The Mercedes-Benz SL, in all its incarnations over the years, has always been the German maker’s highest expression of its design ethos, manufacturing excellence and engineering prowess. The five-litre V8-powered cars have long been one of the model range’s highest performance, offering speed and svelte performance coupled with equipment and (roof-up) levels of luxury to rival any executive saloon.

This car’s appeal and abilities haven’t really diminished over time; it still offers ‘all of the above’ but at a dramatically reduced price from when it was new. What’s more, with only 56,116 miles on the clock (and a good service history) there is a tremendous amount of life left in this greatest of grand tourers.

The SL’s service book shows regular maintenance throughout the car’s life, while a couple of other invoices remind us that the Mercedes has had a new battery less than a month ago and that the tasty seven-spoke alloys have also been refurbished. 

What isn’t recorded in the history file is that the folding roof’s hydraulic pump has also recently been replaced and that the boot seals have also been renewed (sometimes a potential weak point on these). A sheaf of MOT certificated also confirm the rather low mileage as genuine.

The number plate is not included in the sales, but is available as a separate purchase.

The SL’s cabin has been well looked-after; its two-tone grey leather making a nice contrast to the Mid Blue Bodywork with Light Grey leather sports interior complements the silver bodywork very well. The leather remains in excellent condition with only a gentle patina and light creasing on the high-backed sports seats. Bolsters and cushions are firm, well defined and retain all of their shape. 

Both steering wheel and gear knob look good, the latter showing only one small nick to its leather covering. The sturdy, leather covered roll-over bar also remains in very good condition. A very nice feature of the cabin is the burr walnut trim; its lacquer retains a deep gloss, while the paleness of the leather brings out the warmth and richness of the grain.

Carpets are stain-free and clean, and the mats have straight, nicely bound edges and show no holes or stains. The rubber seals around the cabin appear very healthy. Altogether a very pleasant space in which to go touring.

It’s quite refreshing to see an R230 series Mercedes SL that isn’t either black or silver. Finished in Jasper Blue Metallic, this early model retains all of its sleek lines and taut, low-slung profile. 

The finish remains consistent across the whole of the car with a good gloss all over. What scuffs to the paintwork there are – some stone chips to the front apron and a scuff on the front nearside wheel arch – are minor. Shut lines and panel gaps are consistently narrow, while bumpers, air scoops, lights and door handles all remain flush to the bodywork, maintaining the overall smoothness of the contours and maintaining the integrity of the shape.

The folding steel roof operates smoothly and quietly, fitting flush to the windscreen when raised and folding neatly under its hard tonneau when lowered. Its colour matches that of the rest of the bodywork.

The underside of the Mercedes appears to be very solid with no apparent signs of rust or collision damage. Everything looks very robust. The wheels too are in good shape – the seven-spoke alloys were refurbished at the beginning of the year – and they sit on a good set of tyres. From the underside, the car looks like it has never, or seldom, been used in bad weather.

Although a little dusty, the engine bay looks to be in fine fettle, with no signs of leaks or corrosion on or around the big V8. Ducts, hoses and the heavy-duty plastics used in shrouds and casings look a very healthy shade of black, with no signs of cracks or heat damage. Under-bonnet insulation also looks very tidy. Suspension towers look strong and inner wings solid, while the rubber seals around the engine bay remain supple and intact.

Talking of seals; it’s worth repeating that those in the boot have been replaced, as water ingress here could interfere with the roof motor, pump and mechanism. There is absolutely no evidence of that here, but the owner replaced them just to make sure.

As already stated, the R230 series roadster was and remains a formidable performer and a sophisticated cruiser. Though many examples out there for sale may replicate this car’s performance, few will have its low mileage or attractive colour combination – and we’re still thinking about the woodwork too. 

It’s a fine and individual example, hugely enjoyable, and likely to be very good value for your money.