Highlights

Thumping 476bhp V8 AMG engine
Comprehensive history and paperwork
Only 85,541 miles from new
Valid MOT until September 2025

The Appeal

When Mercedes-Benz replaced the R129SL in 2001, they had a hard act to follow, and a new Millennium's expectations to meet. Thankfully, they proved very much up to the task with the sleek, stylish and tech-loaded R230. Introducing the Active Body Control system, the car also featured a trademark electric hard top, which had debuted four years earlier with the already well-reputed SLK.

When it was new, the car was an expensive beast - but none more so than the supercharged flagship model, the SL55 AMG. This retailed new for £95,000 - before you even looked at the options list. As a result, a car with a little custom spec would easily top over the £100k park.

This 2003 example has covered less than 90,000 miles from new and is accompanied by an enormous paperwork file - as well as a valid MOT until September 2025.

History and Paperwork

Registered in 2003
Initially a company car for a managing director in the North-West
Serviced every 10,000 miles by Mercedes-Benz main dealers or specialists
Current owner since 2020
Valid MOT until September 2025 with some advisories
Includes a stack of invoices from 2013 to present
Original Mercedes-Benz book pack with handbook, service book, and audio guides
Indicates only 85,541 miles from new

The Condition

Silver paintwork in very good condition with minor scuffs and marks
Some blistering and early corrosion towards the arches
Some slight damage to the windscreen, though this isn't intrusive
Chrome AMG-branded exhaust tips and two-tone alloy wheels
The MOT highlights some warping to the wheels
Panoramic roof in working order
Red and black interior in good condition
Minor scuffing and cracking to the bolsters, commensurate with age
Gear selector leather shows slight wear
Air conditioning and radio are reportedly in good order
Multi-way electric seat adjustment operational
AMG badges woven into seat fabric and distinctive red seat belts

The Mechanics

5.5-litre Supercharged V8 engine
Regularly serviced
Starts smoothly and idles well
Over £3,500 spent on renewing the ABC system in recent years
Some advisories on the MOT for play in the rear bushes
Other than this though we understand the car to be in fine order
We've informed that the car drives as an SL should with no warning lights on the dashboard
Ultimately, this looks to be a fine, solid prospect

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 fee. 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..