Mileage: 50,880 (as at 11 October 2014)
MOT: 22 June 2015
Reg Date: August 1998
Last service: 48,884 miles
Owned since: 26 June 2012
Mileage when purchased: 45,524
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Engine capacity: 5856 cc
Engine configuration: V8 Quad Cam 32 Valve
Official power output*: 381 bhp
Actual power output: 405 – 410 bhp
Official torque: 580 Nm 427 lbft
Official 0-60 mph: 5.6 seconds
Actual 0-60 mph: 5.0 seconds
Top speed (restricted): 155 mph (~185 mph derestricted)
Original price: £116,588
My understanding is that there were only 29 of the facelift 1996-1998 models built in right hand drive for the UK market.
The SL60 is considered by many to the ultimate R129 SL (perhaps other than the AMG V12 variants) due to the high power output and the lighter weight of the V8 in comparison to the V12 resulting in better handling balance.
The SL60 AMG is derived from the SL500 with AMG having bored and stroked the engine to increase the capacity to 6 litres along with other modifications. Such cars are also fitted with AMG body kit, suspension and two piece wheels with most other extras being optional.
AMG later claimed that the actual power output of the engine is 405 – 410 bhp and that the 0-60 mph time is 5.0 seconds. The reason the figures had previously be understated was apparently so as not to detract from sales of the SL600 V12.
The 1996-1998 cars are believed by many to be the optimum cars, due to the combination of the 5 speed automatic gear box and the quad cam 32v M119 V8 engine with electronic ignition plus improvements to equipment. Earlier cars came with a four speed automatic and distributors whereas later models were fitted with the M113 V8.
This particular car is amongst the most highly specified of its kind and is believed to be a one-off. In addition to other options it was specified with the Panoramic Roof, Adaptive Damping System, Heated Seats and Electronic Stability Program.
However most striking are the Designo options specified which include Designo LCP green/blue paint, exclusive Designo two tone leather seats, steering wheel, door cards and gear selector, Designo ‘Black Magic Eye’ wood trim and extended leather covering the dashboard, A-pillars etc.
Optional extras:
Designo LCP Paint (Dark Blue/Green Flip)
Designo two tone leather (Black/Dark Green)
Designo wood trim (Black Magic Eye)
Designo leather dash etc
Two tone leather steering wheel
Two tone leather gearshift
Panoramic hard top
Adaptive Damping System
Electronic Stability Program
Heated seats
Sump shield
Black soft top
It originally had a radio cassette and multichanger fitted but now has a Mercedes single CD radio.
The wind deflector and cover, first aid kit and hard top stand are all present.
It is a low mileage example in excellent condition and probably unique.
It has a full service history, mostly Mercedes (one at a Smart dealership) then MBTech (a reputable Mercedes specialist).
During our ownership it has been serviced by MBTech in Warrington. They gave it a thorough post purchase inspection including a camera inside the head. They have commented that it is the best R129 they have seen and on how excellent the condition is when inspected underneath with it on the ramps and how clean the head looked internally.
Another highly regarded independent Mercedes dealer and service centre has stated that he believes it to be the best SL60 AMG he is aware of in the country. Another well known independent Mercedes dealer saw it at a show and having commented on how impressed he was with it, asked me to let him know if we consider selling it. It won a prize at that show.
I travelled all around the country from Brighton to Edinburgh looking at SL60 AMGs and SL500s over a period of several months. Having been disappointed by dishonest descriptions and frustrated at not being able to find a good example I was about to give up but then found this one.
I have a spreadsheet detailing all work during our ownership. Highlights include:
Aerial mast replaced.
Soft-top windows replaced with Wovapin OEM spec.
Headlight lens replaced.
One indicator and both repeaters replaced.
Wheels refurbished.
Michelin Pilot Superport tyres fitted all round.
Professionally under-sealed soon after purchase using Dinitrol clear on the underside so as not to hide anything.
Anti roll bar and rear link bushes replaced
Four wheel alignment/geometry
Transmission and differential fluid changed
Soft-top re-proofed regularly and recently
Rear discs and pads replaced
Steering damper replaced
Two stage polish and protection with G-Techniq by Shinearama (now Deville Detailing)
New V-Belt fitted
New filters and plugs including fuel filter
Recent Bosch 5 year Silver S5 battery
Eisenmann Sport stainless steel back box and Longlife stainless steel y-pipe fitted.
Suspension spheres replaced just before we bought it.
Suspension fluid replaced and suspension recalibrated after we bought it.
Two air-con sensors very recently replaced and re-gas.
Windscreen very recently replaced with genuine Mercedes windscreen (due to cracking during a stone chip repair).
Windscreen wiper replaced and wiper arm plastic trim (it wasn’t broken but was faded).
This is unlikely to depreciate in the short term and has potential to appreciate. This is a highly specified low mileage example with a rare Designo colour scheme making it highly desirable. The asking price is based on my knowledge of the amounts for which other lower specified examples have sold.
I have thought long and hard about whether to sell it or keep it. The main reason for considering selling is that we currently only require one car due to my wife being on a career break due to illness. This has resulted in it not being used anywhere near as much as intended and this is unlikely to change for the foreseeable future.
