Highlights

Only 48,900 miles from new
Rare high specification with Designo purple paintwork
Comprehensive service history with recent major service
Rear suspension was recently overhauled
MOT valid until May 2025 with no advisories
Very well kept car in fully working order

The Appeal

It was a clever riposte to the MX5. Shrinking the big SL GT into a compact rival to the upstart Mazda pushed Mercedes-Benz into a new market segment gave buyers something entirely different.

And very good. Because the original R170 SLK was both sports car and GT and, thanks to its clever vario roof, both convertible and coupe too. Where it differed from the ‘one size fits all’ Mazda was in the huge engine range and the scope to bespoke your car from the factory.

The first owner of this car capitalised on both opportunities. He selected arguably the peach of the range - the M111 2.3L supercharged 195bhp motor - and chose heavily but wisely from the Designo options packages.

The result is a car quite unlike the more common Brilliant Silver examples. The Design Purple metallic paintwork has a stand-out, quality feel while inside the two tone ivory and black leather with carbon highlights is similarly stylish.

It is all very well kept thanks to this car’s very low mileage of under 49,000 miles from new. Despite the sparing use it has been carefully maintained by its handful of keepers. The vendor acquired the car in August 2023 intending to keep it but family circumstances have changed. With that long term commitment in mind he has expended £2,000 on maintenance and servicing. This work has included a full service, overhaul of the rear suspension and replacing the brake fluid.

The car is solid in all the places you’ll want to check for these cars and comes to market with MOT to May 2025 containing no advisories.

History and Paperwork

First registered 7th August 1999
Eight registered keepers
Current keeper since August 2023
He is only selling due to the arrival of a baby in the family
Last serviced at 47,892 miles in May 2024
This work is summarised below and cost £2,000
Always garaged or parked under custom cover we are told
Supplied with custom outdoor car cover
MOT valid until 29th May 2025 with no advisories

Recent maintenance in May 2024:

Oil change
Oil filter
Brake fluid replaced
Rear suspension overhauled
Rocker cover gasket
Ignition coils
Spark plugs
Cabin filter
Air filter

The vendor tells us:

“I bought this car due to firstly the amazing colour of designo purple. I had been searching for an SLK for a few months and had seen only black and silver models so when this purple car came about my attention was drawn straight away. With that though the interior design is as good if not better than the exterior, beautiful two tone design.

“The car also features 17 inch AMG alloy wheels which give a very unique and sporty look. At this cars main party piece the vario roof which is in perfect working order with a newly revised headliner this car is the ultimate daily and weekend cruiser. I just hope it goes to a good home were the next owner cherishes and loves it as much as the previous owners and myself have.”

The Condition

Rare and distinctive Designo Purple metallic (015U) in good overall condition
Few signs of age or use across paintwork as shown in photos
Vendor advises that there are a few minor stone chips on the bonnet
Car is supplied with its factory touch up paint stick
Bodywork presents well particularly in the usual SLK check areas such as sills and arches
Underside in good condition with regular unersealing treatment to arches and underside each MOT
No structural advisories on current MOT
Vario hard top in very good working order and condition
Hard top headlining professionally cleaned and treated to new adhesive in February 2024 and in good order
AMG 17in alloy wheels recently refurbished and in good order
One rim shows a 2cm scratch but it is not unsightly
Well kept two-tone black and ivory leather interior in very good overall condition
Few signs of age or use to interior, including to switchgear, a common SLK weakness
Passenger seat bolster repaired in February 2024
Smart carbon highlight trim to interior which is in good condition
Carpets in good condition with SLK branded over mats included

The Mechanics

M111 2,295cc 4cyl supercharged 195bhp engine
5spd 5G-TRONIC automatic gearbox with sequential shift functionality
Regularly serviced with genuine Mercedes parts
Last serviced in May 2024 at 47,892 miles, 1,000 miles ago
Further work undertaken at service as detailed above
New Varta battery installed in 2021
No reported running or driving issues
No mechanical or running gear advisories on current MOT

The vendor tells us:

“The car is a joy to drive. Whether it’s a cold winters morning or a beautiful summers day. The car thrives in all conditions. With a beautiful melodic sound from the supercharger and the power of the very reliable 2.3 litre engine the car is so dependable and just a great daily driver or weekend grand tourer. The leather on the seats is so comfortable and with the in built wind deflector the road noise with the roof up is minimal. Fast reliable and just a real head turner.”

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

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