***Vendor supplied images***
HIGHLIGHTS
- Smart SL55 AMG in unusual colour
- Freshly serviced and ready to go, with new MOT
- Well-presented, usable example with recent ABC overhaul
- Rare and newly refurbished 20-spoke AMG alloys
THE APPEAL
The Mercedes-Benz SL “R230” was a real status symbol in its day, especially in flagship high performance AMG layout. Look no further than this example which would have set its owner back over £100,000.
The 476bhp SL55 AMG was an extremely expensive car, retailing at over £95,000. As soon as you touched the options list, it was very easy to tip it over £100k, and this one has quite a few goodies – after all, it was Mercedes’s Formula-One-inspired flagship when new and remains an enticing, exciting and devilishly quick sports car today – a nod to the brand’s return to F1 in conjunction with McLaren.
The “R230” model was not only sleek and stylish, but it added new technology in the form of advanced electronics such as Mercedes-Benz’s Active Body Control (ABC) system. It also introduced the company’s trademark electric folding hard top to the larger model, following its debut four years earlier on the SLK. It was a desirable car then and is a rapidly up-and-coming classic today.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
- UK V5C
- Registration is L55NMB
- MOT to be renewed on sale
- Two keys
- Service book stamped to 121,304 miles in September 2023 by a reputable specialist and prior to that at 120,010 in October 2020, where it was treated to a major service including belts by a Mercedes-Benz main dealer
- Full book pack and owner’s wallet
- Original factory build sheet
THE INTERIOR
- Pale grey leather sports upholstery
- AMG features and stitching
- COMAND Infotainment system with sat nav
- AMG-branded alloy trim and wooden gear selector with some wear
- No seat bolster damage but some signs of wear and creasing commensurate with the car’s age and mileage
- CLIMATRONIC dual zone climate control
- DISTRONIC distance-sensing cruise control
- Pulsating heated electrically adjustable massage seats
- CD Changer in rear storage locker
- Push-button start
- Alcantara instrument cluster trim
- Grey stitched leather dash
- Fold-up rear genuine Mercedes-Benz wind deflector
- Alcantara headlining
THE EXTERIOR
- Tanzanite Blue Pearl
- 20-spoke optional AMG alloys, diamond cut and newly refurbished
- Pirelli P-Zero tyres
- Extremely well-presented with repainted bonnet showing no stonechips
- No major dents or paint damage
- One or two very small marks and chips around car in line with age, but nothing serious and no evidence of any external corrosion
- Metal folding coupé-convertible VarioRoof
- Roof operates without fault – 30 seconds from coupé to cabriolet
THE MECHANICS
- 5.5-litre supercharged V8
- Automatic transmission
- Steering wheel shift levers
- 476bhp supercharged performance
- Recent Active Body Control overhaul with associated invoices
- New bushes, ball joints and recent front shock absorbers
- No warning lights
- AMG sports callipers and multi-vented disc brakes
- Terrific performance and amazing soundtrack
SUMMARY
The R230 SL is a car that’s developing a following almost as quickly as the AMG variant can accelerate, especially the higher range examples and specifically the supercharged SL55 AMG, which was the sportiest of the lot and the car most closely aligned to Mercedes-Benz’s return to F1 with McLaren.
It’s one of the most appealing performance models of the early 2000s and this one is a lovely example in a very rare colour for an AMG, as well as being a highly usable example. A well-maintained modern classic sports car you can jump in and simply enjoy.
BEFORE YOU BUY
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.
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