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| Lot number | 37 |
|---|---|
| Hammer value | £4,000 |
| Description | Mercedes-Benz SL320 |
| Registration | P930 PGF |
| Year | 1996 |
| Colour | Red |
| Engine size | 3,199 cc |
| Chassis No. | WDB1290632F140064 |
| Engine No. | 10499122022486 |
Faster, harder-edged and more driver-orientated than its W107 predecessor, the Mercedes-Benz W129-series SL was launched at the 1989 Geneva Motor Show.
Brimful of cutting-edge technology, its impressively rigid two-door monocoque shell featured an integral roll over bar that deployed in less than a third of a second (if the car ever sensed an impending flip) and an electric soft top roof.
Known for its sure-footed handling, the W129 featured all-round independent suspension, ABS brakes and power assisted steering. Powered by a variety of six- and eight-cylinder engines all allied to automatic transmission, it was the sportscar of choice for many contemporary F1 drivers.
Supplied new through Brunswick MB, this 1996 example was specified with the silky smooth 220bhp twin cam 3.2-litre straight-six engine that had been introduced to the range in 1994. The vendor purchased it from a local dealer after it had covered around 58,000 miles in 2009. Since then he has added a further 38,000 miles taking the total to 96,000 miles from new.
Shortly after he took delivery a fault manifested itself in the transmission, Gerry Doverman fitting a brand-new Mercedes-Benz supplied automatic gearbox and torque converter, along with a new radiator and replacement catalysts. Since then it has run faultlessly and has always been a pleasure to drive, the car having been relegated to summer motoring duties during the last few years.
The service book shows nine stamps, the first six through a mixture of Mercedes-Benz main agents and specialists, the last three having been undertaken by Gerry Doverman, our local Hereford based Mercedes-Benz specialist.
MOTd until August 2014, the vendor advises us that he has fitted a more modern grille and will include the original in the sale of the car, along with a pair of matching suitcases which fit snugly in the boot. This well presented, 96,000 mile example looks like a car that has covered half of that distance, in true Mercedes-Benz tradition.
