Pre-bids

2002 Mercedes-Benz SL500 (R230)

Highlights

  • Less than 13,000 documented miles
  • Smart Bright Blue metallic with blue leather 
  • Superbly presented throughout
  • Collector quality, time-warp SL500
  • MOT to April 2025 

The Appeal

Now this is surprising.  The R230 SL500 is the answer to so so many automotive questions, and so rewarding to drive with it, that it is incredible to discover this one has covered less than 13,000 miles from new.  

The viscerally quick really does seem to do everything you want from a luxury two seater.  It's a coupe and a full convertible.  A sports car and a cossetting GT.  

This car's ultra sparing use means its rare colour blue scheme - a pleasing alternative to more common greys and silvers - is in timewarp condition.  You will be hard pressed to spot any deterioration usually associated with a 20 year old car.  
The original keeper retained it up until 2006 when he sadly passed away. The car was then passed to his son who kept the car but used it sparingly, covering just a few hundred miles per year. He kept the car until 2017, and with the lack of use, sold it to his best friend who also covered very few miles before another friend would add it to their private collection. Subsequent keepers have followed the theme, using the car sparingly but looking after it very well.  It has covered only around 2,000 miles since light recommissioning - including a service - was carried out in 2019 at a cost of £1,845.
For collectors seeking an exemplary R230, or those simply wanting the best example of this fabulous roadster they ca lay their hands on, this example is offered with a MOT test to April 2025 and so is ready to enjoy.

The History and Paperwork

  • First registered 5th April 2002 
  • The folder containing old invoices has unfortunately been lost, leaving the car with limited paperwork other than the owner’s manuals, which have been kept in the glove box
  • There is an invoice for the recommissioning work in May 2019, and the last MOT certificate, which was carried out on 10th September 2021
  • The V5C is present 
  • Four former registered keepers
  • One key
  • 12,356 miles
  • Current MOT to 30th April 2025 with advisories for tyres
  • 12,369 miles showing on test 

The Condition

  • Finished in Bright Blue Metallic (345U), this stunning SL500  looks fantastic and commensurate with its minuscule mileage
  • The only notable blemishes to point out are one stone chip to the bonnet and a scratch to the passenger corner front skirt - both of which have been clearly photographed
  • Other than that, the car appears in immaculate order with very few signs of its age
  • The light lenses appear in excellent condition with no cracks, chips or fogging apparent
  • All door gaps align nicely and appear equal on both sides
  • There are no obvious dents or any signs of corrosion
  • The hardtop looks to work as quickly as it should, operating smoothly
  • The rear bumper appears to show a light scuff 
  • The ‘SL500 ‘and three-pointed star badges are bright and clean
  • All four wheels look to be in good condition - with only slight kerb damage to one and a couple of small marks on another
  • Advisories to note for tyres on current MOT 
  • As you would expect with so few miles and a lifetime of indoor storage, the underside of this SL is in lovely order
  • The dark blue (502A) leather seats appear in excellent condition and their adjustment functions are said to be fully working
  • Sitting in the driver’s seat you are faced with the spotless dashboard that is all in good condition, with no marks or scuffs or cracks to be seen
  • The instruments are all in working order with no warning lights displayed
  • Overmats fitted from new, protecting the immaculate original carpet set
  • The luggage compartment presents impeccably

The Mechanics 

  • 4,966 cc V8 petrol engine
  • Five-speed automatic gearbox
  • The V8 in this lovely SL500 is said to fire up perfectly at the first flick of the key, and sounds fantastic exiting through the twin exhausts
  • There are reportedly no untoward noises to be heard from the silky-smooth V8
  • With 302 bhp on tap, the SL500 is reported to pull well through all of the gears
  • The car sits level and is reported to handle well, with no noises coming from the suspension components
  • Last serviced 2,000 miles ago including light recommission
  • No mechanical or running gear advisories on current MOT 
  • No reports of running or driving issues 


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] 

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Auction Details

  • Year2002
  • MakeMercedes
  • ModelSL Class
  • ColourBlue
  • Odometer12,356 Miles
  • Engine size4966cc
  • Seller TypePrivate
  • TownChandlers Cross
  • CountyHerefordshire
  • CountryUnited Kingdom
  • Auction ends

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