2001 Mercedes-Benz SL 320

This SL 320 comes with desirable AMG wheels and an AMG hardtop, both of which distinguish it visually from more conventional examples. It is supplied with extensive service history, including numerous older invoices and past MoT certificates, supporting the owner’s comments that the car has been properly maintained throughout his tenure. The current MoT is valid until 22 April 2026.

The owner has enjoyed the car extensively on continental road trips and reports that it has always been a dependable and rewarding travelling companion. 

The roof mechanism has been fully rebuilt in the past and continues to operate correctly. The radio and CD player remain functional, although the electric aerial has been snapped and will require replacement.

Cosmetically the car would benefit from further attention, with various areas of aged paint, localised corrosion and wear inside and out. Nevertheless, it remains presentable and mechanically strong, offering a solid basis for light refurbishment or continued use as a characterful grand tourer.

The car wears a set of AMG alloy wheels that contribute to a sportier, more purposeful stance. These wheels show signs of age, including areas of corrosion, bubbling to the finish and some kerb rash. 

The AMG hardtop is also present, though the paintwork on the roof section displays flatness and poor finish, likely the result of a previous polishing attempt that has left it looking tired. A hydraulic fluid leak is visible at the front passenger-side hardtop locking point.

Elsewhere on the bodywork, there are indications of historic paint repairs and some areas of flat or deteriorated paint. The front end shows typical stone chips, along with scratches on the bonnet and a noticeable scuff on the front nearside corner. 

A smaller mark is present on the front bumper. The passenger door displays a small dent, and the front nearside wing has a very small additional dent. The bottom edge of the passenger door sits slightly proud of the adjacent wing. There are minor nicks to the edges of both doors.

Towards the rear of the car, the nearside rear wing shows a localised area of corrosion, while the boot lid carries corrosion spots beneath the badging and around the number plate area. Light marks are visible on the rear bumper and corners. 

Additional scratching is present on the offside rear wing, accompanied by further corrosion at the wheel arch. Light hedge scratches can also be seen along the driver’s door.

Overall, the exterior presents honestly, with age-related imperfections visible, but the car retains its distinctive R129 presence and would respond well to cosmetic improvement.

Inside, the cabin retains the familiar solidity and thoughtful design associated with Mercedes-Benz of this era. The materials still convey the durability for which the marque was known, although there is some wear to the driver’s seat leather, consistent with use. A recolouring kit may well take care of this. The remainder of the upholstery presents well, with the wood trim and fittings looking very good.

We noticed that the interior feels slightly damp, which is not uncommon on R129s when seals begin to age, particularly around the hardtop and soft-top interfaces. The air conditioning system blows relatively cold, suggesting that the system remains functional, though it may benefit from a future service and re-gas, to optimise performance.

The audio system, including the radio and CD player, is in working order, but the electric aerial was damaged and will require replacement. Overall, the interior would benefit from light refurbishment but remains comfortable, usable and free from any major defects.

Mechanically, the SL 320 retains the dependable character for which these six-cylinder R129s are valued. The owner states that the car drives beautifully and has been well cared for throughout his ownership, supported by a substantial file of invoices and historic service records. 

Recent expenditure exceeding £3,000 has addressed a number of recommended maintenance items.

The roof mechanism – a complex hydraulic system on the R129 – has previously undergone a complete rebuild and continues to function correctly. We did spot a small hydraulic fluid leak in the area of the hardtop’s front passenger-side latch which will require attention.

The engine bay presents generally well, though the under-bonnet heat shield shows significant wear. No major mechanical faults have been reported, and the car has proven dependable on long-distance European touring. 

The engine starts easily and runs smoothly. At this mileage the big V6 is just getting into its stride. A cursory inspection of the car’s underside shows surface corrosion starting to take hold here and there, and we’d suggest an application of wax-based rustproofing would be a good idea.

As with any R129, continued preventative maintenance will help preserve its reliability, and the extensive accompanying records indicate that this example has received consistent attention.

The car is accompanied by a generous history file, containing numerous invoices for past work, historic MoT certificates and documentation covering its long-term maintenance. The owner notes extensive suspension work carried out at an earlier stage, and the precise details are recorded within the file. The full rebuild of the roof mechanism is also documented.

The accompanying invoices provide a detailed picture of the care that has been invested in the car over many years.

The owner offers warm recollections of using the SL for touring holidays and travel between the UK and Spain, commenting: ‘Fabulous touring and seeing those places in the SL.’ He also notes the enjoyment of collecting the car from Málaga Airport during periods when it was kept in VIP storage abroad, adding: ‘It made us look special!’

An honest and characterful SL 320 showing the signs of a life well enjoyed, with strong mechanical integrity, extensive history and desirable AMG additions. A usable, charming R129 that would benefit from cosmetic attention to minor defects but remains a rewarding grand tourer.

We think this will sell for somewhere between £6,000 - £10,000.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with us at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ near Abingdon; we are open weekdays 9am-5pm, to arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.