Introduced in 2001, the R230 was a ground-breaking car for Mercedes-Benz, seeing the SL fitted with a retractable hardtop for the first time. This elegant engineering solution made the SL a genuinely usable everyday GT, as well as a truly capable sports car.

This example benefits from exceedingly low mileage, a very attractive specification. As a way to step into an almost-new R230, this is pretty much perfect.

Beautifully finished with a ‘Designo’ interior, the cabin of this SL presents exceptionally well. It’s clear from the condition of the upholstery, carpets and switchgear that the car has been hardly used.

The trim, dash and door cards all appear unmarked and almost as-new. Meanwhile the carpets are protected with original Mercedes-Benz overmats that present in very good condition.

We’re assured by the vendor that everything functions just as it should, with no issues they are aware of.

Certainly, the paintwork looks to be in very good order, with no evidence of significant blemishes, chips or marks.

The bodywork itself is likewise presented very well, with crisp lines and beautiful panel gaps. There is no evidence of corrosion or damage that we can see, all of the panels look to be in very fine condition. Much the same can be said of the brightwork, badging and lights, which are in fine fettle.

That iconic hardtop operates as it should, and is in very good order. When the roof is stowed, there is a removable wind deflector to help make things comfortable for occupants when cruising at speed.

Set off nicely against the metallic blue paint, the silver 18” Mercedes-Benz multi-spoke alloys appear to be in an excellent state, with no signs of kerbing or lacquer peel we could see. They’re shod in matching Continental tyres which appear to have good tread levels.

The 3.5-litre V6 that propels this SL is a lovely piece of engineering - smooth and refined when you want to cruise in comfort, powerful and with an intoxicating snarl when you want to press on.

Mated to the V6 is a traditional 5-speed automatic transmission, making this an effortless and cosseting sports car or grand tourer.

We’re assured by the vendor that the car is in excellent mechanical condition, with no issues that they are aware of. With such low mileage, it’s effectively a new drivetrain – and barely run in!

Few cars have the kind of elegance and style that the SL exudes. The R230 adds handsomely to this with its oh-so practical retractable hardtop, making it a genuine all weather GT car.

This example has been barely used and kept in excellent order. With its desirable colour scheme and smart Designo interior, it’s certainly a real looker. Add the incredibly low mileage to the equation and here you have quite a special car. If you’ve always wanted an R230, this is probably as close as you’ll ever see to a new one.

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This vehicle is subject to third party financing. The amount of finance due on the vehicle is less than the reserve. The seller will discharge the financing debt and all related costs absolutely within two full working days from the end of the auction on a successful sale and will confirm to the buyer that such release has occurred. This obligation will be implied into the contract of sale between the buyer and the seller on auction close.

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