Highlights

5-litre V8 engine with great promise
Very original car presenting in fabulous condition
Low mileage model – just 35,400 miles on the clock

The Appeal

The Mercedes SL-Class seemingly peaked for many in the early 2000s with the addition of AMG products like the SL65 AMG Black Series. This SL500 model features similar styling without the hefty price tag and yet still retains a mean 8-cylinder block under the bonnet.

Low miles and a good service history make it a great model mechanically and that is certainly backed up by its stunning visual condition both inside and out. Black on black with a beige interior is certainly a fantastic specification for this model. Many believe the Mercedes-Benz SL-class reached a pinnacle in the early 2000’s with the R230 generation thanks to the many AMG-built variants culminating in the V12 Black Series.

This model may not quite feature as many cylinders as the range-topping supercar. But it is the closest one can get to an AMG-branded SL without spending the extra money. Its 5-litre V8 is good for over 300hp and will surely provide just as much fun as any other model on British roads.

Presenting in fabulous original condition that sees the car unspoilt by the passing of time, this SL500 is certainly an excellent example. Black on Black makes for a truly mean stance complimenting the car’s styling whilst the interior spec full of technology resembles the comfort of a sitting room. In this case, the TV entertainment is the world passing by outside the windscreen.

The History and Paperwork

First registered in 2003
3 reported owners from new
The car has covered just 35,400 miles since leaving the factory
Extensive service history; only missing from 2016 to 2019
The car currently features a personalised plate, will be replaced upon sale
MOT until January 2024
Total of 13 old tax discs
Mercedes all weather car cover included with the car
Original owner’s handbooks present
V5c included

The Interior

Excellent interior condition overall
Beige leather electrically adjustable, heated seats
Beige and brown two-tone door cards show some marking, especially on the driver’s side
Dashboard presents in good condition, no visible signs of damage
Multi-function steering wheel shows some marks but presents nicely overall
Wood trim throughout the cabin looks great
Light carpets appear to be in fantastic condition
Headlining also presents in brilliant condition
Instrument cluster feels modern despite its age
Original entertainment system still fitted
All interior gadgets are reportedly in working order
New wind deflector recently fitted
Glove compartment can stick at times
Boot lining looks clean
New boot strut recently fitted
Original spare wheel and Mercedes toolkit found in the boot
Mercedes first aid kit also present

The Exterior

The car still presents beautifully in its original coat of black paint
Recently received a full ceramic detail
R230 SL-Class styling looks to be in fantastic condition
All chrome badges and details present excellently
Light covers are all clear, showing no signs of fogging up
Convertible roof goes up and down without issue
AMG wheels were recently painted black by a professional
New tyres front and rear reportedly covered less than 1,000 miles
Bridgestone tyres on the front axle, Pirellis on the rear
Some scrapes present on the underside flat floor cover
The roof mechanisms, including the seals, regularly maintained and are in pristine condition

The Mechanics

5-litre V8 engine, 300hp
Engine bay presents well
Runs like a new car according to the vendor
A pair of new batteries were recently fitted
Good service history
The car has only covered 35,400 miles from new

Summary

This Mercedes SL500 seemingly presents as it would have when it left the factory in 2003. It still wears its original coat of paint having never been resprayed and the entire exterior is pretty much spotless. The same can be said for the interior which resembles a comfortable sitting room thanks to the plush leather seats and bundles of functioning tech.

The whole thing is powered by the 5-litre V8 which is the closest thing one can get to an AMG SL-class without actually going out and spending the money on a SL55 AMG. With a long MOT and plenty of service history, it is certainly a brilliant model inside and out.

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:

✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.

✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.

✓ 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.

✓ UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check, to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery.