The original ‘R170’ SLK is an up-and-coming modern classic, thanks in no small part to its visionary, trendsetting “VarioRoof”.
With power-operated retractable hardtops offering greater stiffness, comfort and refinement than traditional soft-top roadsters, it had all the benefits of a coupé but with the open-top appeal of a sporty roadster when needed.
If that wasn’t interesting enough, the 200 and 230 ‘Kompressor’ models featured superchargers – Mercedes-Benz joining Jaguar in pursuing the more traditional method of forced induction, delivering a pleasing engine note as well as lively performance.
This one is an SLK 230 from early on in the model’s production life. A genuine low-mileage car, it has been well looked after and comes with a fair chunk of history, having been with first keeper for 13 years and then used as a leisure car by its subsequent owners, ensuring the mileage stayed low.
It’s presented in extremely smart and original order throughout.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
Less than 50,000 miles from new
UK V5C
MOT July 2023
Original book pack and dealer documents
Extensive collection of service and repair invoices dating back to early 2000s
Fully stamped Mercedes-Benz service book, up to 46,693 miles in 2019
Invoice for one more service since
Mostly marque-specialist maintained
Factory build sheet
Selection of old MOTs
Previous used car bill of sale and inspection report
THE INTERIOR
Smart black leather with minimal wear - gentle patina to driver’s side bolster but barely notable
Carbon-effect centre console and trim inserts
Electric windows
Factory mats
Cruise control
CD changer
Original toolkit and first aid kit
All dials and controls work as intended
Very slight wear to handbrake grip and gear selector
THE EXTERIOR
Brilliant Silver Metallic
All original paint
VarioRoof in perfect working order
Original factory alloys with some signs of ageing, but perfectly presentable
One very minor scuff on off-side trailing edge of sill
Tiny amount of bubbling on nearside front wing
Panels are all straight and free of dents or major marks
Seemingly solid underneath – no signs of previous welding
THE MECHANICS
2.3-litre 4-cyl supercharged
Five-speed auto transmission
Recent service – September 2022 with minimal mileage since
New alternator and power steering belts fitted last year
Vendor reports that car drives without fault – held a steady temperature and good oil pressure during our photoshoot
SUMMARY
Mercedes-Benzes of the 1990s are finding their feet in the classic car market at the moment, so the R170 SLK is already an appreciating modern classic partly because it’s a Mercedes sports car – always a popular choice – but also because it’s such an important model in motoring history. The SLK was an innovator. A car that many went on to imitate but which none bettered.
The difficulty these days is finding a good one – they’re few and far between. But this one is a cut above – a really nice, well-loved and cared for low-mileage example that’s worthy of preservation, while at the same time being a pretty, fun and usable modern classic sports car. There’s a lot to like.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
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