1995 MERCEDES-BENZ SL 320
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
The SL 320 is a particularly sweet spot in the R129 range. It’s quick enough to thrill, but without the SL 500’s capability to chill your bones when it comes to fuel receipts. This one feels eager and ready for a late summer adventure, the engine proving punchy and willing when pressing on, yet quiet and refined when you just want to cruise. The suspension is compliant and soft, yet doesn’t exhibit any undue wallowing, while the steering is light but precise should the road call for it. This example exhibits no clonks or rattles from either the drivetrain, steering or suspension, and the brakes are eager yet predictable, with no tramlining.
BODYWORK CHECK
The paint is largely very good, with very few stonechips and major marks. However, there are a few areas that have been attended to by a previous owner, but sadly the colour matching is wrong – not a major issue unless you’re a perfectionist, but worth noting. The fabric roof is in good condition, with no rips or tears, and the plastic windows are in fine fettle. The rear panel where the metal roof can hit the paintwork is free from dents and scratches and the door handle recesses are also unscratched. The AMG alloy wheels are in good condition with no corrosion or kerb damage. The bonnet doesn’t close properly and the end of the release hinge has snapped off, but this will be sorted before sale. All four tyres have plenty of tread remaining.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
The interior is presentable, with the dashboard and control surfaces for the most part free from noticeable wear. There is creasing to the leather seats and wear to the driver’s bolster, but there are no rips or loose threads. The headlining is in good condition, with only a couple of marks, and the roof raises and lowers as it should. There is a crack to the windscreen on the left side, however.
UNDER THE BONNET
There’s not much to see here, but what’s there is corrosionfree. All the fluids are up to the maximum mark and none show any signs of wanting to leave the party early. If there is a Achilles’ Heel to this car, it’s the absence of service history; there are receipts and old MoTs, but nothing concrete. However, driving the car reveals nothing untoward.
THE CCW VIEW
If you can look past the lack of service history and slightly poor paint repairs, this is a good, inexpensive way into SL ownership. It’s powered by what is arguably the R129’s most impressive engine (for regular use), making it a tempting cruiser for summer, leaving you with mini projects to tackle over the winter months.