• Beautiful range-topping SL 500

 • Only 58,000 miles from new

 • Unusual Firemist Red

 • Comprehensive history folder

When Mercedes-Benz replaced the R129 generation of SL in 2001, it brought the model bang up to date and created one of the most desirable cars of the early 2000s at the same time.

The new “R230” model was not only sleek and stylish, but it also added new technology, modernised styling and a much more modern cabin. It also introduced the company’s trademark electric folding hard top – or VarioRoof - to the model, which had debuted four years earlier on the SLK.

It was a strikingly handsome car but also a very expensive one.

At launch, it was offered only as the 386bhp SL500 – a cool £79,995 before you ventured near the options list. Today, it offers astonishing value for money and is one of the most stylish and best-equipped modern classic sports cars going.

 • Folder of old MOTs and history documents

 • Handbooks and Mercedes-Benz wallet

 • Recent invoices

 • UK V5C

 • Less than 1,000 miles in past four years

Included with the SL are the original Mercedes-Benz document wallet containing the hardback owners’ manual, dealer directory, car care guide and instructions for the COMAND infotainment system. In addition, it comes with a folder containing every single past MOT along with service and repair invoices and copies of old V5 registration documents. 

It has a currently valid V5C and MOT test until September 2022, passed with no advisories.

 • Charcoal grey leather

 • Mercedes-Benz COMAND system and sat nav

 • Electrically adjustable seats and head restraints

 • Excellent overall condition

Unsurprisingly for a car that was so expensive when new, the SL 500 is remarkable well-equipped. The charcoal grey leather seats are heated and electrically adjustable right through to the head rests, the Mercedes COMAND sat nav and integrated infotainment system still feels modern today and it’s a wonderfully comfortable car in which to spend time. 

All of the dials and controls work as they should and the seats show barely any signs of wear. There’s also a classic Nokia 3210 mobile phone hidden inside the central armrest.

 • Unusual Firemist Red

 • Immaculate, original condition

 • Electric roll bar and mesh wind deflector

 • Faultless Vario Roof mechanism

Other than a few tiny stone chips commensurate with its age, the SL is in fabulous condition, retaining a deep shine and lustre.

There are no signs of any damage or lacquer deterioration and the panels are all straight and true. The electronic Vario-Roof works exactly as it should. The cherished registration is also included in the sale.

 • 386bhp V8

 • Six-speed sports auto

 • Drives brilliantly 

The SL is in fine order externally and the same appears to apply to the mechanics. There are numerous bills and receipts pertaining to its maintenance and the 5.0-litre V8 certainly appears to operate as it should. 

A short test drive showed us there were no warning lights on the dash and that the SL drove smoothly and performed as expected, with strong performance, seamless gear changes and no apparent problems with the steering, brakes or suspension.

With prices of previous generation SLs going stratospheric, the R230 must surely be about to follow suit. After all, it turns 20 this year and was one of the best cars in the world when it was new. 

This one is a fine example – low mileage, high specification and possibly the rarest colour. You’ll struggle to find a better value luxury sports car, or one as nice to drive as this particular example.