• Recent MOT with no advisories

• A rare and head-turning bright blue metallic colourway

• Extensive Mercedes Benz stamped service history

The R170 SLK was the first model in a new range based on the  “sportlich (sporty), leicht (light) and kurz (compact)” ethos. It was based on a shortened W202 C Class platform which created a “long bonnet, short boot” look so favoured by iconic sports cars of the past.

The R170 SLK was pre-eminent over its competition of the time in having a electro-hydraulic retracting hard to, dubbed by Mercedes as the “vario-roof.” This innovation enabled the driver to transform the car from a free-wheeling roadster to a hardtop coupe in approximately 25 seconds.

The SLK230 model utilised supercharged technology on its compact inline four cylinder engine to deliver a very competitive 194bhp which was sufficient for a mid 7 second 0-60 mph time.

This car has been owned by the vendor’s Mother for over 2 years and in that time has provided very stylish and reliable transport. It has been used predominantly as a second, summer car and has worked without fault in this role.

The innovative powered hard top has proved the ideal antidote to the changeable UK weather too!

There is a good level of paperwork to accompany this SLK230. The original stamped service book is present amongst the original book pack. The current V5 is on hand and there is a good selection of other invoices underlining the sound maintenance history of this car.

The interior is dressed in black leather and complimentary smoke-grey wool carpets. The interior is compact yet spacious for two providing a comfortable yet sporting place to spend time.

As is the norm with Mercedes coupes and roadsters there is a surprising amount of oddment storage on hand making this a surprisingly practical car for such a compact and sporty model.

The metallic sapphire blue paintwork is rarely seen on the R170 SLK and we believe it suits the car very well. The exterior condition of this car appears to be excellent with no obvious dent, dings or scratches of note.

That eye-catching sapphire blue paint appears lustrous and admirably thick with no apparent areas of lacquer peel or deterioration.

The six spoke starfish alloys appear to be in good condition and the car benefits of two new tyres.

At the time of manufacture this 2.3L supercharged M111 engine was the pick of the range. It lacked the weight and bulk of the bigger 3.2 engine which negatively affected the handling and yet it was significantly more powerful than its lesser siblings whilst proving hardly any less economical. This engine has gone on to demonstrate very impressive reliability and the capability to handle significant mileages without issue.

Given the relative low mileage and great service history of this example then it should come as no surprise that the current owner reports that all mechanical systems work very well indeed.

The R170 SLK serves up a compact two-seater sports car in the mould of many iconic hero cars be they Lotuses, MGs, Alfa Romeos and the like. What the SLK adds, however, is bullet-proof engineering values, reliability and that marvellous retractable hard-top.

This particular example adds to that heady mix a great and eye-catching colourway, significant documented service history and that wonderful supercharged 2.3L engine. Given the nature and longevity of these compact coupes prices can only start to rise significantly in coming years too.

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