• Rare six-speed manual model
• Low mileage example
• Substantial service history

When it comes to modern classics there are few models that are as desirable as the classic Roadster. Aping the desirability of machinery such as the MGB and Alfa Romeo Spider their more modern equivalents are rapidly attracting the attention of collectors. The more recent models are more resistant to rust, have trouble free injected engines but still have that drop top appeal of their older cousins. Cars such as BMW’s Z3, Audi’s TT and of course, the subject of this auction, the Mercedes-Benz SLK are becoming increasingly desirable.

The first of the modern generation of SLK – S for sportlich (sporty), L for leicht (light) and K for Kurz (compact) – was dubbed the R170 under Mercedes’ internal naming convention and was introduced in 1996. It used a shortened version of the C-Class platform but unlike its rivals from BMW and Audi it used a folding metal hardtop dubbed vario-roof by Mercedes to give it a coupe-like feel when the roof was in the raised position.

It was a soar away success for Mercedes and immediately made its German rivals look a little bit old hat. Available with a variety of engines the best model was probably the supercharged Kompressor model which endowed it with a very decent turn of performance yet was also pleasantly refined and economical. It’s a sure fire modern classic, offering classic Roadster performance and style with the reassuring refinement that comes when the roof is in the up position.

 

The car we have here is a July 2002 facelift model finished in Brilliant silver metallic with a full black leather interior and is equipped with the rare six-speed manual gearbox. It’s been with the same lady owner since 2012 and comes with a substantial service history.

There’s a substantial service history that comes with this SLK including a service book with 10 stamps along with numerous repair bills and MoTs. The SLK was last serviced less than 100 miles ago at just over 68,000 miles and there’s a recipt for this in the car’s history file along with various recent works – service work at 66,000 miles along with new brakes at 61,000 miles. 

The SLK has a recent MoT test which expires in May 2022 and recent MoT history confirms that the SLK has averaged less than 2000 miles per year since it has been in the hands of its most recent owner since 2012.

 

The cockpit of the SLK presents in very good condition with very few blemishes to suggest that it’s getting on for being 20 years old.

The black leather is generally in fine fettle with just a modicum of wear to the driver’s seat along the seam of the side bolster and the part electric seats operate exactly as they should. 

The carpets are in good condition as is the black plastic on the dashboard with the silver aluminium finish to the centre console looking unblemished. The door trim panels are similarly in very good condition appearing to be entirely undamaged while the instruments look as good today as the day they left the factory.

The SLK comes with a factory wind deflector which is in good condition, as is the luggage compartment. The SLK’s electric roof operates as it should – quickly and effectively – and the headlining of the roof is in good condition, too. The luggage compartment is in good order.

 

The Brilliant Silver metallic paint is in a good state with no sign of any lacquer peel and the SLK looks to be in very good all-round condition. There are no unsightly areas of damage with just a couple of stone chips as you would expect form a car of this age and mileage.

Panel gaps are tight and consistent around the car and the overall impression is of a car that has been very well looked after during its life.

The supercharged four-cylinder starts and idles exactly as you’d expect and the owner reports that the SLK drives very well indeed. The vast majority of these SLKs were equipped with the automatic transmission so it’s great to see one with the six-speed manual that really alters the way that it drives making it a far more enjoyable proposition – the seller reports it’s a huge amount of fun to drive.

The classic roadster holds an appeal that just can’t be supressed – punting along a country road with the sun on your face and the wind in your hair is one of the finest motoring experiences. The traditional roadster might tick these boxes during summer but it’s a different proposition during the winter months when a rudimentary hood will leave you with a damp and draughty cockpit.

But you’ll have no such worries with an SLK. It’ll reward as a summer roadster but come winter and it’s a very effective coupe making this one drop top that really can be used all year round. 
Finding SLKs in good condition is becoming increasingly hard so to find one that’s obviously been loved and pampered that comes with the additional benefit of having the rare six-speed manual transmission is an added bonus. 

The summer’s here so it’s time to snap up a bargain… and if the summer isn’t quite as good as we’d hope then the folding hardtop will do a great job of keeping the elements at bay, too.

Notice to bidders