1993 | Mercedes-Benz 500 SL

The incoming R129 series of SL Mercedes Benz were delivered to the awaiting public over 35 years ago

A serious step-up from the much enjoyed & admired R107 which had been in production for nigh on 20 years!

So the new versions we heavily modified - a roll hoop for protection when the Hard Top was left in the garage, full air conditioning, electric seats with memory, electric latching for the hard top and soft top as well

The V8 500SL was the headliner initially and the upgraded engine boasted a 32 valve head, helping her to spin up much more quickly and produce 322 bhp (previously 227 bhp) and a top speed limited to 155mph

More importantly the speed of acceleration was again considerably updated with 60mph arriving in a smidgen over 6 seconds - and with a 4 speed automatic gearbox leaving the line at the traffic lights was much easier and quicker than say a manual geared Ferrari

Typical of Mercedes all R129 versions looked the same, so the lesser models with either a 6 cylinder 3 litre with 12 or 24 valves were produced and purchased much more commonly - they all looked the same and cost a heck of a lot less

The tiny badge on the boot was all you could use to tell any of them apart - so the 500SL was a serious upmarket version and as a result far less were purchased, making them far rarer then and by natural progression now too

We used to run an early 500SL when in Kensington, but sadly a lorry drove into the her by the Royal Albert Hall and that was the end her, so we are more than excited to have this baby here now

Finished in the most delightful colour combination of Spruce Green Metallic with Beige hides for her interior, she really is a honey

The early examples had the charming two tone bodywork which was updated on later versions and became colour coded to look more modern (a late nineties thing) and we feel these earlier examples are more alluring on this basis

The last owner purchased her in early 2016 & kept her for over 8 years and the previous owner kept her for even longer ( 14 years ) Both of whome ( in fact the chap before as well ) were local neighbours

In fact neither of them used her for everyday use, and obviously for special occasions only for in the last 17 years less than 5.000 miles have been covered

New tyres (correct Pirelli 225 / 55 R16) all round are almost new, and a set of rear wheel spacers makes her look a little more butch as well

Everything works and she runs so smoothly you'd never think you are in a car over 30 years old

A complete cracker-jack and a motorcar we shall enjoy whilst she is here, for however long !