Description
With the passing of a few years, collector enthusiasts have come increasingly to appreciate the sheer brilliance of the first series of SLKs, known as the R170 models. Indeed, they now seem to be preferred by collectors to the subsequent R171 series. The 320SLK, which first appeared at the time of the ‘facelift’ of this model in 2000, is now widely recognised as the ‘one to have’, combining real power and smoothness with that great design concept. That is not to say that the 230K is not also a fine car, but the 320 has more torque and more power delivered without the noise of the smaller, supercharged engine. The V6 engine of the 320 is widely accepted to be one of Mercedes best-ever engines, being successfully used in a wide variety of their models giving reliability and longevity. But because they are such a delight to own and use, there are relatively few low mileage 320’s out there.
I bought mine in 2006 with just over ‘20k on the clock’ and it has now done 33, 730 miles. It has always been cosseted and remains immaculate. Unlike most of the other low mileage SLK’s offered, mine is not a ‘Channel Islands’ SLK but has done its miles on normal English roads rather than clocking it up mostly in short runs. I am fortunate in having a number of other ‘fun’ cars and this one has only been used occasionally, as its MOT history demonstrates.
2007 22, 481 miles
2008 23, 200 miles
2009 23, 671 miles
2010 23, 979 miles
2011 24, 320 miles
2013 26, 351 miles
2014 28, 027 miles
2015 29, 349 miles
2016 30, 177 miles
2017 30, 993 miles
2018 32, 575 miles
2019 Not used
2020 33, 663 miles
It has of course been regularly serviced and everything works (roof, windows, air conditioning, cruise control, power steering, ESP traction control, dual air-bags, ABS, electric windows and mirrors, etc) as it should. The car comes with electrically operated seat controls, and a good Sony CD player and radio. All original handbooks and documentation in pristine condition along with the second key which I don’t think has ever been used. As standard all R170 SLK’s came with a fabric draught preventer so that occupants’ hair did not get blown all over the place when motoring with the top down. The only snag with that system is that the driver’s mirror view backwards has to look though a fabric netting which reduces visibility a little. I fitted the purpose made perspex screen which can be seen in one of the pictures, which does the same job but does not limit visibility at all.
My own view is that linarite blue is the best colour for this car, but some examples of this model come with two-colour seats; I chose not to buy that type preferring the plain anthracite (almost black) leather version - to me it is subtler and more understated. I bought a spare second-hand alloy wheel of the same type fitted to the car when I first bought the car – ‘just-in-case’ and it will go with it. Built in sat-nav was not offered as an option on this model so I have fitted a discreet auxiliary power socket next to the passenger seat to allow a GPS to be attached the windscreen and powered without long unsightly cables, and a mobile phone to be charged at the same time; the socket can be removed easily if the buyer prefers.
