1997 Mercedes-Benz SL320 (R129)

Owner's Personal Car • California Car Since New • Meticulously Maintained • Comprehensive Hydraulic System Renewal • Ice Cold Air Conditioning

Beautifully Preserved 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL320 for Sale

Delivered new in California in March 1997, this elegant R129 is finished in Moonstone Gray Metallic (721) over a Mushroom leather interior and is powered by Mercedes-Benz's legendary 3.2-liter DOHC inline-six paired with the desirable five-speed automatic transmission. Well equipped from the factory, it features a removable body-color hardtop, black power convertible top, automatic climate control, power leather seats with memory, cruise control, factory alloy wheels, and the timeless engineering that has made the R129 one of Mercedes-Benz's most respected modern classics.

Showing just 93,200 original miles, this lifelong California car is accompanied by extensive service records, the factory hardtop, wind deflector, original factory radio, two sets of keys, the accompanying Carfax Vehicle History Report, and a clear California title.

The legendary 3.2-liter M104 inline-six starts instantly, runs beautifully, and idles smoothly with excellent oil pressure and effortless power. The desirable five-speed automatic transmission shifts confidently through every gear, while the steering, suspension, and four-wheel disc brakes remain tight, responsive, and confidence inspiring. It tracks beautifully at freeway speeds, the air conditioning blows ice cold, and all major systems operate exactly as Mercedes-Benz intended.

During my ownership, the convertible top hydraulic system was comprehensively renewed after one original hydraulic cylinder developed a minor seep. Rather than replacing only the failed component, I instructed my independent Mercedes-Benz specialist to replace the remaining hydraulic cylinders and hydraulic distributor, addressing one of the R129's best-known age-related maintenance items. The power top now operates exactly as Mercedes engineered it to, providing excellent peace of mind for the next owner.

The original Moonstone Gray Metallic finish retains a deep, rich shine and presents beautifully throughout. The glass, chrome, trim, emblems, weatherstripping, and exterior brightwork all reflect decades of conscientious ownership. Factory chromed wheels are wrapped in Kumho tires with excellent remaining tread, and the overall presentation is that of an exceptionally honest, well-preserved California Mercedes.

Like many R129 owners, the previous owner preferred the SL as a refined grand touring coupe. She told me the removable hardtop came off only a couple of times during her more than twenty-two years of ownership. As a result, the black power convertible top spent the overwhelming majority of its life safely stowed beneath the hardtop. Combined with lifelong California ownership and garage storage, both the removable hardtop and soft top remain exceptionally well preserved.

The Mushroom leather interior remains remarkably inviting and exceptionally well preserved. The leather seating surfaces, wood trim, dashboard, carpeting, door panels, and interior appointments all reflect careful long-term ownership. Power seats with memory, automatic climate control, cruise control, power windows, and the car's luxury features function as Mercedes intended. During my ownership, I replaced the original factory radio with a modern Bluetooth head unit and upgraded the speakers, making it easy to stream music and enjoy modern connectivity while driving. The original Mercedes-Benz radio is included with the sale should the next owner wish to return the car to factory specification.

History & Provenance:

Unlike most vehicles represented by Left Coast Classics, this Mercedes was never inventory. It is my personal automobile.

Over the past twenty-four years of representing collector automobiles, I've learned that mileage is only one part of the equation. Exceptionally low-mileage cars often come with their own set of age-related problems. Long periods of inactivity can accelerate the deterioration of seals, hoses, hydraulic components, tires, and other rubber parts, frequently resulting in significant deferred maintenance despite impressive odometer readings. Time has taught me that a well-maintained, regularly exercised automobile is often a far better ownership experience than a lower-mileage example that has spent years sitting unused.

Ironically, my own experience proved exactly that.

At the time, I owned another R129—a white 1991 SL that my dear friend Jodi affectionately named "Schultz." She had a habit of naming cars. Schultz had roughly half the mileage of this SL, yet years of deferred maintenance and extended inactivity meant I was constantly repairing age-related issues instead of simply enjoying it. Every time I drove "Schmitty," I was reminded that careful maintenance is far more valuable than an impressive odometer reading. Schmitty was tighter, smoother, quieter, and simply a better-driving automobile because it had been exercised regularly and maintained exactly as Mercedes-Benz intended.

Delivered new in California in 1997, Schmitty was purchased in 2000 as a Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned vehicle by my dear friend Jodi and her husband. They would lovingly own and maintain the car for more than twenty-two years.

One of my favorite stories perfectly illustrates just how much she loved this Mercedes.

Hoping to surprise her, her husband traded Schmitty toward a Bentley, convinced he was upgrading her to something even nicer.

Jodi's response was immediate:

"You go over there and you get Schmitty back...now!"

Fortunately, he did exactly that.

In the end, they kept both cars, but Schmitty remained her favorite. Jodi always felt the Bentley was simply too pretentious for her taste and rarely drove it. Years later, she even asked me to sell the Bentley on her behalf, but Schmitty never left her side.

That brief Bentley transaction helps explain one of the additional ownership entries reflected on the accompanying Carfax report, while another appears to have resulted from an administrative title transfer associated with a family move. In reality, this Mercedes has effectively had just three true caretakers since new: its original California owner, Jodi and her husband for more than twenty-two years, and me. The continuity of care is far more meaningful than the raw owner count shown on a vehicle history report.

Following her husband's passing, Jodi eventually entrusted Schmitty to my care. Knowing the car's history firsthand—and having admired it for years—I considered it both an honor and a responsibility to continue the same philosophy of conscientious ownership that had defined the car throughout its life.

As I gradually wind down my Southern California warehouse operations and look toward retirement, the time has come for another enthusiast to become Schmitty's next caretaker.

This is a unique opportunity to acquire a beautifully preserved, lifelong California R129 that has benefited from meticulous long-term maintenance, extensive documentation, comprehensive hydraulic system renewal, and nearly three decades of careful stewardship. More importantly, it's an automobile that has been genuinely loved rather than simply owned.

Copies of the extensive service records and the accompanying Carfax Vehicle History Report are available for download here. Be sure to check out all 340+ photos and the video below.

Call or text Donn with questions, shipping, and financing options or for a link to the hi-resolution photos at 707-332-8331.

I strive to provide as much information as possible. If buying from afar, I encourage you to read my reviews: on Google and Yelp.

Please note that this vehicle is being sold as-is. We invite you to come and inspect the vehicle in person or arrange for a third-party inspection to ensure it meets your expectations. For loan pre-approval visit https://www.lightstream.com/apply

Thank you for visiting!

VIN# WDBFA63FXVF149786

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