Mercedes Benz SL500 W129
Year of manufacture: 1996
Power: 320 hp
Displacement: 4,973 cm3
Number of cylinders/valves: 8/4
Weight: 1,840 kg
Condition: perfect
Catalog number: 24
The Mercedes-Benz SL R129, the 4th generation of the SL class, also known by the nickname “Iron,” is a magnificent car that brought many innovations to the world of automobiles. Already at its debut in 1989, Mercedes held 20 patents for the SL model. Among the most interesting features is the pop-up roll bar behind the occupants’ heads, which deploys in 0.3 seconds and protects passengers in case of a rollover. The car is also equipped with self-retracting three-point seat belts mounted in the seats with a solid frame made of five magnesium parts, which partly absorb forces acting during a side impact, and four-piston disc brakes. Last but not least, the vehicle includes an electro-hydraulically operated retractable roof, which can be opened or closed in 30 seconds. Another interesting feature is the multi-link rear suspension, which provides excellent handling at high speeds while also offering the desired comfort.
The legendary design was created by Bruno Sacco, and the then company director Werner Niefer, who called the R129 his favorite, also participated as a test driver during development.
The SL R129 went through two major facelifts, in 1995 and 1998. Each time, the appearance was subtly refreshed, some interesting equipment was added, and several engines were replaced or improved. With the last modernization, speed enthusiasts welcomed the AMG versions – initially the V8 SL 60, later complemented by the SL 70 and the powerful V12 SL 73, which also appeared in the Italian masterpiece Pagani Zonda. The last to appear before production ended was the SL 55 AMG, which later lent its technology to the newer SL 55 AMG R230 generation.
Over the entire 12 years of production, 213,089 cars rolled off the production line in Bremen.
