Highlights
- Full service history
- Presented in superb condition
- Genuine low mileage
- 5-litre V8
The Appeal
When Mercedes introduced the R230 in 2001, it was the first time the SL had been fitted with a retractable hardtop. Alongside a raft of technical enhancements and innovations, it made the car even more desirable and practical than ever. Needless to say, it was a huge success.
Here is a beautiful example of a high specification SL500 that’s been kept in excellent condition and maintained regardless of cost. Offering a fine combination of power, style and luxury, this SL500 is sure to become someone’s pride and joy.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered 5th April 2002
- Early pre-facelift model
- 6 owners from new
- Just 72,387 miles, verified by MOTs and service record
- Current owner since June 2018
- MOT to June 2023
- Currently SORN
- Owner’s handbooks included
- Invoices for servicing and maintenance
- Previous MOT certificates
- Full service history (9 stamps - mix of main dealer and specialist)
- Last service June 2022 @ 71,493 miles (major service)
- Vehicle has mostly been kept indoors
- Owner is selling his collection, hence the vehicle being offered for sale
The Interior
- Anthracite leather upholstery
- Wind deflector
- Heated, electrically operated memory seats
- Electric windows and door mirrors
- Sat-nav and radio/CD system with CD auto-changer
- Dual zone climate control
- Cruise control
- Parking sensors
Benefitting from a high specification, this SL500 has a very lovely cabin. The Anthracite leather on the seats, door cards and dash presents in superb condition, with no damage, sagging or tears and little in the way of wear that we could see. The steering wheel has been refinished by ‘Royal Steering Wheels’ in full leather and looks to be in as-new condition.
Offering a complement to the leather, the grey carpets and matching over-mats present very well and in a similarly good condition to the rest of the cabin.
The door cards are capped with wood veneer, and the fascia of the centre console is finished in the same way. The veneer appears to be in an excellent state, with no evidence of UV damage, peeling or warping. It wears a nice, deep gloss shine and brings a touch of traditional Mercedes glamour to the driving environment.
Looking at the dash and driving controls, everything looks almost untouched, with only the slightest signs of wear from age and use. Certainly, nothing is missing and there is no damage, cracking or notable wear showing on any of the instrumentation or switchgear. We’re also assured by the owner that everything functions precisely as it should.
In the rear, the boot compartment is nicely sized, even with the roof stowed, and presents in a fine state. Under the carpeted floor there is the usual spare wheel and toolkit, all present and correct.
Overall, we think the interior of this car is as good as you’ll find on a 20 year old car that’s covered more than 70,000 miles.
The Exterior
- Retractable hardtop
- Silver paintwork
- Original 5-spoke 18” alloy wheels
With that long, elegant bonnet and cab-back styling, this R230 SL500 is a very handsome vehicle. From the “peanut” front lights to the smart rear haunches and sweeping curve of the roof (which operates perfectly), it heralds from a time when Mercedes styling was timeless and clean. Therefore, it still looks really good, even 20 years later.
Having been largely stored indoors for most of its life, the paint and bodywork are in exceptionally good order, with a lustrous finish and no evidence we could discern of damage or corrosion. There are one or two minor stone chips to the front, and a couple of slight blemishes to the paint, but for a 20 year old car it’s in incredible original shape.
The 5-spoke 18” alloys are likewise in fine condition, with no kerbing or lacquer peel we could see, and they are dressed in nearly new tyres, which the vendor tells us have about 1,000 miles of use on them.
Looking under the vehicle, the underside looks very clean, straight and free from signs of corrosion or damage. The dry storage has obviously been a real boon for the vehicle’s preservation.
The Mechanics
- 4,966cc V8 engine
- 5-speed automatic transmission
- Full service history and MOT to June 2023
- Recent major service (June 2022)
The 5-litre V8 found in this vehicle is a fantastically smooth and powerful unit. Offering a meaty 302bhp and 460Nm, it’s certainly not underpowered. Twinned with the creamy automatic transmission, it makes for the kind of comfort and instant power delivery that the SL is famed for.
The engine bay itself is extremely clean and tidy, with no evidence of leaks, overheating issues or damage that we could see. The owner tells us that the car drives very well, with no mechanical issues that they are aware of.
With a full service history and recent major service by specialists Carter Sports & Prestige, you can bid with confidence that the car has been very well maintained.
Summary
We think this R230 is a real gem. Owned and maintained by a true enthusiast as part of a small collection, it’s been kept in beautiful original condition. With a full service history, low miles for its age, a great specification and that dramatic V8 drivetrain, it makes a great case for itself.
The retractable hardtop offers a level of refinement and all-weather ability that most open-top cars cannot begin to hope for. With Mercedes’ legendary reputation added into the equation, this has to be a future classic.
Notice to bidders
Notice to bidders
All items in this listing are sold on an “As Is - Where Is” basis. Photos and listing descriptions should be used as a guide only. Although every effort has been made to verify the accuracy of the information in this listing and Car & Classic performs a level of due diligence prior to the auction, we do not warrant the accuracy of the listings. The seller assumes all responsibility for this listing. Inspection is highly recommended prior to bidding. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion.
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