Striking low-mileage SL55 with just over 50k miles
Freshly MOT'd
Huge specification
Heated multi contour adjustable controlled seats
Comprehensive history file
£3.6K spent last July/August on a rebuild of the Battery control module ( common fault ) and replacement of batteries
Black & white Cat not included in the sale.!
The Appeal
When Mercedes-Benz replaced the R129SL in 2001, it brought the model bang up to date with a car that also celebrated the brand’s return to F1 in conjunction with McLaren.
The new R230 model was not only sleek and stylish, but it added new technology in the form of advanced electronics such as Mercedes-Benz’s Active Body Control (ABC) system. It also introduced the company’s trademark electric folding hard top to the larger model, following its debut 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 but at the end of 2001, Mercedes-Benz introduced the supercharged flagship model - the SL55 AMG .
Even without options, the 476bhp SL55 AMG was an extremely expensive car, retailing at over £95,000. As soon as you touched the options list, it was very easy to tip this over £100k – and this one would have been more than that, as it has a phenomenal specification including LINGUATRONIC voice activation – the height of automotive technology for 2003.
With a new MOT, genuine mileage of just over 50k from new, it’s a great, pampered and low-mileage example that’s got a huge amount in its favour.
The History and Paperwork
All original manuals and book pack in leather Mercedes-Benz wallet
UK V5C
Just MOT'd so runs until June 2026
One key including keyless card (vendor believes keyless function may need attention)
Lots of old MOTs and previous service documents
Fully stamped service book
Recent major engine and transmission service
Private plate P2 RBL in photos not included – will be on an ‘52’-plate registration
P2 RBL will be removed from the car on the day of sale but is a postal removal therefore there may be a delay in the availability of the new V5 - The vendor is happy to wait for collection of the car until he is in possession of the new V5 provided payment is made into the escrow holding account in line with C&C T's & C's
Tailored car cover included
The Interior
Charcoal leather
Heated multi contour adjustable controlled seats
Factory wind deflector
Substantial equipment levels
The Charcoal leather seats clearly show that this is a well-cared-for and low-mileage car, with minimal wear and superb bases and seat bolsters. The electrically-adjustable seats are heated multi contour adjustable controlled seats.
In the middle of the dash, climate, audio and vehicle settings are controlled by a Mercedes-Benz COMAND head unit, which features LINGUATRONIC voice control. It also comes with front and rear parking sensors – one of the very first cars to come with such a feature.
The carpets, doors and roof lining are in fine order and aside from a very small amount of wear to the push-button starter on the gear selector, everything is in exceptional order with no notable faults. There’s also a CD multichanger stashed away in one of the lockers behind the passenger seat.
The Exterior
Striking Brilliant Silver paint
Superb body with no damage or evident corrosion
18-inch AMG Monoblock alloys with matching brake callipers
Faultless folding VarioRoof
Finished in classic Brilliant Silver, which has to be the most iconic of SL55 AMG colours, the SL is a striking and incredibly handsome car to look at. It’s set off by a lovely set of 18-inch AMG alloys with the correct Pirelli P-Zero rubber.
Both the body and wheels are in excellent condition, the only minor issues being some very small stone chips on the leading edge of the bonnet, a small scuff to one door mirror and some slight lacquer peel on the one of the rear wheels, but there’s nothing that jumps out and it’s in lovely condition overall, with all of the correct badges and trim in good order.
The electric folding hardtop is in full working order and retracts into the rear deck in less than 45 seconds.
The Mechanics
5.5-litre V8
Automatic transmission
ABC system in full working order
Recent engine and gearbox service
£3.6K spent last July/August on a rebuild of the Battery control module ( common fault ) and replacement of batteries
Used sparingly but regularly by the current owner who understands the need for a car like this to have regular outings.
Under the bonnet lives a 475bhp 5.5-litre V8 which delivers incredible acceleration, matched by impeccable handling, tenacious grip and wonderfully refined cruising capability. It’s a wonderful all-rounder, a delight to drive every day but also a pretty fearsome machine if you feel compelled to open it up.
The vendor reports that the car is in good mechanical order, with no known or apparent faults. It has recently been treated to a full engine and transmission service by a trusted independent garage known to the vendor, keeping its full service history up-to-date.
Summary
We probably don't need to explain the appeal of an R230 SL in general, as when it was new it was one of the finest cars in the world and in many ways it still is.
From that thumping V8 to its curvaceous yet imposing good looks, this generation of SL is still one of the finest looking sports cars you can buy. The flagship AMG model only serves to make it even more desirable - and this one is a lovely, coveted, low-mileage example the likes of which are few and far between.
BEFORE YOU BUY
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