Highlights
- Just 29,000 miles from new
- First 18 years spent in Jersey with one owner
- Comprehensive history file, owners book pack, and correct import documentation
- MOT till April 2026
The Appeal
The R230-generation SL500 remains one of the finest grand tourers Mercedes-Benz has ever produced and examples like this are becoming harder to find. With just 29,000 miles from new and a life spent predominantly in the gentle climate of Jersey, this car stands out for its excellent condition, low mileage, and careful ownership history.
The immaculate red paintwork holds a deep lustre and the vendor advises, is ‘free of marks or scrapes’, a testament to both its previous life and its current owner’s stewardship. The cream leather interior is remarkably clean, with a virtually unmarked passenger seat and a driver’s seat showing no tears or undue wear. The burr walnut centre console and dashboard remain pristine, while even the original first aid kit sits undisturbed beneath the passenger seat.
Highly specified for its day, this SL500 features the desirable panoramic glass sunroof with sliding blind, fully adjustable electric front seats with memory settings for three users. A rear windbreak has been fitted for extra cabin comfort at speed, and the car’s effortless 5.0-litre V8 engine paired with a dependable 5-speed automatic gearbox makes it a superb long-distance cruiser - something the vendor proved with a faultless drive through the Alps and Tuscany in 2023.
With its comprehensive history file, service records, full owners’ pack, and correct import documentation confirming all taxes and duties were paid on arrival in the UK in 2021, this is a particularly well-documented and exceptionally clean example of a modern classic roadster.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered in 2003 and owned in Jersey for 18 years by a single owner
- Imported into the UK in 2021 with all correct importation documents and VAT paid
- Just 29,000 miles from new
- Purchased by the current vendor in March 2023 from the UK importer
- MOT till April 2026
- Full Mercedes-Benz Specialist service history
- Comprehensive history file including invoices, service records, and oil changes
- Complete original owner’s book pack in leather case
- Original first aid kit fitted beneath passenger seat
- Lightweight spare wheel, tool kit, and accessories present under boot floor
- Private registration will be removed
The Condition
- Exterior red paintwork is reportedly ‘immaculate’
- Panoramic glass sunroof and sliding roof blind both in perfect working order
- Alloy wheels in excellent condition with no kerb marks and Mercedes star centres intact
- Underbody appears nice and solid due to Jersey climate
- Cream leather interior in very good condition; passenger seat unmarked, driver’s seat clean with no tears
- Burr walnut centre console and dashboard free from damage or peeling
- Steering wheel and gear stick show slight sun-related discoloration
- Two storage boxes behind seats
- 6-CD changer audio/radio
- Full adjustable heated electric front seats
- Features automatic lights, wipers, speed control, and rear windbreak fitted
- Air conditioning
- Alarm/immobiliser
The Mechanics
- 5-litre V8 engine starts first time every time, runs quietly and smoothly
- 5-speed automatic gearbox with no issues reported during ownership
- New starter battery fitted before vendor’s purchase in 2023
- New auxiliary battery fitted in 2025
- Reliable and proven on long-distance tours through France, Equipped with key start (start button on gear stick non-functional but unused)
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.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.
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or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand..