£29,999 but open to sensible offers.
MOT: 22 June 2015
Reg Date: August 1998
Last service: 48,884 miles
Owned since: 26 June 2012
Mileage when purchased: 45,524
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Engine capacity: 5856 cc
Engine configuration: V8 Quad Cam 32 Valve
Official power output*: 381 bhp
Actual power output: 405 – 410 bhp
Official torque: 580 Nm 427 lbft
Official 0-60 mph: 5.6 seconds
Actual 0-60 mph: 5.0 seconds
Top speed (restricted): 155 mph (~185 mph derestricted)
Original price: £116,588
My understanding is that there were only 29 of the facelift 1996-1998 models built in right hand drive for the UK market.
The SL60 is considered by many to the ultimate R129 SL (perhaps other than the AMG V12 variants) due to the high power output and the lighter weight of the V8 in comparison to the V12 resulting in better handling balance.
The SL60 AMG is derived from the SL500 with AMG having bored and stroked the engine to increase the capacity to 6 litres along with other modifications. Such cars are also fitted with AMG body kit, suspension and two piece wheels with most other extras being optional.
AMG later claimed that the actual power output of the engine is 405 – 410 bhp and that the 0-60 mph time is 5.0 seconds. The reason the figures had previously be understated was apparently so as not to detract from sales of the SL600 V12.
The 1996-1998 cars are believed by many to be the optimum cars, due to the combination of the 5 speed automatic gear box and the quad cam 32v M119 V8 engine with electronic ignition plus improvements to equipment. Earlier cars came with a four speed automatic and distributors whereas later models were fitted with the M113 V8.
This particular car is amongst the most highly specified of its kind and is believed to be a one-off. In addition to other options it was specified with the Panoramic Roof, Adaptive Damping System, Heated Seats and Electronic Stability Program.
However most striking are the Designo options specified which include Designo LCP green/blue paint, exclusive Designo two tone leather seats, steering wheel, door cards and gear selector, Designo ‘Black Magic Eye’ wood trim and extended leather covering the dashboard, A-pillars etc.
Optional extras:
Designo LCP Paint (Dark Blue/Green Flip)
Designo two tone leather (Black/Dark Green)
Designo wood trim (Black Magic Eye)
Designo leather dash etc
Two tone leather steering wheel
Two tone leather gearshift
Panoramic hard top
Adaptive Damping System
Electronic Stability Program
Heated seats
Sump shield
Black soft top
It originally had a radio cassette and multichanger fitted but now has a Mercedes single CD radio.
The wind deflector and cover, first aid kit and hard top stand are all present.
It is a low mileage example in excellent condition and probably unique.
It has a full service history, mostly Mercedes (one at a Smart dealership) then MBTech (a reputable Mercedes specialist).
During our ownership it has been serviced by MBTech in Warrington. They gave it a thorough post purchase inspection including a camera inside the head. They have commented that it is the best R129 they have seen and on how excellent the condition is when inspected underneath with it on the ramps and how clean the head looked internally.
Another highly regarded independent Mercedes dealer and service centre has stated that he believes it to be the best SL60 AMG he is aware of in the country. Another well known independent Mercedes dealer saw it at a show and having commented on how impressed he was with it, asked me to let him know if we consider selling it. It won a prize at that show.
I travelled all around the country from Brighton to Edinburgh looking at SL60 AMGs and SL500s over a period of several months. Having been disappointed by dishonest descriptions and frustrated at not being able to find a good example I was about to give up but then found this one.
I have a spreadsheet detailing all work during our ownership. Highlights include:
Aerial mast replaced.
Soft-top windows replaced with Wovapin OEM spec.
Headlight lens replaced.
One indicator and both repeaters replaced.
Wheels refurbished.
Michelin Pilot Superport tyres fitted all round.
Professionally under-sealed soon after purchase using Dinitrol clear on the underside so as not to hide anything.
Anti roll bar and rear link bushes replaced
Four wheel alignment/geometry
Transmission and differential fluid changed
Soft-top re-proofed regularly and recently
Rear discs and pads replaced
Steering damper replaced
Two stage polish and protection with G-Techniq by Shinearama (now Deville Detailing)
New V-Belt fitted
New filters and plugs including fuel filter
Recent Bosch 5 year Silver S5 battery
Eisenmann Sport stainless steel back box and Longlife stainless steel y-pipe fitted.
Suspension spheres replaced just before we bought it.
Suspension fluid replaced and suspension recalibrated after we bought it.
Two air-con sensors very recently replaced and re-gas.
Windscreen very recently replaced with genuine Mercedes windscreen (due to cracking during a stone chip repair).
Windscreen wiper replaced and wiper arm plastic trim (it wasn’t broken but was faded).
This is unlikely to depreciate in the short term and has potential to appreciate. This is a highly specified low mileage example with a rare Designo colour scheme making it highly desirable. The asking price is based on my knowledge of the amounts for which other lower specified examples have sold.
I have thought long and hard about whether to sell it or keep it. The main reason for considering selling is that we currently only require one car due to my wife being on a career break due to illness. This has resulted in it not being used anywhere near as much as intended and this is unlikely to change for the foreseeable future.
£29,999 but open to sensible offers.
