Since the very first of Mercedes-Benz’s ‘Sports Leicht’ models appeared in the 1950s, the model name has represented one of the finest sports cars in the world, as well as one that has got more and more collectable with age.

Early SLs, later Pagodas and the third-generation ‘R107’ models are now firmly rooted in genuine classic territory these days, with the fourth-gen R129 model rapidly catching up in terms of collector values. Which leaves the 2002-2011 R230 model sure to follow suit.

After all, in the early 2000s, the Formula One-inspired SL was the most desirable luxury sports car in the world.

It was engineered like all the best Mercedes-Benz models and was not only sleek and stylish, but also technologically advanced, with a modern cabin and driver aids such as PARKTRONIC parking assist and DISTRONIC adaptable cruise control – features that were in their infancy in 2001 when the SL debuted, but which are commonplace today.

The R230 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 – and that’s what we have here. A wonderful well-specified and smartly presented early R230.

With prices of previous generation R107 and R129 SLs creeping ever upwards, the R230 is surely the next big thing in the Mercedes-Benz collector market, and this one has all of the hallmarks of a bona fide future classic. One of the best cars in the world when it was new; more than two decades later all of that still rings true.

The car has recently had a major mechanical overhaul by the vendor and is offered for sale with a fully documented service history.
 
 

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

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:

✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.

✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.

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