Highlights

Popular Obsidian Black with black anthracite interior
493bhp supercharged 5.4L V8
Only four keepers with current one since 2014
High specification facelift car with Panoramic roof
Recent £5,000 overhaul of suspension by Mercedes
Regularly serviced by main dealers and specialists

The Appeal

The R230 SL55 is as popular now as it was when new because nothing quite matches it. The clever Vario folding hard top makes it coupe or convertible to suit the weather while the hand-built 493bhp AMG 5.4L V8 offers serious performance and aural character. That these cars are as well built as you’d expect from a Mercedes merely dials up the appeal.

With its Obsidian Black paintwork, anthracite leather and optional Panoramic roof, this facelift SL55 will tick many buyers’ boxes. It is a low keeper car that has been with the current one since 2014. The condition is good for a car of this age and mileage, just a few minor cosmetic points to note in photos that are not untypical. The AMG split rim alloys could do with a refurbishment, which would add to its looks.

The maintenance history shows a run of regular work by main dealers and specialists. In 2025 the car went to Mercedes for £5,000 of work, including a suspension compressor. The ABC suspension system was checked again in August 2026 by MB Tech with no issues found. The vendor tells us that it would benefit from a service and ideally needs a couple of suspension struts replaced. The curernt MOT has expired so will need refreshed before the car can be driven away.

Once those jobs are done you get a nicely specified supercharged R230 with the sort of performance to worry most cars on the road.

Key Information

Mileage: 106,905 miles indicated (supported by service and MOT history)
Country of registration: United Kingdom
Technical inspection status: expired
Technical specs: 517bhp 5,439cc supercharged V8 petrol, 5spd automatic gearbox
Paperwork: handbooks, wallet, V5C, spreadsheet of servicing and MOT history, recent invoices

Service history:

04/22 - 94,308 miles - Casterbridge (Mercedes specialist)
12/18 - 81,736 miles - Casterbridge
02/16 - 68,848 miles - Mercedes-Benz Doncaster
11/14 - 55,533 miles - Mercedes-Benz Doncaster
12/13 - 47,159 miles - Mercedes-Benz Doncaster
05/13 - 43,998 miles - Mercedes-Benz Warrington
12/09 - 20,534 miles - Mercedes-Benz Newbury
01/07 - 7,860 miles - Mercedes-Benz Newbury

The Detail

New suspension compressor fitted by Mercedes-Benz in 2025 costing £5,000
August 2026 suspension check by MB Tech as shown in invoices
Recent tyres fitted to 19-inch split rim twin spoke AMG alloys
Mix of Continental and Pirelli tyres fitted
Alloy wheels are presentable but will have completed refurbishment by the time the auction ends
Obsidian Black paintwork in good overall condition with some light age to note
Photographs show paintwork scuffs
Vario roof appears to work correctly
Keyless entry and go reported as working
Vendor notes the car requires offside front and nearside rear suspension struts
A scheduled service is due
Anthracite leather interior in excellent order for age with some wear to driver’s bolster
Equipped with optional glass panoramic roof and wind deflector
Heated, cooled, and massaging electric memory seats
Bose sound system, satellite navigation, Bluetooth, and TV function
Climate control and cruise control fitted
No current MOT

BEFORE YOU BUY

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✓ The seller of this vehicle is registered as a business seller. And you are covered by Car & Classic’s Terms and Conditions.

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