Footnotes

• Mercedes-Benz asks a lot of its roadster models – specifically in terms of their longevity. While most cars are replaced by an all-new model every seven or eight years, Mercedes' SL roadsters have always been expected to have longer life cycles. This one, the R129 generation, was on sale for 12 years, while its predecessor, the R107 lasted a mighty 16 years before being replaced. The fact that today's car, the R230, is about to celebrate a decade on sale is highly unusual in the modern car industry.
  
  For these models to last so long and remain fresh, the design and engineering had to be spot on from the word go, and you can't deny that the R129 was designed to last. Mercedes over-engineered and future-proofed the car as much as it could. Design tastes may have evolved since, but with standard features that included an electric roof, pop-up roll bar and the option of ADS (Adaptive Damping System), it was highly advanced when it debuted at the 1989 Geneva Motor Show.
  
  In July 1992, with the three strong line-up selling well, the range was bolstered by the arrival of the 600SL flagship. As with the other cars it used a shortened version of the W124 saloon's platform, into which was slotted a 389bhp, 6.0-litre V12, mated to a four-speed automatic. It had real structural integrity (Mercedes claimed its torsional rigidity equaled the saloon's), the torque-rich V12 allows shattering pace and the SL's ability to swallow crests and bumps is amazing.
  
  This is chiefly down to ADS – standard on the 600 – which is able to adjust suspension firmness and ride height automatically according to speed and road conditions. You can even use buttons in the cabin to raise the suspension yourself by up to 60mm, a feature not even the ML-Class SUV offers!
  
  This handsome 600SL was purchased new by Peter Baumberger and has been maintained to his customary standards. Finished in navy blue with a tan leather cabin, it has covered 81,571km and represents exceptional value.
  
  The Baumberger Collection 600SL comes with Swiss registration (cancelled), owners manuals and factory hard top.
  

Auction Notices

• A factory hard-top is included with this motor car and may be collected by the buyer from Gy, near Geneva. Additional items included with this lot: fire extinguisher, jack & tool kit We have catalogued paperwork and tool kits/accessories as a courtesy to clients but without guarantee. N.B. We have not checked individual tool kits for completeness

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Category: Motoring / Automobilia

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