Mercedes SL280 R129: Bruno Sacco's Finest. Shooting Brake's Mini Road Review

The Mercedes R129 SL was launched to compete with Porsche's 911, however in typical Mercedes fashion, the SL was never designed to battle Porsche's sporting flagship head on. Eschewing 10/10ths performance for elegance, luxury and comfort, the SL offers a beautifully relaxing drive whilst still retaining the tactility and mechanical satisfaction that enthusiasts crave.
This example is the SL280, with the venerable M104 straight six. It may not be the fastest model on offer, but the 280 offers silky smooth motive power and fuss-free mechanicals, making it an eminently practical way in to this fantastic platform. As Ghaleb finds out, the SL's driving style rarely requires more power, especially in its home environment on a summer city drive.
Check out the full listing for more information - with over 100 detailed photographs, a comprehensive account of the car’s history and a Q&A section to contact the seller, buyers can bid in confidence.

[@tinorosmg9374]

By far best car reviewer on KZbin. He gets cars

[@shootingbrake]

Thank you!

[@kevmagill5163]

Before the Bruno Sacco design was made public, I saw this Mercedes being tested in southern Portugal without disguise. As a car fanatic, I was floored and knew immediately it was the new SL, and it was going to be a sensation. The most memorable thing I saw on that trip.

[@shootingbrake]

Fantastic story, thank you for sharing. The early R129 mule photos are fascinating to see!

[@adebrade172]

They are superb value, especially at classic car auctions

[@shootingbrake]

Absolutely!

[@ronniewhelan178]

I'm an SL320 owner in the UK. Great review. One slight addition: There were two 3.2 engines in the later models: a straight 6 and a V6. I initially went shopping for a V8 but ended up buying the V6. Why? Bang for your buck. You're correct; the V8 and V12 models are wonderful but aren't worth the premium over the great prices you can get a six-cylinder for. I took mine for a 3,500-mile road trip around Europe last year. It did the Austrian Alps, Croatian backroads, Italian cities, 100s of miles on autobahns (215kph with the roof down was fast enough for me!), and much more, in the baking sun and torrential rain. I didn't have a single issue and I never got backache (which I'm prone to). I don't know what a V8 would have done that the V6 didn't. If you're buying, take advice from people who've driven each engine and don't just buy a V8 because it's a V8.

[@shootingbrake]

Excellent points. The V6 offers fantastic value for money and gives buyers access to the R129's biggest selling points; the looks and refinement of the platform.

[@TheManmoths]

Excellent review as always. I love the automotive design element you always touch on.

[@shootingbrake]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@user-gl5ld9vm7i]

The 90's Power Broker car!!

[@michaelk1471]

Great review. Thank you.

[@shootingbrake]

Thanks for watching!

[@MrCaterhamr500]

Urgh not a fan of London, but I can see why the video is of this environment. I’d prefer somewhere scenic like Glencoe or Thirlmere in the Lake District.

[@siegfriedbarfuss9379]

Great car but totally wrong about drive trains. They are fun and exciting if you know what you are doing. They are not like a BMW 3 or 4 but if you get their real feel they do whatever you need them to do reliably. Just trust the slight body roll which really never gets out of control.

[@shootingbrake]

@@siegfriedbarfuss9379 That’s great to hear - perhaps a proper backroad test is needed!

[@jamesreckling6697]

Give me the V8

[@carmadnab]

Need wooden steering wheels to come back

[@shootingbrake]

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