A highly original example of the increasingly popular and sought after R230 SL500
Presenting in a stealthy looking black over red leather colourway
Complete with optional 19-inch, split rim AMG alloy wheels
Copious recent expenditure on the mechanicals amounting to around £5,000
MOT valid until 23rd November 2024
The Appeal
The R230 SL series appeared in 2001 to replace the popular, long-lived and well-respected R129. The R230 was a departure in terms of design with a futuristic and more overtly sporty demeanour. There was plenty of innovation to enjoy, too. The most obvious development was the first appearance of folding metal roof which was eminently practical compared to the unwieldy hard top of its predecessor. There was plenty of tech to keep the engineering purists happy, too, including active body control and brake-by-wire technology.
This example is an R230 in powerful SL500 configuration. This proved a popular model from new offering robust great performance from a 302bhp V8 engine combined with agile handling. This example looks amazing with its highly contrasting exterior and interior colour scheme and big, split-rim AMG alloys. The vendor has recently entrusted the car to a specialist who has carried out a great deal of mechanical work, including the replacement of the gearbox and ABC suspension pump. Now finished and ready to enjoy, this is a prime example, so don't miss the chance to make it yours!
The History and Paperwork
MOT valid until 23rd November 2024
This fine example is a UK supplied car first registered in July 2005
Four previous registered keepers
The first private owner of the car was thought to have retained the car until 2016
In that period the car covered approximately 86,000 miles
The current owner acquired the car in December 2022 to become the fifth registered keeper
98,299 miles indicated
There is a modest level of paperwork included with the car, including invoices for the recent mechanical work
This is understood to include the V5 registration document
The SL holds a current MOT valid until the end of July 2023
A printout of previous MOTs back to 2008 is supplied
There is a full diagnostic report present to from 2022
The invoice that is associated with this diagnostic session is also present
The Condition
This example presents in bright stealthy Black Metallic paintwork
The condition of this appears original and in very good condition and all the panels seem to exhibit a deep and lustrous shine
The bodywork looks to be very good also with tight and symmetrical panel gaps
It sits on a sublime set of optional AMG 19-inch twin spoked and split rimmed alloy wheels in an anthracite metallic finish with polished alloy rims
Light kerning to the front wheels
These present in a good condition with some light kerbing to the fronts
The light lenses and wing mirrors all appear to be in fine, original shape and the cabin glass all appears undamaged and original
The retractable metal roof works perfectly and deploys in around sixteen seconds
The cabin of the SL500 looks bright and sporting in Flamenco Red leather which contrasts nicely with accents of black leather and dark burr walnut veneer
The front, sports seats are arranged into panels with perforated leather to the centres
The seats are heated and fully electrically adjustable with three setting memory functions
Behind the front seats there are two lidded storage compartment - one of these houses the CD changer unit and there are also retractable luggage straps
The signature chronograph-style VDO instruments sit in deeply hooded binnacles
The red carpets look to be in a good original condition
A space-saver spare wheel and tool set are located under the boot floor
The Mechanics
The SL500 features the M113 V8 petrol engine with a 4,966 cc capacity
This unit was originally rated at 302 bhp and 339 Ib-ft of torque
In this configuration the SL500 was good for a 5.5 second 0-60 mph time and the top speed is electronically limited to 155mph
Power is fed to the rear wheels via the five speed 7G-Tronic automatic gearbox
Replacement gearbox recently fitted
New ABC suspension pump
All looks original and in good order under the bonnet
BEFORE YOU BUY
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✓ 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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2005 Mercedes-Benz SL500 (R230)
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