2003 Mercedes-Benz SL500 (R230)
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Highlights
- Very smart example of high-spec V8 SL
- Well maintained and subject to a recent mechanical overhaul
- Documented service history
- Very smart overall condition
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 smartly presented early R230.
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.
The car has recently had a major mechanical overhaul by the vendor and is offered for sale with a fully documented service history.
The History and Paperwork
- UK V5C
- MOT May 2024
- Main dealer service printout documenting the first 10 years of the car’s life
- Independently maintained since, with continuation service book
- Previous receipts and invoices
- SL Class owner’s manual and dealer directory in original Mercedes-Benz zip-up wallet
The Condition
- Obsidian Black Metallic
- 18-inch AMG Monoblock alloys – very good condition with no kerb marks
- Four matching Pirelli P-Zero tyres
- Overall very smart condition with no dents or visible corrosion
- Some light scratches to passenger side front wing
- VarioRoof operates perfectly
- All light lenses and trim rubbers in good condition with no damage
- Driver’s side door handle touchpad is missing
- Mushroom perforated leather upholstery
- Multifunction electronically adjustable memory seats with pulse and massage function
- Driver’s seat shows some wear
- Some previous water staining to the driver’s side inner door card
- Excellent beige Alcantara headlining
- Factory-installed Nokia phone kit
- Fully functional Mercedes-Benz COMAND infotainment with nav
- Dual zone climate control
- Heated and cooled seats
- PARKTRONIC park assist
- Factory option wind deflector
- Dealer floor mats
- Electric folding mirrors
- Maple wood details
- Factory option part-wood steering wheel
- All dials and instruments work as intended
The Mechanics
- 5.0-litre V8
- Five-speed adaptable automatic
- Very well maintained all its life
- ABC air suspension system checked and in good order
- Well-maintained and serviced
- Described by vendor as in excellent working condition and sold with no known faults
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check, to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing.
✓ Whilst ****Car & Classic check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed and we provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and so you are strongly advised to obtain a full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery.
Vehicle specification
- Year 2003
- Make Mercedes
- Model SL Class
- Colour Black
- Odometer 101,573 Miles
- Engine size 4966
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Town London Colney
- Location Hertfordshire
- Country United Kingdom
18
bids
- da•••• £7,000 15/04/24
- ma•••• £6,900 15/04/24
- Em•••• £6,700 15/04/24
- da•••• £6,600 15/04/24
- da•••• £6,500 15/04/24
- ma•••• £6,300 15/04/24
- da•••• £6,200 15/04/24
- Em•••• £5,800 15/04/24
- al•••• £5,400 15/04/24
- ra•••• £5,200 14/04/24
The Gallery
About Max Bids
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| Bid Amount | Increment |
|---|---|
| £0 to £9,999 | £100.00 |
| £10,000 to £49,999 | £250.00 |
| £50,000 to £99,999 | £500.00 |
| £100,000 + | £1,000.00 |
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