Highlights
- High specification with bespoke Designo features
- Rare Brilliant Black metallic and upgraded alloys
- Only 61,000 miles from new
- Full service history, predominantly with Mercedes-Benz
- Just 100 miles since last service
- £5,000 of improvements since May 2023
- MOT until October 2025
- A very good example of these scintillating supercars
The Appeal
They used it as a Formula One Pace Car. If any fact begins to shine a light on the R230 SL55’s abilities, it is surely that.
These 490bhp supercars, with their beguiling mix of thunderous soundtrack and cossetting luxury, have few rivals. And they can transform from hard top coupe to svelte convertible at the touch of a button.
Here is a very good one.
It is a high specification car with factory bespoke Designo features. They include a clever paint finish that looks both black and aubergine depending on the light. The low mileage - just 61,000 miles - is backed by a full service history via main dealers and specialists.
Since the vendor acquired the car in May 2023 he has invested over £5,000 in its upkeep and improvement. This includes a service 100 miles ago and attention to the batteries, belts and an ABC suspension system service. It is all in fully working order.
The car comes with an MOT expiring October 2025, meaning it is ready for any road trip, long or short.
History and Paperwork
- First registered 1st September 2002
- Current keeper acquired the car in May 2023
- Full service history, mainly by Mercedes-Benz wit, last 3 services by specialists
- MOT until October 2025
- Always dry stored by current keeper and fitted with a trickle charger
- Thick history file, some of which is shown in the photographs
- V5C in the current owner's name
- Factory book packs, wallet, all manuals and service portfolio
- One remote key and 2 manual keys
- £5,000 invested since vendor acquired the car, summarised below
- High factory specification, summarised below
- Last serviced 100 miles ago in late 2023
£5,000 investment by seller, including:
- Fully serviced by specialist
- Starter and consumer batteries replaced with recommended Varta ones
- New Mercedes-Benz alternator and belts
- ABC suspension system fluid replaced and pump serviced
- Main ABC suspension pipe replaced.
- One front ball joint for MOT
- Pair of new number plates
Factory Designo bespoke specification:
- Designo Brilliant Black (025U) metallic paintwork
- Designo black leather interior
- Upgraded 18in AMG five spoke alloy wheels
- BOSE premium sound system
- COMAND system with factory navigation
- Electric front seats with memory and heating
- Factory branded mats
- AMG body kit
- Parktronic
- Tyre Pressure Control
- Bi-Xenon gas discharge headlights
- Rear entertainment
- TV
- Designo gear knob
- Alcantara black trim to dials
- ABC suspension sytem
The Condition
- Bespoke Designo paintwork with dark crystal fleck
- This changes colour from black to aubergine depending on the light
- Paintwork in very good order with only minor age-related marks to note in photos
- These include some light stone chips and edge chips as shown
- Bodywork is very straight with no reported accident damage
- Vario hard top roof operates correctly and at correct factory speed
- 18in AMG five spoke alloy wheels in very good condition
- Fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport tyres showing plenty of tread
- Highly specified car with Designo black leather interior
- Factory specification summarised above and below
- Smart Poplar Wood veneers in good conditon
- Leather seats present well showing barely any wear for age and mileage of car
- Supplied with electric wind deflector
- Remote central locking and full electrics inside, all functioning correctly
- Underside in very good order with no structural advisories on last MOT
The Mechanics
- 5,439cc ‘5.5’ litre V8 delivering 490bhp
- Factory 5G-TRONIC semi-automatic gearbox with sequential shift options
- Clever ABC adaptive suspension system
- £5,000 invested in maintenance since May 2023 summarised above
- This has included a full service, belts, batteries and ABC system service
- Brakes are original Mercedes-Benz items and in good condition
- Factory tool kit and tyre kit
- Vendor tells us the car drives superbly with no reported running or driving issues
The vendor tells us:
“One of the most exhilarating driving experiences and the engine is known to sound like thunder. It’s essentially the baby version of the Mercedes-McLaren SLR.
“All of the essential wear and tear items have been recently replaced.
“Blisteringly quick, incredible throttle response and incredible engine notes, with braking performance to match. It’s a bespoke Designo edition which separates it from other SL55s, presented in a unique colour with relatively low mileage but it has been used rather than sat around.”
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand.. If requested, we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email auctions@carandclassic.com
