MERCEDES-BENZ SL 280 (R129) Hardtop Convertible (manual transmission) 1994 Mak...
MERCEDES-BENZ SL 280 (R129) Hardtop Convertible (manual transmission) 1994
Make: MERCEDES-BENZ
Model: 12905811
VIN: WDB1290581F113635
Engine: 6-cylinder inline, 2799 cm³ (M104)
Transmission: 5-speed manual (Getrag)
Date of First Registration: 12/27/1994
Mileage (not guaranteed): 77,562 km
License plate: 172 ECB 91
Color: Light gray metallic with matching hardtop, black soft top, and black interior.
Production: 10,318 SL 280 units [1993–1997]
Equipment: Hardtop & wind deflector.
Vehicle in fairly good overall cosmetic and running condition.
Vehicle registration certificate missing.
Technical inspection.
Original French version.
OVERVIEW:
Unveiled at the 1989 Geneva Motor Show as the successor to the indestructible R107 (produced for 18 years), the Mercedes-Benz SL R129 roadster is a cornerstone of the “Sport Leicht” lineage. It represents the transition of the Mercedes-Benz roadster into the modern era while maintaining uncompromising build quality, true to the reputation of the brand with the star, before the accountants took over from the engineers. The Mercedes-Benz SL R129 is also the absolute masterpiece of Bruno Sacco, the legendary head of design at Mercedes-Benz. Its taut and extremely clean lines, featuring a grille integrated into the hood and a slightly rising waistline, give it the charisma and timeless, natural elegance characteristic of Mercedes-Benz models from this era.
The Chartres Gallery is pleased to offer this 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL 280. The vehicle is finished in a metallic gray paint with a matching hardtop, black soft top, and black interior. The body is in fair overall condition with some signs of wear and light scratches (front passenger side, front left fender, front left door, side grille on front right fender, front right door, rear right wheel arch, rear right passenger side). The aluminum hardtop and soft top are in fairly good condition. The interior is consistent with the odometer reading of 77,558 km (not guaranteed). The leather upholstery and wood trim have been protected from sun damage and are in good condition, while “homemade” floor mats protect the carpet. The vehicle is equipped with US-spec front turn signals, but the serial number (WDB1290581F113635) confirms that it is indeed an SL 280 model originally intended for the French market (option code #826 - VEHICLE FOR FRANCE) for the 1995 model year (option code #866 - TECHNICAL MODIFICATION MY 95). Equipped with the 2,799 cm³ M104 inline-6 engine with dual overhead camshafts and 24 valves, this Mercedes-Benz SL features a rare combination of a Getrag 5-speed manual transmission and the original 4-seat configuration (option code #565 - REAR SEATS USED ON SL MODELS). The vehicle registration certificate is missing, but the administrative records indicate that the vehicle was first registered on December 27, 1994. The registration number 172 EGB 91 in FNi format is estimated to date from July 2006, indicating that this SL 280 has been in the same ownership for over 20 years. Starting the engine and testing the various systems (convertible top, roll bar, and air conditioning), as well as the test drive, were satisfactory. However, in its current condition, the vehicle will need to be picked up on a flatbed. A mechanical overhaul, replacement of the battery, and replacement of the very worn tires (from 2006) are essential before driving the vehicle.
Compared to a Jaguar XJS Convertible or a BMW E36 Convertible, the Mercedes-Benz SL R129 offers unmatched build quality, safety, and ease of use in everyday driving. With reasonable running and maintenance costs, this version—equipped with the prestigious inline-6 engine and the rare Getrag manual transmission—is a Mercedes-Benz with a secure future as a collector’s item. A comfortable convertible in all seasons thanks to its hardtop, this SL 280 roadster offers an excellent balance between the elegance of a classic car and the peace of mind of a modern vehicle.
CNES Classic Car Expert Ulysse JAMES 07 631 631 52
Viewing: by appointment only, Saturday, October 17, 2026, between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. – Contact Ulysse JAMES – 07 631 631 52
Pickup: by appointment only within 10 days following the sale.
