Highlights
- Well presented top flight AMG roadster
- Backed by a solid, extensive history file
- Finished in a timeless factory specification
- Long MOT
The Appeal
Consistently leading the pack when it comes to luxury high performance roadsters, the Mercedes SL55 needs little introduction. The top tier variant of the fifth generation R230 SL helped uphold the models esteemed reputation as the last word in performance convertibles, boasting a glorious AMG tuned V8, a lavishly appointed interior and, in a first for the SL range, a fully retractable electric hard top roof.
A wonderful example of the Mercedes legend, GK53 MFX comes to us in fine fettle, with good bodywork, finished in a timeless, lesser seen Mercedes factory colour, a smartly preserved interior space and of course, under the bonnet, an excellent example of that glorious V8 engine.
Already penned by many as a Mercedes Legend, the R230 SL55 is certainly gaining traction on the collector market as a modern classic and makes an excellent usable performance piece. Surprisingly practical, classically reliable, its quintessential Mercedes Benz.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered 18/09/2003
- Supplied with the leather bound Mercedes Benz book pack
- Service book present with regular stamped services from the first year of ownership up to the most recent service performed in 2022
- Vast collection of invoices present for maintenance work done and parts bought throughout the car’s lifetime
- Several previous MOT certificates
- Current MOT valid until May 2024
- CD present with the software for the factory Mercedes navigation system
- V5 registration document present with the vehicle
The Interior
- Impressively high specification interior space of the utmost quality
- Finished in excellent grey and black leather throughout, exceptionally well presented and highlighting very little in the way of wear or signs of age
- Electric memory seating with massage functionality presented in fine form
- A very light area of patina can be seen on the driver’s seat outer bolster
- Well upholstered door panels in a mix of grey and black leather, smartly embellished with quality door furniture and trim
- Factory BOSE sound system
- Interior plastics and switchgear are in fine fettle with all understood to be in good working order
- Factory navigation system, with software CD present
- Plush grey carpeting throughout with protective AMG carpet floor mats
- Upholstery on the electric roof panel is in good clean order
- Factory glass roof panel with pull over sun shade
- Factory first aid kit and tool wrap reside in a bespoke compartment in the rear of the cabin
- Well sized rear boot area finished in quality grey carpet
The Exterior
- Finished from the factory in a suave, timeless, but lesser seen Mercedes colour - Tellur Silver
- A wonderful paint colour with a subtle bluish hue
- Paintwork is of a good presentable standard with just some light marking commensurate with age and an area of flatting on the offside front wing
- Impeccable exterior styling which still presents as fresh today
- Factory electric hard top roof with panoramic glass panel
- Convertible top unlatches, and operates smoothly and with ease
- Glass work, trim and badging all present exceptionally well
- Panel gaps are consistent throughout
- The car sits on four 18” Mercedes alloys, which are wholly presentable but do exhibit some light marking in areas
The Mechanics
- Thunderous 5439cc AMG tuned V8 situated under the bonnet
- A truly excellent engine. Powerful and incredibly capable with a quality V8 exhaust note
- Paired to a wonderfully smooth automatic transmission, ideal for touring or every day usage
- Regularly serviced throughout its lifetime
- Vendor advises that a new camshaft position sensor was fitted in June of this year
- Most recent service was performed by Wright Tech UK LTD just last year
- The car fires into life quickly and comfortably and is said to provide an excellent overall driving experience
- The vendor does state that the brake discs and pads may benefit from replacement
- Long MOT valid until May 2024
Summary
Great as a GT, great as an outright sports car, the SL55 is the perfect choice for someone looking for a fine piece of German engineering that really can do it all. The R230 SLs represented a great leap forward in design and engineering both for the marque and for the model range itself. With more modern styling, equipment and running gear, these are most definitely the SLs to get into and this lower mileage, well specced example may just be the car to do it with.
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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