Mercedes-Benz SL320 Roadster

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THIS CAR HAS BEEN WITHDRAWN

Come on, admit it – who hasn’t secretly been lusting after one of these fabulously decadent W129 Series Mercs ever since they were launched back in 1989? 

Impressively expensive when new, they were always the preserve of the international jet set and are most at home devouring huge mileages at great speed on the continental autoroutes. Even the late, great Ayrton Senna had one so they must be pretty good and it seems unbelievable that they have now fallen to such a low level in value.

Faster, harder-edged and more driver-orientated than its W107 predecessor, the 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 roadster of choice for the well-heeled driver of the 90s.

This particular example has the silky smooth 220bhp twin cam 3.2-litre 24v straight-six engine that was introduced to the range in 1994 and could launch the car to 60mph in around 8 seconds on its way to a top speed of 147mph. In fact the SL320 is rated the ‘Best Buy’ of the W129 range by What Car? magazine for its blend of performance, economy and ease of maintenance.

First registered in May 1997, it comes in a striking shade of Vivianite Blue with a cream leather interior and a highly desirable smoked glass Panoramic hardtop. Said to be in beautiful condition throughout with a recent new soft top, it has covered around 111,800 miles with 12 service stamps to date, the last less than 2,000 miles ago in March 2013.

Taxed until February and due to have a fresh MOT before the sale, it comes with all its original handbooks, a Tracker anti-theft system (which will need to be reactivated) and two sets of keys. Beautifully built and looking more handsome with every passing year, these W129 Series Mercs are seriously good value at the moment and this looks like a particularly attractive example.