Highlights

Less than 13,000 documented miles
Smart Bright Blue metallic with blue leather
Superbly presented throughout
Collector quality, time-warp SL500
MOT to April 2025

The Appeal

Now this is surprising. The R230 SL500 is the answer to so so many automotive questions, and so rewarding to drive with it, that it is incredible to discover this one has covered less than 13,000 miles from new.

The viscerally quick really does seem to do everything you want from a luxury two seater. It's a coupe and a full convertible. A sports car and a cossetting GT.

This car's ultra sparing use means its rare colour blue scheme - a pleasing alternative to more common greys and silvers - is in timewarp condition. You will be hard pressed to spot any deterioration usually associated with a 20 year old car.

The original keeper retained it up until 2006 when he sadly passed away. The car was then passed to his son who kept the car but used it sparingly, covering just a few hundred miles per year. He kept the car until 2017, and with the lack of use, sold it to his best friend who also covered very few miles before another friend would add it to their private collection. Subsequent keepers have followed the theme, using the car sparingly but looking after it very well. It has covered only around 2,000 miles since light recommissioning - including a service - was carried out in 2019 at a cost of £1,845.

For collectors seeking an exemplary R230, or those simply wanting the best example of this fabulous roadster they ca lay their hands on, this example is offered with a MOT test to April 2025 and so is ready to enjoy.

The History and Paperwork

First registered 5th April 2002
The folder containing old invoices has unfortunately been lost, leaving the car with limited paperwork other than the owner’s manuals, which have been kept in the glove box
There is an invoice for the recommissioning work in May 2019, and the last MOT certificate, which was carried out on 10th September 2021
The V5C is present
Four former registered keepers
One key
12,356 miles
Current MOT to 30th April 2025 with advisories for tyres
12,369 miles showing on test

The Condition

Finished in Bright Blue Metallic (345U), this stunning SL500 looks fantastic and commensurate with its minuscule mileage
The only notable blemishes to point out are one stone chip to the bonnet and a scratch to the passenger corner front skirt - both of which have been clearly photographed
Other than that, the car appears in immaculate order with very few signs of its age
The light lenses appear in excellent condition with no cracks, chips or fogging apparent
All door gaps align nicely and appear equal on both sides
There are no obvious dents or any signs of corrosion
The hardtop looks to work as quickly as it should, operating smoothly
The rear bumper appears to show a light scuff
The ‘SL500 ‘and three-pointed star badges are bright and clean
All four wheels look to be in good condition - with only slight kerb damage to one and a couple of small marks on another
Advisories to note for tyres on current MOT
As you would expect with so few miles and a lifetime of indoor storage, the underside of this SL is in lovely order
The dark blue (502A) leather seats appear in excellent condition and their adjustment functions are said to be fully working
Sitting in the driver’s seat you are faced with the spotless dashboard that is all in good condition, with no marks or scuffs or cracks to be seen
The instruments are all in working order with no warning lights displayed
Overmats fitted from new, protecting the immaculate original carpet set
The luggage compartment presents impeccably

The Mechanics

4,966 cc V8 petrol engine
Five-speed automatic gearbox
The V8 in this lovely SL500 is said to fire up perfectly at the first flick of the key, and sounds fantastic exiting through the twin exhausts
There are reportedly no untoward noises to be heard from the silky-smooth V8
With 302 bhp on tap, the SL500 is reported to pull well through all of the gears
The car sits level and is reported to handle well, with no noises coming from the suspension components
Last serviced 2,000 miles ago including light recommission
No mechanical or running gear advisories on current MOT
No reports of running or driving issues

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 deposit. 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.

✓Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand.. If requested, we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected]