I’ve seen some pretty odd and particular special editions over the years. Most of the time it is a cash grab by manufactures during the end of a generation to clear out stock and move aging units before a fresh new model comes. Other times its anniversary editions that make sense, but lots of times are clearly just mailing it in. Today, I have one of these strangest special editions I’ve ever seen.
This is the 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL320 Edition. Not Special Edition, not Anniversary Edition, just Edition. They literally just called it the “Edition.” Why? I have no idea. The even more bizarre thing is there was another special edition 2000 SL320 in the Mille Miglia edition. That car looks exactly the same as this one except for the badges. Someone help me here.
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL320 Edition at Lancaster Classics
Year: 2000
Model: SL320
VIN: N/A
Engine: 3.2 liter V6
Transmission: 5-speed automatic
Mileage: 68,000 mi
Location: Lancashire, England
Price: £18,995 ($25,968)
Mercedes SL320 “Edition”
Registered 9/10/2000
Warranted 68,000 miles
Mystic Blue with Black Nappa perforated leather interior
Panoramic Roof
Xenon Headlights
Heated Memory Seats
Electric Steering Column
Unmarked 18″ Mercedes Albireo wheels
Full set of unused Roadster fitted luggage specific to the R129
Excellent service history, with all corresponding invoices
Service History –
May 2002 10721 miles Main Dealer
Not dated 18500 miles Main Dealer
Feb 2005 28276 miles Main Dealer
July 2006 37990 miles Main Dealer
July 2007 41372 miles Specialist
Oct 2008 43802 miles Main Dealer
Feb 2008 53348 miles Specialist
Sep 2011 57655 miles Main Dealer
Mar 2014 61134 miles Main Dealer
Mar 2016 63848 miles Main Dealer
Aug 2017 65831 miles Main Dealer
Feb 2018 65991 miles Main Dealer
Apr 2019 67645 miles Main Dealer
Just on the surface, this one looks great. It has a wonderful shade of Mystic Blue paint, a nice blue soft top, some 18″ wheels we’d later see on the Silver Arrow cars, as well as the interior we would also see on the US-market Silver Arrows. This is a really nice R129. However, the question is why? Why just call it the “Edition?” They couldn’t think of anything better than the most generic term possible? Even if you just faked some of historical tidbit or made-up anniversary, it was better than using the most generic term possible.
This example is in the UK which is said to be one of 50 produced in right-hand drive. Maybe they were trying to hide the terrible name by just not making many cars. The goods news is that it is in really nice shape. Just 68,000 miles and looks the part and even better. The ask is a hefty $26,000, which is SL600 money for some examples, but this one is a real looker in my eyes. If you are really in love with the R129 and want a real oddity, tough to go here. Just maybe don’t mention the name, or lack there of.
– Andrew
Great looking car…and fitted luggage. That is the first time I have heard of a convertible being called a panoramic roof. Yes, a little pricey for a 320
I believe the panoramic roof refers to the glass insert in the hardtop.
I had no idea you could get mystic blue way back in the 129 years! About 5 years ago we had a 2011/2012 E63 (the 6.2L not the turbo) in mystic blue over a designo sand and black interior. It was absolutely stunning. Definitely right up there with BMW’s LeMans Blue from the mid 2000’s. It’s such a shame all the US gets stuck with are greyscale, beige, and red colors.