This 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300SL is one of 56 five-speed manual units brought to the US in 1991 and currently shows 53k miles from new. Finished in Signal Red (568) over Black Leather (271), power is provided by a 3.0-liter DOHC inline-six mated to a five-speed manual transmission driving the rear wheels. Factory equipment includes a removable hardtop, a power folding soft top, headlamp wiper/washers, power seats with memory, automatic climate control and a pop-up roll bar. Recent maintenance performed by the seller included new front pads and rotors and an engine oil change. The top hydraulics were rebuilt and soft top was replaced in 2019. This 300SL is now offered for sale by the current owner with the original manufacturer’s literature, three keys, a clean Carfax report and a clean Ontario registration in the seller’s name.
The body is finished in Signal Red (568) with matching lower body cladding and a paint-matched removable hardtop. Exterior equipment includes a power-folding black fabric soft top, headlamp wiper/washers, front fog lamps, power door mirrors and remote central locking. Paint meter readings provided by the seller show that the driver-side door was previously resprayed with the remainder of the panels believed to be original. Minor stone chips and scratches are visible on the front bumper.
The 16” Gullideckel wheels come fitted with a set of Continental ExtremeContact tires which measure 225/55 on all four corners showing 2019 date codes. The wheels appear free of curb rash. The seller reports that the front brake pads and rotors were replaced in September 2023.
The cabin is trimmed in Black Leather (271) with matching black floor mats and Burl Walnut wood trim which lines the center console and dashboard. Both seats are power operated with three-position memory for driver and passenger. Interior appointments include automatic climate control, cruise control, a pop-up roll bar, a mesh wind deflector and a Continental head unit with bluetooth audio. The original Becker radio is included with the car. The seller notes that the power headrests are presently inoperable.
The four-spoke steering wheel fronts analog instrumentation consisting of a 160-mph speedometer, an 8k-rpm tachometer, an analog clock and gauges for fuel level, economy, coolant temperature and oil pressure. The six-digit odometer shows 53k miles with 1,600 miles added by the current owner over the past year.
The Carfax report shows first registration in Florida with later registration reported in Montana, New York and Ontario. Linear mileage updates are shown from new with no accidents or damage reports present on the Carfax. This 1991 300SL is now offered for sale by the current owner with the original manufacturer’s literature, three keys, a clean Carfax report and a clean Ontario registration.
A startup and driving video has been provided by the seller.
A drive by video as well as a demonstration of the soft-top operation is viewable below.
As far as R129's go, this 5-speed manual example really seems to be the ideal find for current collectors who are looking outside the boundaries of the V8 roadsters. The smooth power of the M104 pairs well with a three-pedal set up and is sure to delight with a 7k-rpm redline. Finished in a classic Signal Red over black color combination, this car shows just 53k miles and appears to have benefited from a life of careful and attentive owners. With reports from Mercedes-Benz of North America showing only 56 units being imported in 1991, this example is one of the rarest unmodified R129’s to leave the factory and is sure to provide incredible value to its lucky new owner.
Open Transit:
Enclosed Transit:
The winning bidder will receive an email with the quote and option to proceed with shipping.
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11 Comments
@Danthewashman Please contact @thembmarket to submit an offer. I don't have any way of contacting you
Please message me if you want to try to make some figures work on a sale.
$18,000 bid placed by @Porschetick
$17,250 bid placed by @JameyB
$17,000 bid placed by @Porschetick
$16,750 bid placed by @JameyB
$16,500 bid placed by @Porschetick
$16,250 bid placed by @JameyB
$16,000 bid placed by @Porschetick
$15,750 bid placed by @JameyB
$15,500 bid placed by @EvenStephen
$15,250 bid placed by @Porschetick
$15,000 bid placed by @JameyB
$14,750 bid placed by @Porschetick
$14,500 bid placed by @JameyB
$14,000 bid placed by @Porschetick
$13,250 bid placed by @EvenStephen
$13,000 bid placed by @Porschetick
$12,250 bid placed by @EvenStephen
$12,000 bid placed by @OldMB
$11,750 bid placed by @Merc2000
@SamSl - yes the A/C blows cold. It had been converted to R134a before I bought the car but works very well
@seller Does the AC still work in the car?
Good morning everybody. It's the last day of the auction, let's see if this rare R129 finds a new caretaker today! I am available to answer any questions and am happy to help ship the car anywhere in the world for a buyer. This was a US market car and I have a copy of the old NY title (in case that helps at all). I am happy to help the buyer ship the car with a broker or help the buyer pick it up and drive the car home if the weather cooperates.
$11,500 bid placed by @EvenStephen
$11,250 bid placed by @OldMB
$11,000 bid placed by @EvenStephen
@CarCrazy24 Yes it is a us car with all the smog equipment in tact. I don't see an issue passing smog
Will it pass smog, it was a US car correct?
$10,000 bid placed by @Merc2000
$9,000 bid placed by @EvenStephen
$8,250 bid placed by @PaulChavady
This better go high. These 5 speeds are so hard to find. Good luck to all.
$8,000 bid placed by @EvenStephen
$5,000 bid placed by @merlinautogroup
Hi all, I'm happy to answer any and all questions to the best of my ability. I am located approximately 1 hour away from the Buffalo NY border and have shipped cars all over the world. I'm happy to help the future buyer of this amazing R129 get the car to them safely and painlessly. This is a US market car that I personally imported in 2022 (it still has a vaild NY safety!). Bringing it back to the states is a very simple process and I'm happy to help coordinate everything. Anybody interested party in the Toronto area is welcome to come and see the car in person. It is very clean and in incredible shape!
@zoccierampqt Yes it is a 24 valve, thank you for noticing! @thembmarket Please correct the listing when possible
As someone who owns 2 of these - 1991 Black on Tan 5 speed and 1990 Black on Black 5 speed, I can tell you these cars are just amazing. There is a typo in the listing, it is not 32 valve, it is 24 valve (4 valves per cylinder)