Mercedes-Benz 300SL-24 Roadster

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Launched in 1989, the R129-series continued the SL dynasty from Mercedes-Benz, a ‘Sport Lightweight’ family which began in 1954 with the legendary 300SL Roadster and ‘Gullwing’ and has survived into its 6th generation with the current R231-series.

Traditionally the most sporting model of the MB line-up, the SL was the preserve of the rich and famous when new and many F1 drivers used them as day-to-day cars in the early nineties, Ayrton Senna included. From the poetic motion of the electric hood to the roll bar that automatically flipped up if the car sensed an accident, the SL oozed sophistication with all the latest technology such as adaptive suspension with active damping, airbags, traction control, air con and a superb new five-link rear suspension all as standard.

Introduced in 1990 and remaining in production until 1993, the potent 300SL-24 was powered by a creamy smooth 3-litre 24-valve DOHC straight-six that produced 231bhp (compared to just 190bhp for the 12-valve version) and could sprint to 60 in just 8 seconds with a top speed of 149mph and 25mpg economy.

Supplied new by Bradshaws of London in 1993, this 300SL-24 has covered some 130,000 miles in the hands of five owners and comes with an excellent service history comprising 18 stamps to date which equates to an average service interval of just 7,200 miles. About 2,000 miles ago it was fitted with a new timing chain by a marque specialist who also machined the head, reground the valves, fitted a new head gasket and changed the oil and filter at the same time to ensure many more miles of trouble-free motoring.

Not long before that it had also been treated to a new hood module at a cost of £1,100 so the electric soft top operates as it should, the car also retaining its original hard top and folding stand. Other recent expenditure includes a new distributor cap, rotor arm and plug leads, the vendor advising us that the car drives beautifully being an effortless motorway cruiser that is fast yet economical.

At some time it has been fitted with a mellow-sounding sports exhaust, distinctive OZ wheels (which give it a menacing ‘Black Edition’ look), a wind-deflector and was specified from new with the unusual electrically adjustable internal rear view mirror and headrest option.

With an MOT until April 2016 this eye-catching Roadster is ready for a new owner to enjoy right away and is only being sold because the vendor has bought a much newer SL and cannot justify keeping both, much though he would like to.