The original ‘R170’ SLK is an up-and-coming modern classic, thanks in no small part to its visionary, trendsetting “Vario-Roof”.
With power-operated retractable hardtops offering greater stiffness and refinement than traditional soft-top roadsters, it had all the benefits of a coupé but with the open-top appeal of a sporty roadster when needed.
This one is an SLK 230 from later on in the model’s production life, when many of the issues affecting early R170s had been ironed out. A genuine low-mileage car, it has been well looked after and comes with a chunk of history.
More importantly, it’s also full of personal options from Mercedes-Benz’s “Designo” programme – the equivalent, if you like, of Range Rover’s “Autobiography” or BMW’s “Individual” lines that allowed customers to create completely bespoke cars.
It’s also a Designo colour – the imaginatively named Designo Silver, which has a sandy hue to it. DSC_1051.jpg4.25 MB
Designo carbon-effect door and gear surround inserts
Heated seats
The SLK has an incredibly high specification including full Sienna Beige leather, a leather Deisgno steering wheel, heated seats, air con and carbon-effect Designo inserts in both the door trims and gear surround.
It’s all in great condition and everything works, the only minor point of note being some signs of ageing to the leather, especially the driver’s seat, though there’s no damage or holes, just a gentle patina.
The Vario-Roof operates from a central button and operates exactly as intended. DSC_0999.jpg4.22 MB
THE EXTERIOR
Designo Silver
Very good overall
Original alloys
Finished in rare Designo Silver Metallic, the SLK is a smart and well-presented car that’s in decent overall order.
Up close, there are one or two small flaws. A couple of small rust bubbles under the paint on the nearside front wing and some slight deterioration to the alloy wheels being the primary ones.
Other than that it is smart and solid, having had some welding repairs to the rear subframe in the past, completed to a good standard.
The paint finish is very good and all of the trim is present, correct and in good order.DSC_1059.jpg3.99 MB
THE MECHANICS
Drives well
Five-speed auto
Major service ahead of sale
Well-maintained
Mechanically, the vendor reports that the SLK drives well and with no known issues, with decent performance and good handling.
Although it has been well-maintained and was last serviced a short mileage ago, the vendor will be carrying out a major service before sale and supplying the SLK with a brand-new MOT ahead of the new owner taking delivery for extra peace of mind. DSC_1009.jpg2.97 MB
SUMMARY
This is a smart example of the R170 SLK with a decent amount of history and the added appeal of multiple Designo extras including the paintwork, which make it stand out from the norm.
It’s a great, affordable and accessible way into SLK ownership.
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