The first model of SL to benefit from Mercedes-Benz’s retractable hardtop technology, the R230 set new standards for refinement, power and technology for Mercedes’ big coupé. Fitted with a raft of powertrains and a mind-boggling array of trim levels and options, buyers were able to pretty much tailor the car to their exact specifications.
Sitting at the top of the range, the SL55 AMG has a mighty, supercharged, 5.5-litre V8 at its heart. Offering deep wells of power and a veritable tsunami of torque, it gives the SL the ability to switch from opulent grand tourer to tarmac-shredding, supercar-baiting lunatic at the twitch of a toe.
Presented in a high specification, with an attractive silver-over-red finish and superb maintenance record, this handsome example would make for a superb daily. Alternatively, it offers the kind of excitement that is ideal for a “special occasion” or “weekend” car. Whatever the case, we think it’s an absolutely belting proposition…
The History and Paperwork
First registered in November 2002
Six owners from new
Current owner since February 2018
Mostly kept garaged during current ownership
96,725 miles, verified by the MOT record and service history
Current MOT to May 2024
Service record with 15 stamps, with the last service done in June 2023
“Y700AMG” private registration included
Unmodified and in factory specification
History file documenting the last 10 years of ownership
Owner’s handbooks, service book, two keys, previous MOT certificates and lots of maintenance invoices
The Interior
Exclusive red leather (587A) upholstery, with secondary black leather and contrast red stitching
All of the leather looks to be in good order for the age of the car, with evidence of light use, except to the driver’s seat outer bolster and gear selector, which show a little more wear
Red carpets with black floor mats show well, with no signs of damage or staining we could see
Light headlining appears to be in fine fettle, with no staining, tears or sagging apparent
Electrically operated, multi-contour seats, with heating, ventilation, massage and memory functions
Electric windows and door mirrors
Keyless Go system
Electrically operated rollover hoop and removable wind deflector panel
COMAND infotainment system with CD, radio, satellite navigation and phone
Retro wired phone in the centre armrest
Automatic headlights
Dual zone air conditioning
CD changer in the boot
Some wear in evidence to some of the buttons and controls, but this is commensurate with the car’s age and mileage
The boot is trimmed in neat dark grey carpet, and contains an inflation kit
The Exterior
Brilliant Silver Metallic paintwork appears to be in good overall condition, with some minor blemishes and a few stone chips
Overall the bodywork looks to be in very good order, with no notable damage or corrosion we could discern
Retractable hardtop, which the vendor tells us has had a new mechanism fitted
Bi-Xenon headlamps, the lenses of which may benefit from a polish
Factory AMG Styling Pack – consists of a front spoiler and side skirts
Underneath the car looks to be clean an solid, with no significant damage or corrosion in evidence, just some surface corrosion to some suspension components and the exhaust
19-inch, two-piece AMG alloy wheels, finished with dark silver centres and shod with a matched set of Continental tyres
The Mechanics
5,439cc supercharged V8 (M113), driving the rear wheels
Factory performance figures: 476bhp, 700Nm from 2,650rpm, 0-60mph in 4.5 seconds and a top speed of “more than” 180mph
Five-speed automatic transmission
Active Body Control (ABC) suspension system
Heated screen wash system
Cruise control
ABS, power steering, traction and stability control
Under the bonnet is nice and neat, with just a little surface corrosion to the supercharger and rocker covers
New ABC pump fitted in April 2021 at 92,418 miles
New gear linkage / lever fitted in December 2021 at 95,952 miles
New near-side ball joint, near-side upper arm, off-side lower arm and four-wheel alignment carried out in June 2022
New auxiliary belt, supercharger belt, pulley unit and secondary water pump fitted in November 2022
The vendor tells us that the car is in fine mechanical condition, with no faults or issues to report
Summary
Exceptionally powerful, wonderfully well appointed and with an excellent service and maintenance history, we believe this SL55 AMG would make for a brilliant grand touring sports coupé this summer.
Notice to bidders
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.*
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
