Based on a shortened version of the W202 C-Class platform, the letters in the SLK’s 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.

The first-generation Mercedes SLK, designated R170, skilfully 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.

A variety of engine options were offered, including assorted supercharged four-cylinders up to the ’charged V6 of the 32 AMG; the model we have here is an SLK 320, meaning it comes with a naturally-aspirated 3.2-litre V6, and the little numbers on the dash tell a beguiling story: it’s covered just 41,000 miles, which averages out to around 1,800 miles per year throughout its life. This explains why it feels so fresh and drives like a much younger car – and with impressive originality throughout, you won’t want to miss this little gem. 

The interior is well presented throughout, testament to the car’s low mileage and the fact that it’s evidently been properly looked after. The brushed aluminium dash trim is very smart, and the dials are all functional with no warning lights illuminated.

Being a facelift-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). The seats are tidy without undue wear, and the carpets are neat. The electric windows work correctly, and the original Mercedes-Benz stereo is still in place.

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

The crisp Brilliant Silver paint suits the SLK’s lines so well, and it’s clear that this car is far tidier than 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 obvious surface rust in the arches or the roof – and that’s a real plus. The only notable aesthetic blemish is a slight knock to the front bumper which has unseated the headlamp washer.

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. On the whole, a very attractive example of this appreciating modern classic.

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 41,000 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 matched to the slick automatic transmission. 

The car drives very well too; our test drive confirmed that the suspension is comfy and cosseting (with a frisson of sportiness when you need it), the brakes are strong and the steering precise. Just as an SLK ought to be. 

This really is a great fun car to drive, and the V6 produces a splendid exhaust tone. We just love this car’s torque as well; yes, it’s a comfortable and luxurious cruiser, but eager acceleration is just a throttle blip away. And with a desirable specification and low mileage, 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 little star.

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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.