• Outstanding condition

• Mechanically excellent

• Only two keepers

• Less than 25,000 miles on the odometer

Representing the first of its lineage, the R170 family of sports compact roadsters was launched in April 1996 at the Turin Motor Show to widespread acclaim, going on to win the ‘North American Car Of The Year’ award in 1997, along with being part of Car and Driver’s ‘Ten Best’ list for 1997.

SLK is the abbreviation for the ‘design statement’ of the vehicle, being broken down in to Sporty (S) light (L) and Compact (K). Based upon the C-Class chassis, the SLK is in fact slightly shorter, though it still shares numerous drivetrain and chassis components with its C-Class stablemate. 

The electronically-folding hardtop was dubbed ‘Vario Roof’ by Mercedes-Benz at the time of launch, and takes around 25 seconds to complete a full cycle, which is plenty fast enough for those quick lay-by roof uses when caught in a rainstorm.

The ‘Kompressor’ versions of the vehicle used a 2.0 or 2.3-litre Supercharged inline-four engine depending on their designation (200 SLK or 230 SLK) which was available with either a manual or automatic transmission, with the latter being far more commonplace. 

In 2000, the car was facelift with new exterior styling, along with minor engine revisions being carried out which shaved only .1 of a second off the 0-60 time. In the end, the R170 was replaced by its successor the R171 in 2004, with a total of 311,222 models produced across all variants.

This particular SLK has had a fascinating history, and has largely been owned by one lady from new, with a total of two registered keepers on the log book. 

Due to the prior owners lifestyle and the somewhat lacklustre weather we tend to experience here in the UK, the car has spent numerous years of its life in sunny Spain, being enjoyed to its fullest and yet racking up a remarkably low amount of miles, suggesting it was very much a ‘weekend toy’ throughout its lifetime. 

Now, the car is back in the UK and having been extensively detailed, the car is up for sale with the trade. 

Due to its trans-European adventures, there are some gaps in the car’s history. Included is the V5 document showing two registered keepers, along with a stamped Mercedes-Benz servicing book, two sets of keys and a handful of invoices and past MOT certificates. 

Potential bidders must note that this car is currently SORN.

On the inside, this SLK 230 remains in outstanding condition, no doubt largely aided by its low recorded mileage and low ownership. 

There is some minor wear-and-tear to the seats and other high-traffic areas, though this is very minimal for the cars age, with the interior as a whole remaining impressively fresh and tight throughout with no particularly notable squeaks or rattles during our short test drive. 

A regular occurrence on these cars is the fading and marking of the interior plastics in the sun, though this particular example doesn’t appear to have suffered from this issue, whilst the vendor has recently had the centre console refurbished to remove any unsightly marks, with it now being in pristine condition.

The switchgear all appears to work correctly, with the Vario Roof working as intended and no warning lights present on the instrument cluster. 

Evidently, the years have been very kind to this SLK, with the bodywork and paint being in shockingly good condition for its age, retaining a deep shine and impressively bright colour which looks excellent in the sunshine. 

There are a few minor marks here-and-there, some of which have been touched-in, though these are commensurate with the age of the vehicle and are hard to see unless up-close. 

All four wheels are in great shape, with only the most minor of chips and no sign of any kerb rash or untoward damage. It’s clear that this was someone's pride-and-joy judging by the car’s condition, shrugging off its 22 years of age with apparent ease. 

Importantly, the vendor advises us that this car shows none of the usual rust scabs to the bodywork or wheel arches as often associated with this model.

As with its appearance, this SLK 230 is also in great shape mechanically, as noted during our short test drive. The car started with ease and came up to temperature as it should on a hot day, happily idling away in the roasting sun during our photo shoot. 

The transmission was happy to shift up-and-down as needed, while we did not note any suspension creaks or groans.

Looking underneath, there is some surface ‘bloom’ to the usual suspects including the suspension components and exhaust system, but nothing that appears to be any cause for concern, with the sill areas being in great shape. 

The latest MOT exam took place on 18 December 2020, and resulted in a clean first-time pass with no advisories, and the vendor advises the car was serviced approximately 1000 miles/6 months ago.

With summer on the way and the sun beginning to shine, who wouldn’t want to put the top down and experience the wind in their hair and the sun on their face? If you’re looking for a fun summer roadster in outstanding condition, this 1999-registered Mercedes-Benz 230 SLK is the car for you.

Presenting in astounding condition throughout and with low mileage and ownership, this SLK is a true ‘youngtimer’ classic and represents excellent value for money, so be sure to bid well and early as this auction should certainly prove popular!

Notice to bidders