Estimate
Time, Location
Auction House
MERCEDES-BENZ SL 280 (R129) Hardtop Convertible (manual transmission) 1994
Make: MERCEDES-BENZ
Model: 12905811
VIN: WDB1290581F113635
Engine: 6-cylinder inline, 2799 cm³ (M104)
Transmission: 5-speed manual (Getrag)
Date of First Registration: 12/27/1994
Mileage (not guaranteed): 77,562 km
License plate: 172 ECB 91
Color: Light gray metallic with matching hardtop, black soft top, and black interior.
Production: 10,318 SL 280 units [1993–1997]
Equipment: Hardtop & wind deflector.
Vehicle in fairly good overall cosmetic and running condition.
Vehicle registration certificate missing.
Technical inspection.
Original French version.
OVERVIEW:
Unveiled at the 1989 Geneva Motor Show as the successor to the indestructible R107 (produced for 18 years), the Mercedes-Benz SL R129 roadster is a cornerstone of the “Sport Leicht” lineage. It represents the transition of the Mercedes-Benz roadster into the modern era while maintaining uncompromising build quality, true to the reputation of the brand with the star, before the accountants took over from the engineers. The Mercedes-Benz SL R129 is also the absolute masterpiece of Bruno Sacco, the legendary head of design at Mercedes-Benz. Its taut and extremely clean lines, featuring a grille integrated into the hood and a slightly rising waistline, give it the charisma and timeless, natural elegance characteristic of Mercedes-Benz models from this era.
The Chartres Gallery is pleased to offer this 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL 280. The vehicle is finished in a metallic gray paint with a matching hardtop, black soft top, and black interior. The body is in fair overall condition with some signs of wear and light scratches (front passenger side, front left fender, front left door, side grille on front right fender, front right door, rear right wheel arch, rear right passenger side). The aluminum hardtop and soft top are in fairly good condition. The interior is consistent with the odometer reading of 77,558 km (not guaranteed). The leather upholstery and wood trim have been protected from sun damage and are in good condition, while “homemade” floor mats protect the carpet. The vehicle is equipped with US-spec front turn signals, but the serial number (WDB1290581F113635) confirms that it is indeed an SL 280 model originally intended for the French market (option code #826 - VEHICLE FOR FRANCE) for the 1995 model year (option code #866 - TECHNICAL MODIFICATION MY 95). Equipped with the 2,799 cm³ M104 inline-6 engine with dual overhead camshafts and 24 valves, this Mercedes-Benz SL features a rare combination of a Getrag 5-speed manual transmission and the original 4-seat configuration (option code #565 - REAR SEATS USED ON SL MODELS). The vehicle registration certificate is missing, but the administrative records indicate that the vehicle was first registered on December 27, 1994. The registration number 172 EGB 91 in FNi format is estimated to date from July 2006, indicating that this SL 280 has been in the same ownership for over 20 years. Starting the engine and testing the various systems (convertible top, roll bar, and air conditioning), as well as the test drive, were satisfactory. However, in its current condition, the vehicle will need to be picked up on a flatbed. A mechanical overhaul, replacement of the battery, and replacement of the very worn tires (from 2006) are essential before driving the vehicle.
Compared to a Jaguar XJS Convertible or a BMW E36 Convertible, the Mercedes-Benz SL R129 offers unmatched build quality, safety, and ease of use in everyday driving. With reasonable running and maintenance costs, this version—equipped with the prestigious inline-6 engine and the rare Getrag manual transmission—is a Mercedes-Benz with a secure future as a collector’s item. A comfortable convertible in all seasons thanks to its hardtop, this SL 280 roadster offers an excellent balance between the elegance of a classic car and the peace of mind of a modern vehicle.
CNES Classic Car Expert Ulysse JAMES 07 631 631 52
Viewing: by appointment only, Saturday, October 17, 2026, between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. – Contact Ulysse JAMES – 07 631 631 52
Pickup: by appointment only within 10 days following the sale.
Estimate
Time, Location
Auction House
