Marking Mercedes-Benz’s glorious return to Formula One motorsport in association with McLaren, as well as an all-new era of luxury performance motoring, the Mercedes-Benz “R230” SL was one of the most desirable sports cars of the early 2000s.
Not only was it sleek and stylish, but it also added new technology, modernised styling and a much more modern cabin. It 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 – a cool £79,995 before you ventured near the options list. Today, available for a fraction of that, it offers astonishing value for money and is one of the most stylish and best-equipped modern classic sports cars going.
This one dates from 2006 and looks to be a late pre-facelift example with a 5.0-litre V8 engine. It's in lovely condition both inside and out, with plenty of performance to make it an engaging drive.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
First registered in March 2006
Registered new by Mercedes-Benz of Teesside in Middlesbrough
Five owners first four in North East of England with maintenance at local specialists
UK V5C
MOT October 2023
Combined main dealer and independent history up to 47k
Some receipts and invoices for work carried out more recently including new battery in October 2022
Gearbox service done in December 2022
All original Mercedes-Benz manuals and book pack
Two keys
THE INTERIOR
Smart dark grey leather
Heated seats
Fully functional Mercedes-Benz COMAND infotainment with nav
Factory option part-wood steering wheel with matching centre console and door veneers
Dual zone climate control
Cruise control
Parking sensors
Auto lights and wipers
Electrically adjustable memory seats
Dealer floor mats
CD changer unit
Superbly presented in very good condition throughout
Original tyre repair kit, inflator and space saver wheel
THE EXTERIOR
Brilliant Silver
Factory option 18-inch AMG alloys – some age-related wear and delamination
Body in very good overall condition
Some small marks and scuffs commensurate with age and use
Vario-Roof operates perfectly
Overall in great shape – a really good-looking car with no major flaws
THE MECHANICS
5.0-litre V8
Gearbox serviced last December
Well-maintained
New battery
Drives very well with no warning lights or untoward noises
SUMMARY
The R230 has to be the next Mercedes-Benz sports car to achieve true classic potential, following in the footsteps of the R107 and R129 models, which have shot up in value in recent times.
It was one of the best cars in the world when it was new – and in many respects it still is today, certainly in terms of performance, quality and styling.
This one is a smart example in by far the most popular colour. It’s a smart and handsome car that offers a huge amount for the money.
