Mercedes-Benz SL R129 series 1989 to 2001

Author: Brian Long, Hardbound, 208 Pages, ISBN 9781845844486, 1st Edition, February 2013

It’s hard to believe, but the W129-series Mercedes-Benz SL was launched over 20 years ago. However, its timeless styling has kept it fresh and attractive in the eyes of a new generation of enthusiasts, as well as those returning to the car having owned one when they were still in the dealerships. A combination of superb original design and peerless engineering and build quality adds to the desirability of this series of classic German machines, and has ensured that many of these cars can still be seen in regular use today.

Covering the SL’s ever-changing specification, and its presence in many of the world’s major markets is a huge task, but it’s all presented here in definitive detail, along with stunning contemporary photography, in a volume that will readily grace any reference library shelf or connoisseur’s coffee table.

Two earlier books, also published by Veloce, and covering the W113 cars and the 107-series SL and SLC, act as perfect companions to this title, which takes the SL story up to 1989.

Features

• Stunning contemporary photography, mostly in colour
• Year-by-year coverage of all the road cars
• Detailed vehicle profiles for authenticity
• Contemporary press opinion putting the car’s impact into perspective
• World markets reviewed to give true picture of cars available
• Full co-operation from the factory
• Written by a long-term SL/SLC owner and enthusiast
• Stand-alone title, or compliments other Long/Veloce SL books
• Brian Long is a leading motoring historian
• Detailed appendices

Chapters

• Introduction & Acknowledgements.
• Chapter One: The Three-Pointed Star.
• Chapter Two: The SL - Born On The Track.
• Chapter Three: The 300SL & 190SL.
• Chapter Four: The W113 ‘Pagoda Roof’ Series.
• Chapter Five: The R/C 107 Models.
• Chapter Six: An SL For The Nineties.
• Chapter Seven: The Early Production Models.
• Chapter Eight: New Powerplants.
• Chapter Nine: End Of An Era.
• Appendix I: Year-By-Year Range Details.
• Appendix II: Engine Specifications.
• Appendix III: Colour & Trim Summary.
• Appendix VI: Chassis Numbers & Production Figures.
• Index.