examples.

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I have owned two previous R129 examples, a first facelift straight six 320 and a final facelift V6 320. Both were lovely cars in their own right, the straight six being preferable to the V6 for me, but this M119 500 V8 is on a completely different level of power and torque and delivery of its performance.

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Being a short stroke or oversquare engine, whilst low down power and torque is impressive enough, it is staggering just how fast the car is from 3750 to 6000 rpm. Acceleration from 40-100 and beyond is utterly relentless. Strong acceleration in second is impressive whilst in third, and fourth above 3750 rpm, it is astonishing.

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The 500 also benefitted from bigger front brake discs and pads which were also used on the 500E W124 developed by Porsche.

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Anyone that wants to learn more about this legendary engine should watch Harry Metcalfe’s review of the 500E. (Youtube - Mercedes 500E; the 5.0 V8 hotrod engineered & built by Porsche that’s quicker than a BMW M5).

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I purchased this Mercedes from the previous owner of 15 years. In his ownership, the car had mostly been used for an annual summer holiday in France. 5 years ago, he replaced the navy blue soft top which is still in excellent condition with no tears or rips whatsoever. The invoice for this is on file.

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When up, it sits tight and flush to the body work at the rear, unlike many which are now loose. The rear windows are clear and not milky. I (Piper Trimmers) have replaced the headliner trim on the hardtop which is now immaculate. 

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Previous to him, the car had three owners, so just 4 in three decades.

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The vehicle is supplied with it’s original owner’s booklet with all folders, its stamped service history book and many invoices and old MOT’s. It even is complete with its original Mercedes-Benz first aid kit, tool kit and remarkably, still has its original paint correction kit of touch up paint and clear lacquer tubes.

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Supplied with two keys plus it’s now rare keycard (like a credit card) with lock and unlock button and discrete key which slides in and out of the keycard.

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It has just passed an MOT with no advisories. It also has very good MOT history over the years.

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Mechanically, in my ownership, it has received a full service of fluids and filters, new spark plugs and a new fuel pump. It has been run exclusively on high octane premium fuel.

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I have installed a Blaupunkt Bluetooth stereo which works excellently, provided modern functionality whilst with a period  look and feel, and also replaced the rear aerial and aerial to body seal.

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In conclusion, this is a remarkable condition example of the epic 500 engined SL R129 with low mileage, in an extremely desirable and classic colour combination. Fully repainted in my ownership with refurbished Monoblocks, and with a 5 year old Navy Blue soft top, it is ready for its next custodian.