2002 Mercedes-Benz SL 500

The original 1954 Mercedes-Benz SL (Sports Leicht) was crowned sports car of the century so with lineage this iconic, the fifth generation SL roadster had big shoes to fill as the pinnacle of the SL range.

Code-named R230, this Mercedes SL-Class roadster did exactly that with an unrivalled mix of classic styling, forward thinking tech and a bygone era of uncompromised Mercedes-Benz build quality making it one of today's most undervalued modern classics.

Powered by a naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8 engine which produces 225kW and an ENORMOUS 460 Newton-metres of torque at 2700rpm this SL 500 can accelerate from rest to 100km/h in just 6.3 seconds of style and was originally priced at $289,474.

It features:

- Mercedes’ Vario-roof which transforms the SL from hard-topped coupe to convertible sun-lover in 16 seconds

- Brake-by-wire technology giving faster pedal response times

- Active Body Control (ABC) suspension system dramatically enhancing handling dynamics

- Electrically adjustable sports seats with heating and cooling functions

- High-intensity Auto Bi-Xenon headlights

- Distronic intelligent cruise control

- Parktronic park assist

- Satellite Navigation

- Bose Sound

- Cooled glove box and arm rest

- Rain sensing wipers

Delivered new by Mercedes-Benz Mosman to the leafy suburbs of Sydney in January of 2003 this exceptionally well kept R230 SL 500 was ordered in the desirable combination of Obsidian Black over Graphite perforated Nappa Leather and light Chestnut trim.

Travelled just 70,000 kilometres and featuring a zero expense spared maintenance history this would have to be one of the best kept SL 500’s in the country.

A multiple Mercedes-Benz Club Concours D’ Elegance winner for both 2013 and again in 2015 this totally original and fastidiously maintained SL 500 carries all tell-tale signs of a cherished car from the pristine interior touch points and switchgear, walnut trim and crush pile carpets to the as new leather seats and seemingly ageless dash fascia as well as the mint condition engine bay, unblemished original alloys and brilliant depth of finish to the paintwork.

A short (or long) drive highlights why these cars were so well-received when new. The steering feels well balanced and smooth, acceleration delivers ample torque around town and for a grand tourer the chassis is still incredibly nimble. The controls are also all easy to operate with convenient access too.

Accompanying this car are all original owner’s manuals detailing a comprehensive service history and receipts for everything bound within the leather Mercedes-Benz embossed wallet. The original cardex is included too as well as a raft of magazines, concours trophies and a detailed folio of photographs and parts receipts.

The perfect modern classic for the daily commute and/or weekend blasts out of the city and into the mountains with the top down, this exceedingly well maintained and low kilometre SL 500 is a savvy choice.

Cars such as this are very rare to find and seldom available to own- this is one of the finest SL500’s we’ve ever seen. Still somehow undervalued but not for much longer this class leading SL 500 will not last long.