Highlights
- Just over 47 thousand miles displayed
- Extremely well presented inside and out
- Stamped service history and book pack
- Wears desirable private registration
The Appeal
Consistently leading the pack when it comes to luxury high performance roadsters, the Mercedes SL needs little introduction. The fifth generation R230 continued that motif and quickly gained a reputation as the last word in performance convertibles, most notably the SL500, which proudly boasted a glorious V8 engine ripe for touring, a quality interior and, a first for the SL range, a fully retractable electric hard top roof. With just over 47 thousand miles on the clock, this incredibly well specced 2003 model is a wonderful example of Mercedes' beloved touring convertible.
These fifth generation R230’s are quickly becoming appreciated as the perfect choice for to be an all round, highly usable SL and as such good examples are being snapped up in an instant. Clean, low mileage cars such as this simply do not come to market that often, so if you’re in the market for a truly excellent Mercedes SL, now may be the time.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered 17/04/2003
- Understood to have originally worn the registration mark BK03 TYB
- The car now sits on the private registration mark P77 TWR which will stay on for the next owner
- Final inspection performed by Mercedes Benz of Stratford Upon Avon
- Accompanied by leather bound Mercedes Benz book pack, with various owners manuals and pieces of operating literature
- Also comes with the Mercedes service book with stamped services right up to the 46 thousand mile mark
- The current owner purchased the car circa 2016 and has only covered a reported 9 thousand miles since purchase, using it as a fun weekend car
- Dry stored throughout current ownership
- Current MOT valid until November 2023
- MOT records highlight incredibly minimal mileage amassed through the years
- V5 registration document present with the vehicle
The Interior
- High quality black leather upholstery throughout
- Well specced interior space, brimming with equipment
- Exceptionally well presented throughout, distinctly lacking in wear or tarnishing
- Black leather seating is incredibly comfortable and boasting high quality bolsters and upholstery work
- Two matching leather door panels in fine form with wood finish trim and electronic seating controls, all of which appear to be in good working order
- Fold out crash bar which automatically opens if the car senses a crash occurring or, can be put in the upright position while driving if the the occupants wish to do so
- Folding wind deflector for open top driving
- Wood finish trim throughout the cabin is of a great quality in a like new state
- Central entertainment screen with factory navigation system
- Parrot bluetooth system also situated in the cabin
- Interior trim and leather work is still like new 20 years on from manufacture
- Large rear boot space into which the roof stows when folded down
- Roof can be lifted up to allow easier access into the boot even when folded down
The Exterior
- Timeless exterior styling which still presents as fresh today
- Finished from the factory in Brilliant Silver
- Paintwork is of a remarkably high quality and has clearly been well cared for
- Electronically operated hard convertible top unlatches, opens and closes with ease
- Glass work, trim and badging all present exceptionally well
- Sits on four good quality 17” Mercedes Benz alloy wheels which present smartly with just minor signs of kerb rash in places
- Panel gaps are consistent throughout
- Colour coded boot lip spoiler
The Mechanics
- Thunderous 5.0 litre Mercedes V8 situated under the bonnet
- A truly excellent engine. Powerful and incredibly capable without being brash
- Paired to a wonderfully smooth automatic transmission, ideal for touring or every day usage
- MOT valid until November 2023, with the advisories from the test understood to have been rectified
- Recent service including the changing of a plug and seal on the gearbox which was causing the MOT advisory oil leak
- Being a low mileage car there understandably shouldn’t be hordes of service history and invoices for work done, however the service book has been stamped regularly right up to one performed around one thousand miles ago
- Current owner reports of a wonderful driving experience from the SL, paired with a subtle but undeniably great V8 soundtrack
Summary
Great as a GT, great as an outright sports car, the SL500 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.
Low mileage, well maintained and exceptionally presented. This 2003 SL500 must surely be one of the best on the market today.
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