A Stunning Final Edition of the Mercedes SL Roadster R129 Series, with all the tricks needed to make a Classic of the future. A 5.0 V8 engined, 2 seater, Convertible with a Unique Colour and Interior, together with a certificate of authentication from Sir Stirling Moss… it doesn’t come much better.

In the UK these were Limited to 100 cars, all RHD and all in the unique 777 Silver Arrow Paintwork, part of the Designo family. The colour actually needs to be seen in the flesh to be appreciated, it isn’t just silver. The interior featured a specially designed black & silver theme with a metal effect dashboard and black wood(ette). For the rest of the world, a limited run of 1400 cars was issued, making a run of 1500 cars worldwide. but eventually, 1515 were made.

The Interior is a particular feature with class and luxury oozing from it. The 2+2 arrangement looks perfectly inviting with the roof up or down. The unique black & silver leather seating together with the steering wheel, Foot mats, door panels & gear-shifter dressed in the same coloured sporting theme, this makes for a wonderful Limited Edition ‘youngtimer’ Mercedes.

When released in March 2001 (first deliveries were July 2001), The Silver Arrow cost new £69,000. These were the run-out ‘editions’ to end an era of the R129 series SL that had been selling well since 1989. Being launched as a three-set of Special Editions, the SL designo Alanite and Almandine models are exclusive to the UK and were available in two six-cylinder engines, SL280 & SL320 formats. Ironically, these editions were actually rarer than the Silver Arrow with just 49 each being issued, 15 of each of the SL280 engines and 35 of the SL320.

Here’s the original UK brochure also features the other designo editions.

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The Silver Arrow was the grown-up of the three, being available in 5.0 V8 format only, this meant business. The ‘Silver Arrow’ was strikingly distinctive with the 777 Silver paintwork, chrome-sheen aluminium exterior trim, special wing badges, full AMG body styling, split-rim alloy wheels and polished steel exhaust tailpipes.

For the UK only, a numbered certificate was issued with the car, signed by Sir Stirling Moss and a 1:18 model of an original Silver Arrow car was given too. This connection between Moss and him driving to victory in a variety of Mercedes during his career.

Now I know this is a higher number than I’d usually comment on but it warrants a mention. The R129 edition SL spawned a few Limited Editions; SL Mille Miglia (1 of 40 UK cars), SL 40th Anniversary (1 of 150 / 40 in vario? – UK cars), SL Designo Editions (49 of each UK cars) but the Silver Arrow is the really special one. Being the last of a model is usually special so this ticks that box but this is more being so unique. When you see these in the flesh, you’ll know this is different.

In the USA, this edition is much admired and desired. It was released in 5.0 V8 and 6.0 V12 formats over there, with the 6.0 being the rarest, believed just 100 being sold. A lovely feature for the US market was a dedicated SL Silver Arrow briefcase. This was unique to the Silver Arrow and basically was used to store your owners manual, VIN certificate and spare key but a lovely touch all the same.

It’s only until recently have these started to be appreciated (about time IMO) and it’s now that some low mileage ones have popped up for sale, in October 2019 a 6k mile, 1 owner, appeared.

Finding an unmolested one, and trust me, there are some dogs out there! With all the original books and numbered certificates with a great history is certainly a thing of desire. Well one came up for sale in November 2023. An immaculate 652 miles from new, a UK car which must be the lowest mileage one out there.

©howmanymade

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