A 4 folder of service history, old MOTs, tax discs and invoices
Superb overall condition and clearly well-loved
THE APPEAL
Since the very first of Mercedes-Benz’s ‘Sports Leicht’ models appeared in the 1950s, the model name has represented one of the finest sports cars in the world, as well as one that has got more and more collectable with age.
Early SLs, later Pagodas and the third-generation ‘R107’ models are now firmly rooted in genuine classic territory these days, with the fourth-gen R129 model rapidly catching up in terms of collector values. Which leaves the 2002-2011 R230 model sure to follow suit.
After all, in the early 2000s, the Formula One-inspired SL was the most desirable luxury sports car in the world.
It was engineered like all the best Mercedes-Benz models and was not only sleek and stylish, but also technologically advanced, with a modern cabin and driver aids such as PARKTRONIC parking assist and DISTRONIC adaptable cruise control – features that were in their infancy in 2001 when the SL debuted, but which are commonplace today.
The R230 also introduced the company’s trademark electric folding hard top – or VarioRoof - to the model, which had debuted four years earlier on the SLK.
It was a strikingly handsome car but also a very expensive one. At launch, it was offered only as the 386bhp SL500 – and that’s what we have here. A wonderful well-specified and gorgeously presented R230 from the first year of UK sales.
The car has been its owner’s pride and joy since 2014 – he bought it to use as a second car (more recently, third car) and has truly cherished it, but has recently had the opportunity to upgrade to the flagship SL55 AMG model – the only reason he’s selling his wonderful SL 500, and the only reason he ever would.
With prices of previous generation R107 and R129 SLs creeping ever upwards, the R230 is surely the next big thing in the Mercedes-Benz collector market, and this one has all of the hallmarks of a bona fide future classic. One of the best cars in the world when it was new; more than two decades later all of that still rings true.
This one is a fabulous example – a genuine low mileage example of the V8-powered SL 500. You’ll struggle to find a better early R230 on the market right now.
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.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
Car & Classic's secure payment system protects buyers and sellers. At the end of the auction, the winning bidder transfers payment into a third-party escrow account. Once the transfer of the vehicle is complete, both parties confirm they are happy with the sale and the money is released to the seller.
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2002 Mercedes-Benz SL 500
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