1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK 230
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HIGHLIGHTS
- Very tidy early supercharged SLK
- Fully functional electric folding hardtop
- Genuine mileage
- Full leather and heated seats
THE APPEAL
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 83,000-mile car, it has been well looked after and comes with some history, along with a long MOT valid until August 2024
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
- UK V5C
- MOT August 2024
- Original book pack and dealer documents
- Supplied new by Western Group Mercedes-Benz in Edinburgh on August 1, 1998, making it one of the very first S-plate cars
- Stamped Mercedes-Benz service book, most recently at 79k miles in 2019
- Invoice for one more service since
- Factory build sheet
- Mercedes-Benz Certificate of Conformity
- Small selection of old MOTs and past invoices
THE INTERIOR
- Smart black leather with minimal wear – very slight rubbing to piping on driver’s seat bolster
- Carbon-effect centre console and trim inserts
- Heated seats
- Electric windows
- Cruise control
- Original toolkit and first aid kit
- All dials and controls work as intended
- Some wear to trim around handbrake grip
- Optional Mercedes-Benz clip-in wind deflector
- Heater blower fan not currently working on all but first setting, but heater and air con work and deliver hot and cold air
- Modern Pioneer CD/USB stereo with great sound quality
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 passenger side sill and very light rub mark on NS/F wing
- Small amount of bubbling on offside front wing
- Panels are all straight and free of dents or major marks
- Small amount of paint fade on OS/F front wing
- Some very small bubbles under paint on both rear quarters and on bootlid (see photos)
- Seemingly solid underneath – no signs of previous welding
- Remote central locking currently not functional meaning you have to use key or internal lock/unlock button
- Handful of touched-in stone chips including one quite large one on the bonnet
- MOT advisory for corroded under body strut brace, since cleaned, inspected and treated
- Four good quality branded tyres with lots of tread
- Dealer option mudflaps
THE MECHANICS
- 2.3-litre 4-cyl supercharged
- Five-speed auto transmission
- Vendor reports that car drives without fault and he has been using it regularly, so mileage may increase slightly before sale concludes
- Holds a steady temperature and good oil pressure
- Steering, brakes and suspension all appear very good with no obvious faults
- Sub-eight seconds 0-60mph with charming induction noise and exhaust note
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, especially as some early cars were plagued by rust problems. But this one is a really straight and tidy example with low miles, 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.
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.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1998
- Make Mercedes
- Model SLK 230
- Colour Brilliant Silver
- Odometer 83,300 Miles
- Engine size 2298
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Town Chatteris
- Location Cambridgeshire
- Country United Kingdom
18
bids
- We•••• £1,700 17/09/23
- ol•••• £1,600 17/09/23
- We•••• £1,550 17/09/23
- ol•••• £1,450 17/09/23
- We•••• £1,350 17/09/23
- ol•••• £1,250 17/09/23
- We•••• £1,150 17/09/23
- ol•••• £1,050 15/09/23
- bo•••• £950 15/09/23
- bo•••• £850 15/09/23
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