The first-generation Mercedes SLK, designated R170, is something of a treasure. It carved its own niche when it was launched back in 1996 – more luxurious than a Mazda MX-5, more versatile than a Porsche Boxster, more elegant than a BMW Z3, it was effectively a model without rival: a compact luxury roadster.

Based on a shortened version of the platform of the W202 C-Class, the letters in the name were a statement of intent: SLK stood for sportlich, leicht, kurz - meaning sporty, light, compact. And the real party piece was the Vario-roof, a folding metal roof that stowed itself away balletically using a fiendishly clever electro-hydraulic mechanism that still left some usable boot space.

A variety of engine options were offered, including assorted supercharged four-cylinders up to the ’charged V6 of the 32 AMG, and more often than not they’re found with an automatic transmission. So the car we have here is a real rarity – it’s a late-model SLK 320, meaning it comes with a naturally-aspirated 3.2-litre V6, and it has a 6-speed manual gearbox. 

Furthermore, this is a Special Edition, furnished with a very tasteful interior in brushed aluminium and Anthracite leather, and – the best part of all – there are just 57k miles showing on the clock. The stamps in the service book back up this mileage across the car’s pampered life, and we can see that it’s only covered a few hundred miles since 2020. It’s just been fully serviced and MOT’d, and it’s running beautifully; in lovely condition throughout, and with outstanding spec, this is a very desirable SLK indeed.

The interior is beautifully presented, testament to the car’s low mileage and the fact that it’s evidently been cherished. The Special Edition specification features heated seats trimmed in Anthracite leather, and they’re in very good condition with no undue wear. The brushed aluminium dash trim is very smart, and all of the buttons and controls appear to be functioning correctly.

SLKs often suffer with a flaky finish on the centre console, but there’s no evidence of that here; the finish on the plastic is slightly worn on the side closest to the driver’s seat, but it’s not flaking or unsightly.

Being a later-model SLK, this car benefits from the more attractive steering wheel design, as well as the handy pop-out cupholders in the dash (which are ingeniously designed to keep your beverage near the vents – so you can use the fan to keep your water cool in summer, or heater to warm your coffee in winter). There are no warning lights illuminated on the dash, and the blower motor resistor has recently been replaced so the fan blows hot and cold correctly.

It's all tidy inside the boot, with a good carpet and the original Mercedes-Benz first aid kit and warning triangle.

The crisp Brilliant Silver paint suits the SLK’s lines so well, and it’s clear that this car is a cut above the average SLK. There’s no evidence of dinged doors or scuffed bumper corners that you so often find with these cars and, crucially, there’s no evident surface rust in the arches or the roof – and that’s a real plus.

The roof works perfectly on the button, which is another key point for a buyer to consider; it folds itself away easily, and raises equally freely to fully seal itself straight and true. (It’s also, from an engineering perspective, extremely pleasing to see the mechanism in action, it really is very clever.)

The car wears its original alloy wheels, which are in decent condition with minimal kerbing.

There are one or two very minor cosmetic points to note at the front end: the nearside headlight has a little condensation inside, the foglamp lens below it is cracked, and there’s a small crack in the bumper below that. But aside from these little points, it’s a beautifully presented SLK that still carries itself with class and panache.

Mercedes-Benz aficionados will tell you that the M112 engine is one of the finest motors that the marque has ever built, with incredibly strong internals and thoroughly impressive reliability. And with just 57,000 miles on the clock, one could argue that this M112 is barely run-in!

With 215bhp and an impressive 229lb.ft available, it’s a smooth motor with oodles of torque that always presents swells of get-up-and-go – and it’s well suited to the lesser-spotted 6-speed manual gearbox. Another interesting point that owners often highlight is that this gearbox has very well chosen ratios – cruising in sixth on the motorway you’ll be barely above tickover, which makes for impressive fuel economy.

The car drives really beautifully too. The robust service history shows how well it’s been looked after throughout its life, and our test drive confirmed that the suspension is smooth and cosseting (with a frisson of sportiness when you need it), the brakes are strong and the steering precise.

We just love this car’s torque! 

Yes, it’s a comfortable and luxurious cruiser, but eager acceleration is just a throttle blip away, whichever gear you’re in and wherever you are in the rev range. It really is a great fun car to drive, and the V6 produces a splendid exhaust tone. And with a desirable specification, low mileage, super history and ULEZ exemption, it ticks a whole lot of boxes. 

Is it possible to find this much enjoyment and satisfaction anywhere else for this sort of money? We suspect not… grab this car while you can, it’s a proper gem.

This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*