2006 Mercedes SL350 Auto

Description

• 2006 Facelift model
• Obsidian Black Metallic
• Extensive Service History
• Last Serviced 102,137 miles
• Current mileage 104,683
• AMG Alloys

The Mercedes SL350 convertible in R230 flavour has style in spades. Every curve blends into the next. The swage lines teasing you, pouring and sweeping along and around the car, dragging your gaze from front to rear and back again are sublime.

The balance of the SL350 is perfection. The overall look is a magnificent blend of nose down sporting prowess matched with supreme elegance. Just when you think it couldn’t get any better, Mercedes introduced that class leading folding roof system to the SL350. Opening or closing takes just 16 seconds. The panel fit on the roof is probably only bettered by Polaris Nuclear Submarine!

In 2006, Mercedes upped the ante with an updated and revised facelift model such as this one.

Overview

The R230 SL series first appeared in 2001, at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The R230 was a major step in design elegance from the previous boxy R129 model. It was also a technical masterpiece, even by Mercedes standards.

Mercedes gave the SL a facelift in 2006. It added some valuable enhancements. This later, updated model is the one to go for.

Details

• Registered new on 20 October 2006
• When new it was specified with a £4,000 options pack
• Bulging file pack
• Mercedes Benz Dealer/Specialist Service History
• Three previous keepers
• Two original Mercedes keys
• Original book pack in the original folder
• The all-important service book was last stamped just 2,000 miles ago
• NB: The private plate SL53 CJS is available by separate negotiation – should this not be wanted, the car will revert back to it’s original plate of HG56 EVR

Outside

This Mercedes SL350 looks striking in metallic obsidian black coachwork. With the addition of those AMG alloy wheels it looks stunning. The paintwork radiates a deep gloss finish throughout. If we were being particularly picky, we can see our vendor has imaged a very small (polishable?) mark on the off-side from bumper moulding.

In true Mercedes quality, all the closely photographed panel gaps look good and clean. We couldn’t see and are not advised of any significant dents, dings or scratches.

This SL350 is an attractive classic. The long, sloping bonnet and engineered-in nose down stance gives the car an eager presence, raring to go. The sculptured vents in the front wings and the twin, oval tail pipes help underline this SL350’s capabilities.

Those capabilities were improved on this facelift model. It was given 60% improvement in roll stiffness during cornering with the updated and re-tuned Active Body Control system (ABC) along with new and much-improved 7G, seven-speed automatic transmission.

The joy of the Mercedes SL350 though, is the sophisticated, retractable, panoramic glass and steel roof. It  really makes this a sports car for all seasons too. When the British summer inevitably changes its mind, your convertible becomes a cosy coupe – in just 16 seconds – at a push of a button.

Inside

The interior design of the SL350 manages to pull off that tricky balance between luxury classic car and sporting classic car, just perfectly. Just a few of the highlights;

• COMMAND Sat nav
• Adjustable Steering column/steering wheel
• Driver, passenger, head and side air bag system
• Climate control computer (Driver Information System)
• Designo wood and leather trimmed multi-function heated steering
• Electrically operated heated seats
• Memory function on both front seat

The grey heated leather seats are smart and well-presented. As our vendor has highlighted in the gallery, there is a small dry area on the driver’s side bolster. Other than that we are told everything is in excellent condition. It looks it.

The light walnut finishing on the doors and centre console are in good condition and complement the cabin space very well.

All of the dials and controls we are told operate as intended and the factory-standard Mercedes COMAND system operates as it should, controlling the air con, radio, sat nav and a few other of the car’s features..

Engine and Mechanicals

The facelift model was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show. The updates Mercedes carried out to the SL350 turned what was already a good car, into a great one.

• 3.5-litre V6 engine
• 272bhp
• 150+ mph (allegedly!)
• 0-100 in just over six seconds (don’t try it!)
• 7 speed auto gearbox
• Other mods made the whole chassis and steering sharper and tighter
• Turn all gizmos off and the SL 350 can be great fun
• Equally, the refinement means it is a perfect Grand Tourer

With a service pack like this one coupled with Mercedes legendary quality we’d expect everything to be as it should on this SL350. And that is exactly what we’ve been told by our vendor.

Bottom line

The SL350 is probably the easiest, best way into Mercedes convertible ownership. It is a by far the best way financially too. They are phenomenal value!

Despite being nearly 20 years old, you get modern engineering techniques, such as galvanised steel bodies for example. You’ll not need to worry about the dreaded tin worm. With Mercedes engineering and reliability these are generally gremlin free. For very little outlay you get a very accomplished luxury sports tourer packed with goodies and of course that roof. Oh my! That roof!

Look for a Mercedes SL350 with good ownership; this one has three previous owners. Look for one with a good history and document pack. This one has both.

The current (brilliant) value of the SL350 reflects a tipping point – no longer a modern car, but not quite a bone-fide classic, just yet. Give it a couple of years, they’ll be edging towards the latter and you know where prices will go.

As always, if there is anything you’d like to ask us, don’t wonder, just call us. Don’t miss this one!

Vehicle Location: Swansea SA3– it’s the responsibility of the winning bidder to make collection / transportation arrangements directly with the vendor.

Have a question about this Mercedes SL350? Please contact the Evoke team at auction@evoke-classics.com and we will speak to the vendor on your behalf.

 Guide Prices?

We’re different. But you know that. And we’re always honest. In a sector where no two classics are same, how does anyone put a ‘guide’.

Well, everyone knows the broad value of classic, let’s all be honest. So we don’t need to tell you what you already know, do we.

The ‘market’ decides and the old cliché that ‘it’s are worth what someone wants to pay’ is no less true. So why kid everyone!

But, because we are different, if it really does matter to you, that’s fine, we want you to be happy. Just drop us a line at auction@evoke-classics.com and one of us will be delighted to ring you back and discuss, it’s what we do.

Tedious but it’s vital you read this, please.

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