Registration – YK53 GYX

Chassis No. – WDB2304672F062635

M.O.T. – November 2024

Odometer – 69,200

A fine example of one of the most successful Mercedes-Benz coupes in recent history, this SL-Class is presented in classic silver, with a black over red leather interior including carbon trim. Powered by Mercedes’ silky smooth yet punchy 3.8-litre, connected to a five-speed automatic gearbox, the SL350 produced more than 240bhp when new. ‘YK53 GYX’ comes with red leather upholstery, and has been fitted with an extensive list of equipment, including factory fitted AMG alloys, glass roof and keyless entry and start, befitting of its past which the vendor tells us includes the first keeper being a Premiership footballer. The old analogue TV unit has been replaced with a digital DAB/DVD system however, but otherwise, the vehicle is fitted with genuine equipment throughout. The folding hard-top convertible comes with a large file of paperwork, including a full service history, for a model that has covered 69,200 miles from new according to the current keeper, who is one of only three owners, and has had ‘YK53 GYX’ in their possession for the past six and a half years.

The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is one that is steeped in history, with a series of class-leading models produced over the years, since its introduction in 1954. The ‘SL’ is likely to stand for Sport-Licht (Sport Light) – though Mercedes has never confirmed this abbreviation – though the model has moved towards a grand tourer over the decades from its initial sporting roots. The W198 300 SL is one of the most famous and desirable cars ever, with the famous ‘Gullwing’ coupe and convertible Roadster lasting until 1963. They were replaced by the almost equally beautiful W113 models, nicknamed the ‘Pagoda’ SL because of a concave roofline. This edition was produced until 1971, using a range of 2.3, 2.5, or 2.8-litre straight-six engines. The R107 SL arrived in 1971, with a new design ethos, and the first-time fitting of V8 engines alongside straight sixes. These grew up to 5.5-litres in size, as the SL moved towards a touring model, though it was rallied by Mercedes-Benz in long-distance races. In 1989, the R129 version arrived, introduced as a convertible with a removable hard-top – and the engine capacities and cylinder count continued to climb. Now available with the straight-six units were V6 and V6 options – the latter up to 6.0-litres in size – and also a trio of V12 options, up to 7.3-litres. In 2001, the distinction between cabriolet and coupe was completely removed, with the introduction of the Vario Roof. This saw a folding hard-top fitted as standard to all models, allowing for two cars in one, and was continued on to the R231 version introduced in 2012, running until 2020. Finally, the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class has become the Mercedes-AMG SL-Class, signifying its shift to the sports arm of the Stuttgart marque, and is offered only as a convertible, with folding soft-top roof and 2+2 seating.

In Summary:

· Highly-specified example, with desirable colour scheme and cabin

· Full service history and relatively low mileage for a 20 year old model

· Engine, transmission, and electrics all described as ‘excellent’