• Presents in excellent condition throughout
• Low mileage / low ownership.
• All alloys recently refurbished.

The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is a grand touring sports car in series production since 1954. The designation SL derives from the German ‘Sport-Leicht’ (‘Sport Light’).

Initially, the first 300 SL was a Grand Prix racing car built in 1952. At the time, Mercedes-Benz had no intention of developing a road-going version, but in 1954, American importer Max Hoffman suggested a street version of the 300 SL be produced for wealthy performance car enthusiasts in the United States where the market for the personal luxury car was booming. The rest, as they say…

The fifth-generation R230 as offered here was introduced in 2001 and continued the evolution of R129 with smoother body design and new peanut-shaped headlamp design. The car features a retractable hardtop from the SLK-Class, active body control (ABC), active suspension system, keyless entry/keyless go.

In 2006, the R230 received minor cosmetic updates and revised engine options. The pre-facelift SL 500 featured here has a 5.0-litre V8 power plant paired with a five-speed automatic.

This fine example of the MkV SL 500 (2001-2011) received its first UK registration in March, 2006. During the intervening 16 years, its refinement and elegance has been enjoyed by just four keepers before being acquired by the current keeper in March, 2019.

It is offered for sale by its custodian as the owner now lives abroad and is not in the UK frequently enough to justify continued ownership and has decided a new keeper should enjoy the car as much as he had intended.

Along with the V5C registered in the current keeper’s name, there is the MoT certificate to July, 2022 which records a Pass, but with several minor advisories. There is a multi-stamped service book and two sets of keys along with a file of parts, service and maintenance records.

The interior of this Mercedes-Benz SL 500 presents in exceptional condition. The veneered wood trim inserts on the centre console, steering wheel and door cards are pristine, as is the condition of the light grey leather upholstery, carpets and roof liner. All the electrics are in good working order, as are the instruments, dials and switchgear.

The condition of the exterior matches that of the inside and is indicative of the love and care afforded the car during its cosseted 15-year life so far. The front and rear light lenses are clear and show no hint of fogging. There is, however, some moisture inside the driver’s wing mirror lense.

Barring a mark on the left of the rear bumper and a small scratch on the bonnet, the paintwork is in excellent condition and the full set of alloys wheels were recently refurbished by renowned professionals Revive of Guildford.

The brightwork around the car is in original condition and a cursory glance down each flank of the car shows no evidence of collision damage.

Fitted with a 5.0-litre V8 engine paired to a five-speed automatic transmission, the SL 500 sounded wonderful as we drove to the photo location and manoeuvred the car to suit the autumnal light.

The custodian reports the car to be excellent mechanical condition with steering, brakes and V8 engine performing as well as their German engineers intended.

The Mercedes SL has long stood for refined elegance and continent-crushing ability but it was only with the introduction of this MkV that the Sport part of the SL's 'Sport Leicht' designation could justify its existence.

The previous model was neither sporty nor lightweight and although the later car still doesn't so much tip the scales as total them, Mercedes made the effort to endow the car with some genuine dynamic prowess. 

Opt for one of the more powerful versions as offered here and you get a car with supercar performance but with accoutrements that would do most luxury saloons proud. Used examples are by no means inexpensive but they do represent good value for money when one considers the excellence and volume of the product on offer.

G’won, because you’re here, pop on a cheeky bid…you know you want to!

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