WHAT IS IT?
The R129 Class of Mercedes SL had a titanically difficult act to follow. Its predecessor, the R107 was both beautifully built, and a massive sales hit. Throughout its long run from 1971 through 1989, it was utterly ubiquitous both on the road and on the large and small screen. No episode of “Dallas” or “Falcon Crest” was complete without one. The R129 had much of its predecessor’s peerless build quality, but it was somewhat inelegant. Odd since Bruno Sacco was responsible for both. The harshest critics compared it to a Chrysler LeBaron. It was at least available in 6, 8 and 12-cylinder variants.
WHY THS CAR HAS BEST ONE ON THE PLANET CHOPS
Unlike the R107, where low-mileage creampuff examples abound, it seems like many R129s suffered from the third and fourth owner syndrome and were utterly driven into the ground. For some reason, they weren’t often viewed as heirloom cars, just used SLs. As we’ve said repeatedly, we approve submissions based more on condition than spec. Would we prefer this to be a rare 300SL manual, or a V12? Ummmm….yeah. But that’s not what it is, and for some reason with German cars, it’s the base spec cars that wind up well-preserved like this one. With just 1,700 kilometers, (that’s about 1,000 miles), it’s literally just broken in. While we’re surprised that the selling dealer didn’t treat the car to a pro detail (the engine compartment is dull and dirty for example), it certainly looks honest enough with no real wear visible anyplace. At about $60K Canadian, or about $46,000 U.S., it strikes us as a reasonable deal for an essentially new SL from an era when Daimler-Benz quality was still quite good. It’s for sale in the greater Toronto area for $59,998.
Unlike the R107, where low-mileage creampuff examples abound, tons of R129s suffered from the third and fourth owner syndrome and were utterly driven into the ground.
This is the car my dad always wanted but never ended up getting so it always caught my eye growing up. Being from Toronto, I popped in to check this one out and honestly, seeing this museum quality specimen got me missing the days when they were a common sight. Calling it – the best one on the planet. And a steal for a US buyer to boot!
I remember when these came out and the press went nuts that the 500SL (V8) version made 300 hp, a substantial jump of it’s predecessor the 560SL and crazy exotic power at the time. One other element that made people really stand up and take notice was the fully automated power top (one literally just had to push a button, not even suffer the indignity of pulling a release lever). The downside to that power top is that long-term cost of ownership, primarily for those 3rd and 4th owners, could be astronomical. 12 hydraulic cylinders and control electronics didn’t age well. I believe that’s one of the reasons the R107 has been so collectible is the car’s relative simplicity. On the other hand, these can be serious bargains if you can find a great one like this.