1991 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster with Hardtop

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

This R129 chassis 300 SL is a family heirloom that has been owned by various members of the same family since day one. It was originally sold to the consignor’s father in late 1990. According to its original service booklet, Dwight Thomas Motors of Hutchinson, Kansas was the selling dealer. The SL enjoyed an interesting early life, used in Hawaii for a few years in the 1990s as confirmed by original dealer service stamps in the maintenance booklet. By 1997 the SL was back in Kansas, and had made its way to California by 2003, by which time it had accumulated some 31,600 miles. Its clean CARFAX report indicates a regular program of dealer service throughout the years. Most recently, it received a new battery, oil change, and comprehensive inspection by Mercedes-Benz of Oakland in October 2024. Additional service recommendations from the inspection are noted in the “Known Imperfections” section below. This is a drivable, attractive example of an R129 that proudly shows its age, while retaining lots of charm and a majority of its original finishes.    

Highlights  

• Retained within single family ownership since new by successive family member owners 

• Interesting and rarely seen color combination on a R129 SL 

• Deep Blue over Royal Blue Leather 

• Just over 75,000 original, documented miles 

• Consistent dealer servicing throughout its life, documented via CARFAX Report and history file  

• Factory VIN stickers found on all opening panels & front fenders 

• Accompanied by its original books, tools, jack, and full size spare wheel 

• 3.0-liter 228 horsepower inline six-cylinder engine 

• Five-speed automatic transmission 

• Recently serviced by Mercedes-Benz of Oakland including a new battery, oil change, and multi-point inspection completed in October 2024  

• Clean CARFAX Vehicle History Report 

 Features  

• 16-inch alloy wheels with Michelin Pilot tires 

• Power steering 

• Power disc brakes 

• Power seats 

• Power windows 

• Air conditioning 

• Original radio head unit 

• Dark Blue soft top 

• Headlamp wiper/washers 

 Known Imperfections  

• Recommendations and notes from last dealer service & inspection (October 2024) as follows: 

• Brake fluid exchange not possible due to both brake fluid level sensor grommets leaking 

• Windshield washer system is leaking fluid  

• Engine air filter dirty – replacement recommended  

• Fan belt old/cracked - replacement recommended  

• Engine and transmission mounts too low -- replacement recommended  

• Front and rear brake rotors rusty & grooved – replacement of all rotors and pads recommended  

• Dealer recommends complete ‘B’ plus service 

• Radio antenna not functioning when radio is on 

• Hood latch not releasing properly as cable is stretched 

• Trunk doesn’t stay up – recommend replacement of both trunk lid shocks 

• Soft top was not activated (we did not remove the hardtop) – it is unknown the last time it was operated or if it is still operational 

• Various scrapes, scratches, chips, dings, and dents on the exterior of the vehicle – see photos 

• Paint on bumpers has faded over time 

• Interior is generally in good order and consistent with the car’s mileage, but does exhibit various cosmetic flaws and trim issues which we have attempted to picture in the gallery 

• Hardtop interior C-pillar panels have been removed and are in the trunk 

• Driver’s side power seat headrest did not move up or down 

• CD player and some other accessories were not tested as to functionality 

• Tires show 2015 and 2016 date codes 

 Included  

• Two keys 

• Original owner’s manual and maintenance booklet 

• Copies of service records 

• Jack 

• Tool kit 

• Full size spare wheel and tire 

Ownership History  

Late 1990 – Sold to original owner, father of the consignor, in Hutchinson, Kansas 2001 – Sold to the consignor’s brother Mid-2000s – Acquired by the consignor, Oakland, California