Country Classic Cars - Vehicle Details

Country Classic Cars in Midhurst are offering this 1997 two owner Mercedes SL320 showing 124k miles with incredible service history, and as pointed out by Classic & Sports Car when purchasing a R129, ‘try to find a car with a sheaf of bills for keeping the details working, as well as regular servicing: there’s a big variation in prices between cars with dubious vs impeccable history’. This car drives superbly; the M104 straight six 3.2 litre combined with the finest five speed automatic transmission in period means you glide rather than drive, and this SL came with a host of extras including the Panoramic Roof, introduced as an option for 1997. Here at Country Classic Cars we share an honest (even critical) appraisal of our vehicles therefore there is less opportunity for disappointment when viewing. This Mercedes came to us requiring paint to stone chips on the bonnet and front wings, it is a totally solid example but with scuffs on the bumper therefore any new owner chasing perfection will look to respray the front end; others may prefer to enjoy as is. A small panel is missing on the front bumper this will be replaced prior to sale. The 16 inch wheels would also benefit from a refurbish whilst the usual issue of alloy meeting steel has caused small blemish to both rear corners of the hardtop. Straight panels with exact gaps confirm this SL is all original, the first owner took delivery from Hills of Shrewsbury (trading in a 280SL) in March 1997 and enjoyed the car until 2019. We have the original bill of sale, on the road price of £71k!! Extras included the Glass hard top, full leather interior including rear seat, heated seats, Metallic Azurite Blue paint, Blaupunkt Pasadina CD system and Tracker.

An impressive history file certainly, the original dealer pack contains owners-manual, Blaupunkt instructions, period advertising and service book. Stamps are main dealer or Merc specialist and at 8500, 1740, 27000, 36016, 46642, 52648, 67197, 74256, 77790, 81926, 104175, 113935, 117495 and we will service again prior to sale. A separate file contains every invoice, the most recent one at 117k cost £1500. Mot history with the current certificate to the 19^th August 21 and carries ‘no advisories’. With such an impressive paper trail any new owner should expect this 320 to perform perfectly, and it does. The suspension ignores potholes but still offers performance driving when required, precise steering enjoys great feedback without a hint of play; overall it’s fair to say the investment made by the previous custodian reflects well on the car today. The SL320 was no lightweight at 1.75 tons but 228bhp and 232 ft lbs of torque ensures 60mph arrives in 8 seconds and on to 149mph should you desire. Impressive figures nowadays and certainly for the nineties, although most Mercedes enthusiasts will concede the brand peaked with the R129; a time when engineering controlled the brand.

Mushroom leather, without any seat damage or marks, the quality of trim and material this interior enjoys will delight any new owner. Quality carpets protected by factory overmats and veneer that belies its age; every swich and gauge operates correctly. Remove the hard top this summer and make full use of the power hood which presents in matching dark blue and offers minimal wear. Digital spec climate control was another new feature for 97 whilst the ‘Blue Spot’ radio/cassette tunes in perfectly with a boot mounted CD loader.

Country Classic Cars service, restore and sell a lot of older Mercedes especially the R129 models and consider the sale price for this example to be attractive and fair. Genuine interest is most welcome and for additional information please message with your email address for multiple detailed images and walk-round video; we will forward the file via ‘We Transfer’ a free to use and safe service or Whats Ap. We operate by appointment only and within current Government guidelines and whilst inspections are most welcome please bear the current situation in mind, especially with regards to test drives.