SL-Class

Segment
Compact

Despite being one of the company's flagship nameplates, the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is currently the oldest and most out-of-date model in the lineup. Mercedes is currently working on the next-generation SL, which should fix a lot of the issues we have with the current model. For instance, this new model should be lighter than the current one, since it is being developed alongside the next-generation AMG GT. There will also be a new SL 73 e 4MATIC+ model rumored to pack around 800 horsepower.

While we are excited to see the next-generation SL, previous generations of the nameplate are starting to become more collectible. The R129 generation (built from 1989 to 2000) is one such example that has been increasing in value recently and a very special one has just come up for sale.

The car pictured here is actually owned by Mercedes-Benz and is currently being offered for sale by the company's Classic Center in Irvine, California. The Classic Center has other impressive vehicles for sale including a 1958 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster and an 1886 Benz Patent-Motorwagen Replica. But we wanted to pay extra attention to the 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL 600 because it has a very interesting story.

Aside from the rarified AMG models, the SL 600 was the ultimate pinnacle of the R129 SL. It is powered by a 6.0-liter V12 engine producing 394 hp, enabling a 0-62 mph run in 6.1 seconds with a top speed that was limited to 155 mph. Most SL 600s came pretty loaded up but this example has the AMG Styling Package, making it look even more aggressive.

Being a 2001 model, it's also one of the last R129 cars ever built as the R230 debuted the same year. As you can see, the car is in practically new condition and has only been driven 427 miles since new. So, why hasn't anyone driven this lovely SL? The car still carries its MSO (Manufacturer's Statement of Origin) documentation, which is the form given to a dealership to title a car to its first owner.

This means you can be the first person to ever own this 2001 SL 600 for the price of $135,000. That might be $20,000 more than a brand-new SL 550 Roadster but we think this car is a future classic and well worth the investment.