Highlights

Desirable SL55 AMG variant, with 5.5 litre V8 engine
Timeless spec with Tanzanite Blue metallic paint scheme
Power folding hardtop roof
Well presented throughout, lower mileage example

The Appeal

Consistently leading the pack when it comes to luxury high performance roadsters, the Mercedes SL55 needs little introduction. The high ranking AMG variant of the fifth generation R230 SL helped uphold the models esteemed reputation as the last word in performance convertibles, boasting a glorious 5.5 litre V8 engine, a lavishly appointed interior and, in a first for the SL range, a fully retractable electric hard top roof.

A wonderful example of the Mercedes legend, LJ03 OHH comes to market in fine fettle, with good bodywork draped in a lesser seen factory metallic paint scheme, a smartly preserved interior space and of course, under the bonnet, an excellent example of that glorious V8 engine.

Already penned by many as a Mercedes Legend, the R230 SL55 is certainly gaining traction on the collector market as a modern classic and makes an excellent usable performance piece. Surprisingly practical, classically reliable, its quintessential Mercedes Benz.

The History and Paperwork

First registered 01/06/2003
Accompanied by leather bound Mercedes Benz owners book pack
Duplicate copy of the Mercedes service book is to hand with a selection of servicing stamps highlighted
Assortment of invoices for servicing work and parts bought to maintain the car
As we understand the car was supplied through Mercedes Benz Chelsea who proceeded to care for the car for the first portion of its life
V5 registration document present with the vehicle

The Condition

Timeless exterior styling which still presents as fresh today
Finished from the factory in a lesser seen Mercedes factory colour, Tanzanite Blue metallic
Paintwork is of a generally very high quality and is a testament to the quality to which the car has been upheld and maintained
Some light marks commensurate with age but certainly one of the better preserved examples on the roads today
Electronically operated hard convertible top unlatches, and operates smoothly and with ease
Glass work, trim and badging all present exceptionally well
Panel gaps are consistent throughout
High specification interior space of the utmost quality
Draped in impeccable grey leather throughout, exceptionally well presented and highlighting very little in the way of wear or signs of age
Electric seating with massage and memory functions presented in fine form, with strong bolstering
Well upholstered door panels, smartly embellished with quality door furniture and trim
Factory BOSE sound system
Interior switchgear is in fine fettle and all understood to be in good working order
Plush grey carpeting with protective over mats
Central infotainment screen with telephone and navigation capabilities

The Mechanics

Thunderous 5.5 litre Mercedes V8 situated under the bonnet
A truly excellent engine. Powerful and incredibly capable without being brash or excessive
Paired to a wonderfully smooth factory automatic transmission, ideal for touring or every day usage
Engine and surrounding engine bay look to be in very clean order
The car fires into life quickly and comfortably, providing a delightful driving experience

Summary

Great as a GT, great as an outright sports car, the SL55 is the perfect choice for someone looking for a fine piece of German engineering that really can do it all. The R230 SLs represented a great leap forward in design and engineering both for the marque and for the model range itself. With more modern styling, equipment and running gear, these are most definitely the SLs to get into and this smartly presented, well specced example may just be the car to do it with.

BEFORE YOU BUY

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