Highlights
- Well-kept ‘black on black’ 500bhp SL55 AMG
- Only four registered keepers
- Over £5,000 of factory-fitted options
- ABS unit reconditioned in September 2025
- Suspension repairs and crankshaft sensor 2024
- Recently serviced in March 2026
- MOT valid until September 2026
The Appeal
The arrival of the SL55 finally gave the R230 the urgency to go with its looks. An output of 500bhp from its AMG-built 5.4-litre supercharged V8 put it firmly in the supercar league. Unlike some temperamental European performance rivals, Mercedes’ entrant was well-built, reliable and equipped with the firm’s innovative folding hard top.
This ‘black on black’ SL55 is a low-mileage car that has had just four keepers in its 23 years. The first one added £5,000 of options to its already extensive standard features, pushing the purchase price close to £100,000. The latest keeper acquired it in 2023 and has used it sparingly.
The car is in good condition and is said to be factory standard. Recent work includes a service immediately prior to auction and a replacement ABS unit in September 2025. The current MOT runs to September 2026. The R230’s popularity is growing, and this one looks impressive.
The vendor says:
“Its absolutely incredible to drive and just such an amazing car. I'm only selling as we have just had a second child, and it just isn't getting the use it deserves.”
Key Information
- Mileage: 76,538 miles (unwarranted)
- Country of registration: United Kingdom
- MOT status: valid until 16th September 2026 with advisories to note
- Technical specs: 5,439cc 500bhp supercharged V8, five-speed Speedshift semi-automatic gearbox
- Paperwork: Partial service history advised (not verified), detailed spreadsheet of maintenance 2003 to 2016, 08/24 invoice for £1,462 for suspension work and crank sensor
Factory fitted options:
- Distronic cruise control - £1,600
- Keyless go - £860
- Mobile phone (Nokia 6210) - £620
- Comfort seats - £610
- Parktronic - £590
- Tyre pressure monitor - £470
- Linguatronic - £310
- Garage door opener - £180
- Obsidian Black Metallic - £0
- Total price of optional equipment - £5,240
Service history:
- 06/04 - 9,844 miles - Mercedes-Benz Brighton
- 05/08 - 33,287 miles - Mercedes-Benz Brighton
- 12/09 - 40,076 miles - Mercedes-Benz Brighton
- 11/10 - 47,593 miles - Mercedes-Benz Brighton
- 04/12 - 51,835 miles - Mercedes-Benz Brighton
- 06/13 - 54,262 miles - John Haynes (Mercedes-Benz specialist)
- 09/16 - 68,473 miles - Mercedes-Benz Brighton
- 03/26 - unknown mileage - CARS
The Detail
- Obsidian Black paintwork in good general condition with minor aging
- Edge chips to doors and frontal stone chips shown in photos
- Small area of paint deterioration on boot lid and scratch on door
- Folding hard-top roof in good order with minor bubbling to note on trims
- Light scuff on mirror as shown
- Multi-spoke 18-inch alloys in good condition with only light marks
- Mix of Davanti and Pirelli tyres with matching brands across axles
- Space saver spare wheel and tyre compressor included
- Advisory for tyre on current MOT
- High-specification car with black leather interior showing only light wear
- Serviced in March 2026 prior to auction
- ABS unit reconditioned in September 2025
- Vendor states car is in very good overall condition for its age, with nothing major to report
- We are told that everything works as it should
- Crack in the plastic on the side of the driver's seat with poor repair
- Apple CarPlay system fitted via a Pioneer 360DAB head unit
- Original head unit included for refitting
- Fewer than 4,000 miles covered during the current owner's three-year ownership
- Stored in a covered garage by current keeper
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
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