Mercedes-Benz SL R 129: two unregistered examples for $135,000

Were they already too old? After all, both Mercedes-Benz SL R 129 models featured here date from 2001 and 2002, by which point their successor, the R 230 generation (introduced in 2001), was already known. They may simply have failed to find buyers. Besides, the SL R 129 was far from new when these cars were built - it had originally been launched in 1989.

Alternatively, this may have been a deliberate decision by the dealerships tasked with selling them. They could have retained these late examples of the SL generation in order to offer them to a collector years later, perhaps at a price higher than their original new-car value.

Whatever the explanation, these two superb Mercedes-Benz SL R 129 examples were never registered and are now looking for new owners.

Two unregistered Mercedes-Benz SL R 129s

That exclusivity comes at a substantial price: each is listed at $135,000, approximately €114,000. That is not far from the cost of a "brand-new" SL - in the United States, where they are being sold through the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center in Irvine, California, they are even pricier than a new SL, despite a new generation being just around the corner.

SL 500 Silver Arrow Edition

The first car is a 2002 SL 500 Silver Arrow Edition - unfortunately, there are no images apart from the single one above, which appears to be a photo composite - a special limited edition offered exclusively in the United States and the United Kingdom. A total of 1,515 examples of this SL 500 were sent to the US, alongside 100 SL 600s.

As was still customary at the time, the badge corresponded directly to engine capacity. Beneath the bonnet sits a 5.0-litre V8 producing 306 hp, enough for 0-100 km/h in 6.5 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h. Sadly, the V8 has seen virtually no use during its 18-year life, as the odometer records just 142 miles, equivalent to 229 km.

The Silver Arrow Edition brought several distinctive features, including Silver Arrow paintwork, a hardtop finished in the same colour, a range of polished aluminium details, exclusive-design 18-inch alloy wheels, xenon headlamps - remember those? - and a black interior with "metallic silver" grey contrasts across several leather-trimmed surfaces.

This special edition also included a six-CD changer mounted at the rear, heated seats and an exclusive business-style case finished in aluminium, containing a keyring and pen. Every car also came with a certificate of authenticity.

SL 600

The second unregistered car for sale is a 2001 SL 600, with only 687 km on the clock. The 600 designation signified a V12. The SL's long bonnet also had room for the most prestigious engine of all: the 6.0-litre M 120 V12, first introduced in the S-Class (W 140) at the beginning of the 1990s.

Interestingly, despite delivering 394 hp, it was not much quicker than the SL 500, reaching 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds. The R 129 was always more of a luxury roadster than a nimble sports car.

Finished in black, its exterior gains an AMG styling package comprising a front spoiler, side skirts and alloy wheels, while the black leather cabin is also enhanced with walnut wood trim.

Would you pay $135,000 for either of these examples, knowing that other SL R129s from the same period can be found for a fraction of that amount?