Mercedes SL 500 Mille Miglia (R129)

About this Collectable

Every now and then, Mercedes-Benz underlines its sporting successes with a limited edition model of an existing series. In 1995, Stuttgart celebrated the fortieth anniversary of Stirling Moss winning the Mille Miglia. A total of 630 cars were produced, only a small number equipped with the ultimate engine: the five-litre V8.  

The Mille Miglia can be recognised by the interior in red with black trim, the six-spoke polished alloy wheels that were also fitted to the 190E 2.5-16 Evolution II and a chequered flag badge on the sides of the car. The red of the seats is also reflected in the stitching and carbon in the doors. In terms of colour, the buyer had no choice: Brilliant Silver, to further underline the link with the legendary 1955 W198 Silberpfeile. The very first SL Mille Miglia was handed over to Moss, a legend who is said to be "the best world champion the world has never had". 

In 1995, Stuttgart celebrated the fortieth anniversary of Stirling Moss winning the Mille Miglia. Moss covered the thousand-mile route at an average speed of 158 km/h. On average. So also through the many villages that are included in the route. Today, the man should immediately lose his driving licence and race licence, but back then Moss was celebrated as a hero.

Those were different times and in 1995 Mercedes-Benz was happy to acknowledge that with a limited edition of the R129 SL-Class. A total of 630 examples left the Stuttgart factory; only a small number were equipped with the ultimate engine: the five-litre V8 'M119' - an engine that enthusiasts are probably already familiar with from the iconic 500E.

The Mille Miglia can be recognised by the red interior with black trim, the six-spoke polished alloy wheels that were also on the 190E 2.5-16 Evolution II and a frivolous badge on the sides of the car representing the 'checkered flag'. As for the colour, the buyer had no choice: Brilliant Silver, to further underline the link with the legendary 1955 W198 Silberpfeile.

The very first SL Mille Miglia was handed over to Moss, a legend who is said to be "the best world champion the world has never had". Nowadays, Mille Miglia cars are only offered for sale sporadically and it's not surprising that a V8 is slightly more expensive than a comparable six-cylinder.

This example was delivered new by Mercedes dealer Baan Twente in Rijssen and it has 123,300 km on the clock, which is confirmed by the invoices and the service booklet. 

Our opinion

The car is authentic and original with only minor traces of use. On the rims, you will find a single trace of oxidation; on the nose, a sparse amount of stone chipping. The windshield has a small hole of about 0.5 centimetre. That is all. The fresh and not cleaned engine compartment shows that the SL has slept inside all its life and the leather interior is immaculate. For a car with 123,000 km on the odometer, we can only conclude that this SL has been looked after extremely well.

Equipment

This Mercedes is factory equipped with, among others:

• 281 Sports steering wheel and gear stick leather
• 512 Radio MB Special with VK and RDS
• 551 Burglar-theft alarm system (EDW)
• 581 Automatic air conditioning
• 592 All-round heat-absorbing glass, heated rear window, tyre filter
• 600 Headlamp cleaning system
• 658 Evo light-alloy wheels
• 740 Black convertible top (9001)
• 744O Brilliant Silber - metallic paint
• 819 CD changer for 6 CDs
• 873 Seat heating system on left and right
• 882 Interior fittings with towing device

Modifications

None, this car is still in original condition. Only an Iphone charger and carkit are installed. 

Remarks

There are some minimal traces of use, recorded on the photos:

• Slight stone chipping on the nose
• Small hole in the wind deflector of approx. 0.5 centimetres
• Light oxidation & scratches on the rims
• Scratches mirror right
• Scratches on hardtop fitting point
• Lower left rear bumper 

Service history

The main points of the recent maintenance history are:

• 17 November 2021 - 122.715 km - Mercedes dealer Wensink Automotive - major service incl. replacement of spark plugs, adjustment of engine control and replacement of insulation in bonnet 
• February 18, 2021 - Jan Los Auto's - fuel pump, brake pads & discs
• July 24, 2020 - 122.137 km - Mercedes dealer Wensink Automotive - new lock left door 
• Jun 24, 2020 - 121.817 km - Mercedes dealer Wensink Automotive - light bulbs changed, engine check-up whereby the regulator was replaced
• 02 Jun 2020 - 121.399 km - Mercedes dealer Wensink Automotive - maintenance on steering box 

Included in the sale

• Two keys
• Completed maintenance booklet and invoices 
• Windshield
• Hardtop in the colour of the car

About the seller

The first owner drove the car from 1995 to 2002 and during that time put more than 63,000 km on the VDO clock. The second owner bought the SL as well through Mercedes dealer Baan and kept it in his possession until 2019. After that, the car came into the hands of a collector. This last owner had a major service carried out at the Mercedes-Benz dealer at 122,715 km, but then put the car away to be sold only now, in 2022.

Summary

Seller - On request
Seller type - Private
Owned since - 2019
Location - North-Holland
VIN - WDB1290671F123344
Registration number - LV-RD-21
Year of production - 1995
First registration - 14 August 1995
Mileage - 123,300 km
Verifiable - Yes, through documentation
Warranty - No
Body type - Convertible
Engine - 5.0 litre eight cylinder with 320 bhp
Lay-out - Rear wheels
Transmission - Automatic gearbox
Exterior colour - Brilliant Silver
Interior colour - Black and Red
Upholstery - Leather
Smoker's car - No
Owners - 3
Tyres - Michelin (new)

The description of this Collectable has been created with the utmost care, based on information from and validated by the seller. The Collectables performs a (pre) selection based on the information provided and consults public sources for any irregularities. However, bidders themselves must ascertain the correctness of the description and can, if desired, have a personal investigation carried out. All Collectables on our platform can be subjected to any possible inspection, investigation or valuation by buyers in advance, of course in consultation with the seller. Please refer to our Terms and Conditions for more details.