Mercedes-Benz SL350 Roadster

Click Here for Full Screen Image - Click Here to Download Image

Some five years in development, the R230 Series SL Roadster was a replacement for the tank-like R129 Series which had won so many fans for its superb build quality, performance and refinement.

Painstakingly modelled on a state-of-the-art supercomputer which enabled the designers to analyse every curve and line, it looked utterly sensational with an air of barely contained aggression that gave it huge road presence. Packed full of sophisticated electronic driver aids which made it immensely safe but also fun to drive, it was an instant hit with press and public alike and is widely considered to be the best-looking Mercedes since the legendary 300SL Roadster of the late 1950s.

The power-operated aluminium folding roof was particularly admired and would disappear into the top of the boot at the press of a button in just 16 seconds, yet still leave enough room underneath for 206 litres of luggage space.

Launched in March 2003, the SL350 had a 3,724cc V6 developing 245bhp at and 350Nm torque hooked up to a six-speed Sequentronic semi-automatic with steering wheel pushbutton changes. It could sprint to 60mph in 6.9 seconds with a limited top speed of 155mph and averaged 24.6mpg in combined use. The only snag was that it also cost over £56,000 without any extras…

First registered in March 2004, this 350SL has had just one owner from new and has covered only 58,700 miles with a good service history comprising five stamps to date, the last at 50,521 miles. Finished in Obsidian Black with a Graphite leather interior, it has the desirable smoked glass Panoramic hard top plus all the other luxuries you would expect in a car of this class including electric, heated memory seats, built-in sat nav, an electrically adjustable steering column and a wind deflector.

Said to drive beautifully with the hard top functioning as it should, it is MOTd until the end of June 2016, the only advisory being worn rear tyres which have since been replaced. Supplied with all its original handbooks and a spare key, this magnificent sportscar looks huge value for money and now only needs a proud second owner behind the wheel.