HIGHLIGHTS
- Stunning example of high-spec V8 SL
- Genuine low mileage
- Lots of service history and invoices
- Exceptional overall condition
THE APPEAL
In the early 2000s, the Formula One-inspired ‘R230’ 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 – a cool £79,995 before you ventured near the options list. Today, it offers astonishing value for money and is one of the most stylish and best-equipped modern classic sports cars going.
This one is bound to gain plenty of interest – not only is it a very smart example of the top-spec SL with optional extras that would have pushed its original price tag close to £100k, but it’s a genuine low mileage example with 48k on the clock and a full service history.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
- First registered in May 2003
- Four owners
- Supplied new by Road Range Mercedes-Benz of Liverpool
- UK V5C
- MOT October 2023
- Fully stamped service book up to 46,491 miles in late 2021
- Independently serviced by prestige car specialists from 2012-22
- Always garaged by previous owner
- Invoices for recent work carried out
- Original factory build sheet
- Private registration included (M50 DFH)
THE INTERIOR
- Charcoal grey perforated leather upholstery
- Multifunction electronically adjustable seats
- Fully functional Mercedes-Benz COMAND infotainment with nav
- Dual zone climate control
- PARKTRONIC park assist
- DISTRONIC cruise control
- Factory option wind deflector
- Electrically adjustable memory seats
- Dealer floor mats
- Superbly presented in excellent condition throughout
- Minimal wear to driver’s side seat bolster
- Optional wood trim on steering wheel and centre console
- Mercedes-Benz dealer floor mats
- All dials and instruments work as intended
THE EXTERIOR
- Tellurium Silver
- 18-inch five-spoke alloys – very good condition with no kerbing
- Matching Michelin Pilot Sport tyres
- Superb condition with no damage or visible corrosion
- Vario-Roof operates perfectly
- Keyless entry system
- All light lenses and trim rubbers in good condition with no damage
THE MECHANICS
- 5.0-litre V8
- Five-speed adaptable automatic
- Very well maintained all its life
- ABC air suspension system checked and in good order
- Drives and runs brilliantly, according to vendor
SUMMARY
With prices of previous generation R107 and R129 SLs creeping ever upwards, the R230 must surely be about to follow in their footsteps. After all, it was one of the best cars in the world when it was new – and more than two decades later it still has a cachet about it that very few cars can come close to.
This one is a great example – genuine low mileage, high specification and finished in a great colour. You’ll struggle to find a better value luxury sports car, or one as well-equipped or as nice to drive as an R230, and this has to be one of the best.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
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