Highlights

High specification with bespoke Designo features
Rare Brilliant Black metallic and upgraded alloys
Only 61,000 miles from new
Full service history, predominantly with Mercedes-Benz
Just 100 miles since last service
£5,000 of improvements since May 2023
MOT until October 2025
A very good example of these scintillating supercars

The Appeal

They used it as a Formula One Pace Car. If any fact begins to shine a light on the R230 SL55’s abilities, it is surely that.

These 490bhp supercars, with their beguiling mix of thunderous soundtrack and cossetting luxury, have few rivals. And they can transform from hard top coupe to svelte convertible at the touch of a button.

Here is a very good one.

It is a high specification car with factory bespoke Designo features. They include a clever paint finish that looks both black and aubergine depending on the light. The low mileage - just 61,000 miles - is backed by a full service history via main dealers and specialists.

Since the vendor acquired the car in May 2023 he has invested over £5,000 in its upkeep and improvement. This includes a service 100 miles ago and attention to the batteries, belts and an ABC suspension system service. It is all in fully working order.

The car comes with an MOT expiring October 2025, meaning it is ready for any road trip, long or short.

History and Paperwork

First registered 1st September 2002
Current keeper acquired the car in May 2023
Full service history, mainly by Mercedes-Benz wit, last 3 services by specialists
MOT until October 2025
Always dry stored by current keeper and fitted with a trickle charger
Thick history file, some of which is shown in the photographs
V5C in the current owner's name
Factory book packs, wallet, all manuals and service portfolio
One remote key and 2 manual keys
£5,000 invested since vendor acquired the car, summarised below
High factory specification, summarised below
Last serviced 100 miles ago in late 2023

£5,000 investment by seller, including:

Fully serviced by specialist
Starter and consumer batteries replaced with recommended Varta ones
New Mercedes-Benz alternator and belts
ABC suspension system fluid replaced and pump serviced
Main ABC suspension pipe replaced.
One front ball joint for MOT
Pair of new number plates

Factory Designo bespoke specification:

Designo Brilliant Black (025U) metallic paintwork
Designo black leather interior
Upgraded 18in AMG five spoke alloy wheels
BOSE premium sound system
COMAND system with factory navigation
Electric front seats with memory and heating
Factory branded mats
AMG body kit
Parktronic
Tyre Pressure Control
Bi-Xenon gas discharge headlights
Rear entertainment
TV
Designo gear knob
Alcantara black trim to dials
ABC suspension sytem

The Condition

Bespoke Designo paintwork with dark crystal fleck
This changes colour from black to aubergine depending on the light
Paintwork in very good order with only minor age-related marks to note in photos
These include some light stone chips and edge chips as shown
Bodywork is very straight with no reported accident damage
Vario hard top roof operates correctly and at correct factory speed
18in AMG five spoke alloy wheels in very good condition
Fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport tyres showing plenty of tread
Highly specified car with Designo black leather interior
Factory specification summarised above and below
Smart Poplar Wood veneers in good conditon
Leather seats present well showing barely any wear for age and mileage of car
Supplied with electric wind deflector
Remote central locking and full electrics inside, all functioning correctly
Underside in very good order with no structural advisories on last MOT

The Mechanics

5,439cc ‘5.5’ litre V8 delivering 490bhp
Factory 5G-TRONIC semi-automatic gearbox with sequential shift options
Clever ABC adaptive suspension system
£5,000 invested in maintenance since May 2023 summarised above
This has included a full service, belts, batteries and ABC system service
Brakes are original Mercedes-Benz items and in good condition
Factory tool kit and tyre kit
Vendor tells us the car drives superbly with no reported running or driving issues

The vendor tells us:

“One of the most exhilarating driving experiences and the engine is known to sound like thunder. It’s essentially the baby version of the Mercedes-McLaren SLR.

“All of the essential wear and tear items have been recently replaced.

“Blisteringly quick, incredible throttle response and incredible engine notes, with braking performance to match. It’s a bespoke Designo edition which separates it from other SL55s, presented in a unique colour with relatively low mileage but it has been used rather than sat around.”

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.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand.. If requested, we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected]