Registration - LK53 UCF

Chassis No. - WDB2304742F059752

M.O.T. - July 2024

Odometer - 81,000

A true sleeper car, this example of Mercedes-Benz’s SL55 AMG looks superbly understated and refined, rather than the high-performance Grand Tourer it undoubtedly is. Presented in traditional silver, over a black interior, ‘LK53 UCF’ is powered by Mercedes’ AMG tuned 5.5-litre supercharged V8, which produced more than 500hp when new. This drives the rear wheels through a five-speed automatic transmission, with paddles on the steering wheel for manual override. Packed with a long list of factory-fitted equipment, ‘LK53 UCF’ includes features such as heated and electric leather seats, multi-function steering wheel, drive mode selector, central infotainment system, split-rim AMG alloys, AMG badging, discreet boot lip spoiler, black – rather than chrome – grille and vent detailing, quad exhaust, and of course, the folding hard-top roof.

Despite this R230 SL-Class being a 20 year old car, there are only 81,000 miles indicated on the odometer, though these are not warranted. It’s been in the car of the current owner for more than 12 years, and it has been stored for the past three years. On being put back on the road, the owner says they have had ‘LK53 UCF’ overhauled to make it ready for driving again. As such, they consider all areas of the SL55 AMG to be in ‘excellent’ condition, from engine and transmission, to interior, paint, bodywork, and electrics.

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.

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

· Sought-after, high power SL55 AMG fitted with supercharged V8.

· Recently refreshed after time in storage.