∙High spec
∙Hard top folding convertible
∙4 owners from new
∙Automatic

The Mercedes SL has been around since 1954 and as you can imagine due to its upgrades and improvements developed over the years it’s easy to see why it’s regarded as one of the best 2 seater, grand tourer sports convertibles, you can buy.

This particular model is the baby in terms of power train but it still houses a whopping 3.7 Litre 18 Valve V6 under the bonnet of this tiny car forcing out a healthy 245 HP to the rear wheels.

This model, the R230 was also one of the first to feature Mercedes ABC (active body control) which offers the exquisite balance of comfort and handling using accumulators and hydraulic fluids to regulate the firmness and heights of the suspension giving you a smooth but sporty ride.

This particular SL comes with a substantial service history and associated record of bills for servicing. The car has had a recent oil service and inspection including  a fresh MOT ticket. Along with the recent service the following items were also completed, system reset, new brake light switch, new high capacity battery and a full Valet.

The original service book is present and it shows 6 stamps including the recent oil service. At 73000 miles a new roof driver pump was fitted at a cost of £1449.

There are receipts covering any items that have been replaced including the boot lock, ball joints. There is also a receipt for an air-conditioning condenser and subsequent re-gas in august 2020. The spare key is also present.

The inside of this car is a very nice compartment and shows you exactly what Mercedes can do when they put their minds to it. Supple climate controlled seats (hot and cold), a nice chunky steering wheel with paddle shift, a built in sat nav and premium sound system and let’s not forget the hardtop panoramic glass folding roof which can be converted at the touch of a button.

A lot of these additions were expensive options when the car was ordered from new and now as a second hand vehicle they mean it’s a well equipped example.

The only point of note is the dash LCD has some pixel damage as can be seen from the photos.

The exterior is finished in the Obsidian black which is a lovely colour on this 2 seater sports car. The car is fitted with 18” 5 spoke AMG alloys which are in great condition, electric folding mirrors and parking sensors. 

The bodywork is in great condition and aside the odd age related stone chop, it has clearly been looked after. The roof is operating as it should as well.

The V6 245 HP is delivered through a smooth 7 speed automatic gearbox. In addition, to aid driver control and allow your hands to stay on the wheel, the vehicle is also fitted with paddle shift should you want to drop a cog when you’re in the twisties.

The car drives really well and is a testament to the cars well developed chassis, reinforcing the notion that you don’t need the world’s biggest engine to throw this very capable car around some bends and have some fun, it even sounds and of course looks great too.

Mercedes started the SL story nearly 67 years ago and the fact that it is still churning them out under the same SL badge is a clear sign of how popular they are and how well they drive.

In terms of recipe, it doesn’t get much simpler. Big engine at the front, power sent to the back, seats/people in the middle. They have thrown in the Convertible hard top roof (a safety and security feature over the old cloth roofs) and there you have it, a classy, beautifully made two seater grand tourer that most of us would love to own. This particular example with its well chosen optional extras is a lovely vehicle and carries the SL name on with pride. 

If you haven’t yet driven one, you should try it. You won’t look back.