2005 Mercedes Benz SL500 auto (R230)
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Highlights
- Just over 49 thousand miles displayed
- Fresh Hong Kong import, fully UK registered
- Rare and high specification SL500
- Long advisory free MOT
The Appeal
Consistently leading the pack when it comes to luxury high performance roadsters, the Mercedes SL needs little introduction. The fifth generation R230 continued that motif and quickly gained a reputation as the last word in performance convertibles, most notably the SL500, which proudly boasted a glorious V8 engine ripe for touring, a quality interior and, a first for the SL range, a fully retractable electric hard top roof.
With just over 49 thousand miles on the clock, this incredibly well specced Hong Kong import is a wonderful example of Mercedes' beloved touring cabriolet.
With just over 49 thousand miles on the clock, this incredibly well specced Hong Kong import is a wonderful example of Mercedes' beloved touring cabriolet.
These fifth generation R230’s are quickly becoming appreciated as the perfect choice to be an all round, highly usable open top tourer and as such good examples are being snapped up in an instant. Clean, low mileage cars such as this simply do not come to market that often, so if you’re in the market for a truly excellent R230 generation Mercedes SL, now may be the time.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered 11/07/2005
- Originally a Hong Kong car where it has spent the majority of its life
- Imported into the UK in mid 2023
- Fully UK registered with V5 document present
- Dry stored and well maintained throughout its time in Hong Kong hence the low mileage displayed
- Accompanied by the Mercedes Benz book pack
- Collection of invoices also present from Mercedes Benz main dealers in Hong Kong including the most recent “Service A” undertaken by Zung Fu Company LTD in 2022
- Current MOT valid with no advisories until June 2024
- Just one UK keeper
- Speedo and odometer converted to miles
The Interior
- High specification interior space of the utmost quality
- Draped in impeccable cream and beige leather throughout, exceptionally well presented and highlighting very little in the way of wear or signs of age
- Heated and vented electric memory seating presented in fine form, with strong bolstering and just some very light scuffing on the driver's seat base
- Well upholstered door panels in a mix of cream and beige leather, smartly embellished with quality door furniture and trim
- Lashings of wonderful wood trim used throughout the cabin, in excellent order, displaying with a deep gloss shine
- Comes fitted with the rare factory optional extra wood trim steering wheel
- Upgraded android touch screen head unit
- Factory BOSE sound system
- Interior switchgear is in fine fettle and all understood to be in good working order
- Plush cream carpeting in clean, highly presentable shape
- Well sized black carpeted boot area with space saver spare wheel and tool set
- Clean well fitting headliner on the electric hard top roof
The Exterior
- Timeless exterior styling which still presents as fresh today
- Finished from the factory in a rare deep blue hue we understand to be Mercedes Tanzanite Blue
- Paintwork is of a remarkably high quality and is a testament to the quality to which the car has been upheld in Hong Kong
- Some light age related marks commensurate with age but certainly one of the finer preserved examples on the roads today
- Electronically operated hard convertible top unlatches, and operates smoothly and with ease
- Glass work, trim and badging all present exceptionally well
- Panel gaps are consistent throughout
- Sits on four upgraded 19” WEDS Kranze Bazreia alloy wheels, in good presentable form with just some light blemishing focused around the front wheels
- Wheels shod in premium Pirelli tyres with significant tread
The Mechanics
- Thunderous 5.0 litre Mercedes V8 situated under the bonnet
- A truly excellent engine. Powerful and incredibly capable without being brash or excessive
- Paired to a wonderfully smooth factory upgraded seven speed automatic transmission, ideal for touring or every day usage
- Well maintained throughout its time in Hong Kong by Mercedes Benz dealers
- The vendor informs us that the heater may need some attention as it has never been brought into use due to a life in the Hong Kong climate
- Most recent “Service A” undertaken in 2022 around 1900 miles ago
- The car is reported to fire into life quickly and comfortably provide a driving experience that is nothing short of excellent
- Advisory free MOT until June 2024 for added mechanical peace of mind
- Underside looks clean and solid upon inspection
Summary
Great as a GT, great as an outright sports car, the SL500 is the perfect choice for someone looking for a fine piece of German engineering that really can do it all. The R230 SLs represented a great leap forward in design and engineering both for the marque and for the model range itself. With more modern styling, equipment and running gear, these are most definitely the SLs to get into.
Low mileage,exceptionally presented and beautifully specced. This 2005 SL500 must surely be one of the best on the market today.
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.*
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
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.
Vehicle specification
- Year 2005
- Make Mercedes
- Model SL Class SL500
- Colour Blue
- Odometer 49,548 Miles
- Engine size 4966
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Town Morpeth
- Location Northumberland
- Country United Kingdom
24
bids
- He•••• £11,500 21/09/23
- St•••• £11,250 21/09/23
- He•••• £11,000 21/09/23
- jo•••• £10,750 21/09/23
- He•••• £10,500 21/09/23
- jo•••• £10,250 21/09/23
- He•••• £9,700 21/09/23
- mu•••• £9,500 21/09/23
- He•••• £9,100 21/09/23
- jo•••• £8,700 21/09/23
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|---|---|
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