19/09/2026
This pre-facelift, late 1991 build R129 500SL is an exceptional example of the early cars.
Just 43,000 km, highly original, completely unmolested and finished in a highly desirable launch colour combination. These early 5.0L M116 V8s use mechanical fuel injection and produce 326 bhp, making them particularly desirable among R129 enthusiasts.
The car is in exceptional original condition. The OEM soft top and rear window are excellent, all roof hydraulic rams have been rebuilt and operate faultlessly, and the hardtop is also excellent with a spotless liner. No rust whatsoever, with only the light patina expected from 35 years of careful use. Original OEM wheels are fitted.
The current owner purchased the car at 34,000 km and undertook an extensive mechanical and cosmetic refurbishment to make it completely reliable for a 5,000 km South Island tour.
Work includes:
• New battery, water pump, belts and belt tensioner
• Refurbished power steering pump
• Radiator inspected and cleaned, with new OEM radiator pipes
• New distributors and spark plugs
• Full oil and fluid service, including coolant
• Gearbox oil and filter service
• New tyres
• Brake lines, rotors and pads
• Suspension bushes
• Replacement interior plastics and re-upholstered seat bases
• New engine bay hood pad
• OEM factory-spec door speakers
• Custom indoor car cover
• Extensive cosmetic refurbishment
All work was carried out by an official Mercedes-Benz workshop using OEM or high-quality parts. Supplied invoices total over $25K.
The R129 is widely regarded as one of Mercedes-Benz's best-built cars, combining timeless Bruno Sacco design with exceptional engineering and build quality.
The difficult part is finding a genuinely good, original example. Many R129s now require significant investment, have high kilometres, or have been modified and maintained on limited budgets.
This one has low kilometres, excellent originality, no rust, a fully sorted mechanical package and substantial documented investment.
An exceptional example of an increasingly collectible Mercedes-Benz.
