The Mercedes-Benz SL “R230” was a real status symbol in its day. Look no further than this 2003 example, it has covered just over 74,000 miles from new and has been impeccably well maintained, with a fully stamped service book from Mercedes-Benz dealerships.
Aside from a tiny, almost unnoticeable amount of seat bolster wear and a tiny amount of wear to the leather on the gear selector, where you’ll find the starter button, everything is in superb condition. The air conditioning works, as does the Mercedes-Benz COMAND interface/infotainment centre and multi-way electric seat adjustment. The seats themselves are Charcoal Grey, offset by silver highlights across the cabin. It’s a smart look.
This is an incredibly well-equipped car and it brings with it a sense of occasion, through details such as the AMG badges woven into the seat fabric and set into the dials.
The automatic roof is operated by a central switch, which can raise or lower the roof in less than 30 seconds. The folding hard-top is a masterpiece of engineering and is still in perfect working order. DTC8tHTQNlAk17KSXFTn7XFIwNqPEBPy57UAM9ut.jpeg1.17 MB
THE EXTERIOR
Obsidian Black
20-spoke option AMG alloys
Pirelli P-Zero tyres
Extremely well-presented
Finished in one of the best colours - Obsidian Black - the SL is a fabulous and discreet-looking machine. Being an AMG, there are some fabulous details, such as the chrome AMG-branded exhaust tips, silver side strakes and the 20-spoke alloy wheels, which were a factory option. These are in good condition but have some marks, so a perfectionist would prefer to have them refurbished.
All of the paintwork is original and there are no scuffs, marks or dents. Indeed, it has all the hallmarks of a car that had been properly looked after throughout its life. VKyZDLAd9Fxwg3WAT8AVysx5ZPAxMC6OHc8Q5S6Y.jpeg1.73 MB
THE MECHANICS
5.5-litre supercharged V8
Automatic transmission
476bhp supercharged performance
Drives and runs very well
The highlight of this car is of course its 5.5-litre supercharged V8 engine, which looks almost as fantastic as it sounds.
Careful and regular servicing has ensured that the unit is still in very good health. It starts on the button, idles smoothly and sounds terrific, especially with the induction shriek from the supercharger. The service history shows a healthy collection of stamps from Mercedes main dealers.
The Active Body Control system doesn’t show up any faults – one of the first check to make when buying an SL of this era – and it drives exactly as it should with no warning lights on the dashboard.
This is a fabulous example of the R230 SL, with incredible performance and looks that are ageing like a fine wine as it approaches its 20th birthday. It’s in great condition, has a sensibly low mileage and is sold with no declared issues, in very good condition throughout.
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