Highlights
- Well presented with thunderous AMG V8
- Recent suspension overhaul
- Solid history file
- Just two former keepers
The Appeal
Consistently leading the pack when it comes to luxury high performance roadsters, the Mercedes SL needs little introduction. The R230 generation of SLs was a breath of fresh air into the prestigious lineup and perhaps the most advanced in its history by some considerable way, with vast improvements across the board to revitalise the model including a bold restyle, performance upgrades and a first for the SL, a folding hard top roof system. In its top flight SL55 AMG format, the SL is an outstanding car which offers quintessential Mercedes quality with an abundance of AMG V8 performance.
This marvellous 2004 model comes to us in fine form and has been well preserved by just two former keepers throughout its time on the road. Nicely presented throughout, it comes in a timeless spec and boasts considerable recent mechanical expenditure including an extensive suspension overhaul in August 2023.
The R230 SL55 is certainly gaining traction on the collector market as a modern classic and makes an excellent usable performance piece. Surprisingly practical, classically reliable, impressively quick, it's exactly what a touring roadster should be, and RX54 ZGC is a presentation of that in its prime.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered 01/10/2004
- Just three owners from new
- Backed by a solid history file
- Accompanied by Mercedes book pack with manuals and relevant literature
- Vast selection of invoices present for parts bought and maintenance work undertaken
- Invoice for August 2023 suspension overhaul
- Two sets of keys
- MOT valid until August 2024
- V5 registration document also present with the car
The Interior
- High specification interior space of the atypical Mercedes Benz quality
- Finished in two tone grey leather throughout, exceptionally well presented and highlighting very little in the way of wear or signs of age
- Electric memory seating with massage functionality presented in fine form having worn their miles incredibly well
- Well upholstered door panels in a two tone leather motif, smartly embellished with quality door furniture and trim
- Factory BOSE sound system
- Interior plastics, mouldings and switchgear are in fine fettle with all switchgear understood to be in good working order
- Factory navigation system
- There is a slight area of what seem to be dead pixels on the central entertainment screen however it does still operate correctly
- Plush grey carpeting used throughout with some evidence of staining predominantly in the driver’s footwell
- Large carpeted boot area presented in great form
- Mercedes first aid kit still present and looks to be in unused order
The Exterior
- Finished from the factory in a timeless, effortlessly classy deep black hue - Obsidian Black Metallic
- Paintwork is of a generall high standard throughout with some light marking and blemishing commensurate with age and use to be seen in place
- Overall an entirely well presented example from an aesthetic perspective
- New front bumper painted and fitted in September 2023
- External badging and trim of a great high quality with the rear badging replaced also in September 2023
- Impeccable exterior styling which still presents as fresh today
- Electric folding hard top roof is in good form and operates quickly and smoothly
- Fold out safety bar with accompanying wind deflector
- Glass work is in good order though there are some small areas of chipping that can be seen on the front windscreen
- Four Mercedes 18” alloys reside at ground level, presenting excellently having been recently refurbished
The Mechanics
- Thunderous 5439cc AMG tuned V8 situated under the bonnet
- A truly excellent engine. Powerful and incredibly capable with a quality V8 exhaust note
- Paired to a wonderfully smooth automatic transmission, ideal for touring or every day usage
- The car was subject to an extensive suspension overhaul in August 2023 with new hydraulic pipes, return filter and a bleed of the system
- Oil and filter change in August 2023 around 150 miles ago
- The car fires into life quickly and comfortably and is said to provide an excellent overall driving experience
- Long MOT valid until August 2024
Summary
The time is surely not far off when we’re all looking back at the SL55 AMG and wondering why we didn’t pick one up before the values had gone crazy. Penned by many to be the next up and coming Mercedes collectors model, this suave V8 roadster provides a great value way to acquire a tremendous amount of Mercedes Benz quality and AMG performance in an excellent timeless package, and this well presented early example, with its low owners and recent mechanical expenditure, may be one of the finer examples out there.
BEFORE YOU BUY
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✓ 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.
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