Beschreibung
• Very tidy early supercharged SLK
• Fully functional electric folding hardtop
• Genuine mileage
• Full leather and heated seats
The original ‘R170’ SLK is an up-and-coming modern classic, thanks in no small part to its visionary, trendsetting “VarioRoof”.
With power-operated retractable hardtops offering greater stiffness, comfort and refinement than traditional soft-top roadsters, it had all the benefits of a coupé but with the open-top appeal of a sporty roadster when needed.
If that wasn’t interesting enough, the 200 and 230 ‘Kompressor’ models featured superchargers – Mercedes-Benz joining Jaguar in pursuing the more traditional method of forced induction, delivering a pleasing engine note as well as lively performance.
This one is an SLK 230 from early on in the model’s production life. A genuine 83, 000-mile car, it has been well looked after and comes with some history, along with a long MOT valid until August 2024
It’s presented in smart and original order throughout.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
• UK V5C
• MOT August 2024
• Original book pack and dealer documents
• Supplied new by Western Group Mercedes-Benz in Edinburgh on August 1, 1998, making it one of the very first S-plate cars
• Stamped Mercedes-Benz service book, most recently at 79k miles in 2019
• Invoice for one more service since
• Factory build sheet
• Mercedes-Benz Certificate of Conformity
• Small selection of old MOTs and past invoices
THE INTERIOR
• Smart black leather with minimal wear – very slight rubbing to piping on driver’s seat bolster
• Carbon-effect centre console and trim inserts
• Heated seats
• Electric windows
• Cruise control
• Original toolkit and first aid kit
• All dials and controls work as intended
• Some wear to trim around handbrake grip
• Optional Mercedes-Benz clip-in wind deflector
• Heater blower fan not currently working on all but first setting, but heater and air con work and deliver hot and cold air
• Modern Pioneer CD/ USB stereo with great sound quality
THE EXTERIOR
• Brilliant Silver Metallic
• All original paint
• VarioRoof in perfect working order
• Original factory alloys with some signs of ageing, but perfectly presentable
• One very minor scuff on passenger side sill and very light rub mark on NS/ F wing
• Small amount of bubbling on offside front wing
• Panels are all straight and free of dents or major marks
• Small amount of paint fade on OS/ F front wing
• Some very small bubbles under paint on both rear quarters and on boot-lid
• Seemingly solid underneath – no signs of previous welding
• Remote central locking currently not functional meaning you have to use key or internal lock/ unlock button
• Handful of touched-in stone chips including one quite large one on the bonnet
• MOT advisory for corroded under body strut brace has been addressed, cleaned, inspected and treated
• Four good quality branded tyres with lots of tread
• Dealer option mudflaps
THE MECHANICS
• 2. 3-litre 4-cyl supercharged
• Five-speed auto transmission
• The car drives without fault and I have been using it regularly, so mileage may increase slightly before sale concludes
• Holds a steady temperature and good oil pressure
• Steering, brakes and suspension all appear very good with no obvious faults
• Sub-eight seconds 0-60mph with charming induction noise and exhaust note
SUMMARY
Mercedes-Benzes of the 1990s are finding their feet in the classic car market at the moment, so the R170 SLK is already an appreciating modern classic partly because it’s a Mercedes sports car – always a popular choice – but also because it’s such an important model in motoring history. The SLK was an innovator. A car that many went on to imitate but which none bettered.
The difficulty these days is finding a good one – they’re few and far between, especially as some early cars were plagued by rust problems. But this one is a really straight and tidy example with low miles, while at the same time being a pretty, fun and usable modern classic sports car. It's not perfect, but it's a decent example.
