Mercedes-Benz 500 SL R129 + Hardtop '89

• Timeless car that can be called a "classic" as a "founder of modern design"


• Most powerful engine in series


• With hardtop!

The Mercedes-Benz R129 was a series of luxury coupes that succeeded the revered R107 series. This new series also came with a lot of superstar glamour. It came in a wide range of various engines, and was produced for thirteen years on end, from 1989 to 2001. Like its ancestors, the Gullwing, the Pagoda, and the R107, the R129 quickly gained the cult status it deserved.

In 1989, discontinued the R107 series and decided to succeed it by a new series called the R129. However, this replacement was not the true end of the R107 as it still is a coveted classic nowadays. The R129 is an equally sporty, if not sportier compared to its predecessors, and Mercedes-Benz’ characteristics were embodied in it as well: the design is contemporary, and it came with innovative technologies. Just some of these technologies were an electrified automatic convertible system, a safety-enhancing automatically deploying rollover bar in the event of an accident, even a very innovative driving position system was installed in the seats. Besides that, the R129 was available in various engine finishes, as it had been this way before. People could change in a range of engines that went from a 12-valve six-cylinder engine to a 48-valve V12. Though all engines had their own charm and all of them were impressively performant.

The angulated design typifies Mercedes-Benz’ nineties style which was also retained after facelifts in 1995 and 1998. However, these facelifts brought some visible distinctions, the most noticeable being the cases of the turn signals, which were no longer orange but coloured with the transparent headlights. From 1998, each cylinder was powered with two spark plugs in order to achieve an even smoother and more efficient combustion with maximum efficiency.

The R129 is a tribute, and a continuation of the past of Mercedes-Benz' classy and powerful coupes. At the same time, its new technology shows preparedness for the future.

Mercedes 500 SL

The 500 SL was released as being the flagship of the R129 series that was first shown to the world in 1989. Its powertrain must be the most noteworthy as this car is powered by a 5.0L V8 that makes the car able to accelerate from 0 to 100 kilometres per hour (0-60 mph) in only six seconds. Pumping the gas pedal to the maximum makes it speed up to 250 kilometres per hour (155 mph) in its fourth - highest - gear.

This series’ 500 SL will be a true investment that proves to be both functional and profitable. Its predecessors have their value been skyrocketing in the past years. Time will tell how long it will last until this R129 also increases in value.

Technical information:

Body work

• Length (cm): 447 (176 inch)


• Width (cm): 181 (71 inch)


• Height (cm): 129 (51 inch)


• Wheelbase (cm): 252 (99 inch)


• Weight (kg): 1770 (3902 lbs)

Mechanics

• Engine: 4973 cc V8 front-engine


• Valve gear: 32


• Fuel system: Bosch KE5-Jetronic


• Gear box: 4-speed automatic


• Transmission: RWD


• Left-steered


• power: 322 hp (240 kW) at 5500 t/m


• torque: 450 Nm at 4000 t/m


• Top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph)