1991 Mercedes 300SL - Ultra rare 5-spd Manual - WOW!!!

The legendary 300SL nameplate was resurrected for the 1990 model year with the release of the much anticipated R129 Mercedes SL Roadster. Available in the US as either a 5.0 liter 32V V8 paired to a 4-spd automatic, or an inline 24v 6-cylinder model paired to either a 5-spd automatic or manual transmission, named the 500SL and 300SL respectively.
The 300SL nameplate dates back to the fantastic gull-wing and roadster race inspired cars of the 1950's and early 60's, today commanding prices in the millions.
The tank like build quality of the R129 series was long in development to become the safest, most well-built sports car of its time, replacing the aging 560SL or R107 which had been in production nearly 18 years. New safety regulations and and changing tastes required a ground up redesign. At the time there was no car in production that could compete with the all-around performance safety and comfort of the R129 SL. Commanding premium sticker prices and year long wait times.
Considered by most MB enthusiasts as one of the best built SL's ever it featured dual airbags, a safety roll bar which automatically deployed if a sensor on the wheels detected danger. Revolutionary at the time and still to this day one of the safest cars every made.
This lovingly cared for 300SL has been garaged and serviced regularly. It has its original paint with no fading and minimal wear. A clean car fax with no accidents. The lower plastic panels were painted it the body color, at the time they were two tone and most would agree its compliments the car. They job was done very well as all the panels were removed to be painted. The engine runs powerful and strong,a common problem with these carsare head-gaskets leaks and its a very expensive fix. The head-gasket is not leaking and is free of oil residue. These cars do not have the dreaded wiring harness problems of all Mercedes built between 1993-1996. The seats are in great conditions, the plastic pieces around rear-view mirror are fine as is electric rear-view mirror which is also working fine and not cracked as isthe interior dome light, which break and are very hard and expensive to get. There is a crack beginning in the drivers vanity mirror on thevisorbut it is still there all in all a very well preserved example. The top is in good condition with a clear back glass, functioning hydraulic cylinders, another expensive fix if these tops are not working. So yes the top is working. The right rear plastic window on the soft top is starting to separate from the canvas on the top and I will try to have this fixed. The hardtop is included with the car. If you have questions feel free to ask. This is a very rare car and so much fun to drive. Its much lighter than the 500SL and far lighter than a 600SL and it really feels completely different to drive. I have a had 1992 500SL which feels like a different car, and I have had a 600SL in the past which has a great engine but very expensive to maintain and feels heavy and the engine feels unnecessary in a small sports car. The engine on this car was only made for 3 years as the 3.0 liter 24 valve and is beautiful and it will be a legendary car in the future. The engine bay is flawless clean as is the car. Besides a few minor and I mean minor scratches on the bumper not visible in the pictures as they are almost not visible in person, The paint is nearly flawless with maybe a couple nicks. its not faded or tired and the clear-coat is rich and lustrous. Seeing this car in person if you have the opportunity will make you fall in love instantly.
The 5-spd manual is the rarest of all the R129 and a very unpopular car at the time with a manual transmission. Whomever buys this car will love it and be lucky and grateful to have gotten it, and rest of you who thought about it too long and missed out, will miss out, as you will probably never find one again.There were only 166, 300SL manual transmissions imported into the US according to Mercedesrecords.You will pay half for a 500SL and even less for a 300SL with an automatic transmission which is a 5 spd automatic which was only in the 300SL which notoriously fail and are nearly impossible to rebuild and unavailable fromMercedes. And you can bank on thousands in repairs or replacement parts for a tired R129 SL.The Beckerradio in this car is not functioning and can be sent back to Becker to be rebuilt. Most people I think would probably want to upgrade to a modern stereo and sending the radio back toBecker they can add and AUX input for iPoduse.So buying the best one you can find on any Mercedes is your best bet. There is nothing more expensive than a cheap Mercedes. Doing your research on a R129 will save you a headache in the future and reward you with your efforts. These are great cars and will be tomorrow's next collectible as are the 560SL's today which afew years ago you couldn't give away.Car is located in Palm Beach, Florida and can be seen upon appointment. Please call Michael at (561) 801-2668 with any questions. Thank you.