Mercedes-Benz SL R129

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SMOOTH OPERATOR THAT’S A BARGAIN BENZ

We could have highlighted the more classical R107 that’s more in tune with the character of an old sports car, but prices for the best examples can now match Healey proportions. Far more sophisticated, and smoother than the earlier icon, is the later R129 and there’s some fantastic examples on sale both at normal dealers and auctions all at attractive prices which handsomely undercut R107 values. The flipside are considerably higher running costs than the earlier Benz – and arguably this later cabriolet is not quite as well built or as long-lasting. Compounding the issue are too many owners with hearts bigger than their pockets meaning that there’s a lot of badly maintained cars on sale so be warned! But a good one is superb.