2004 Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG Roadster

This is a stunning example of a right-hand drive SL55 AMG roadster, first registered in December 2004 and maintained by Mercedes under an extended service plan. It has a pleasingly low odometer reading of just 25,280 miles, and a long MOT, and it’s ready to go. 

The car saw very modest but regular use up until 2017, when it was bought by the husband of the previous owner who cherished it for the rest of his life. After he recently passed away, ownership was transferred to his wife, who has now decided to sell. “He was really into his cars,” she tells us. “His cars always had to be pristine, with a full service history. He kept the Mercedes in the garage and only really drove it in the summer.”

Highly original and beautifully looked after, this has all the hallmarks of a modern classic.

As you can see from our photos, the car’s condition is almost impossible to fault. Please zoom in to our high-res images to inspect the Telerium Silver metallic paintwork for yourself. It’s hard to believe this is a 20-year-old car. The panels, trim, lamps, wheels, tyres and glass are all virtually immaculate, and nothing is out of place. Even the lower spoiler and foglamps are good.

The SL55 AMG was very highly specced as standard, but the front and rear parking sensors fitted to this model were an optional extra. Other features to admire include mirror indicators, washer jets, keyless entry, and of course the drilled brake discs with clean AMG calipers front and rear, visible between the spokes of those iconic 19in AMG-embossed alloys. Apart from a small line of kerbing, they’re essentially mint.

The aircon was recently re-gassed, although there is apparently a small leak which is preventing it from blowing ice-cold. Arguably it’s somewhat redundant on a convertible – especially as the folding roof (which contains a glass sunroof) is in working order.

The front seats are both heated and ventilated and have three memory positions, as well as adjustable lumbar support, shoulder support and even a “pulse” massage function.

All the leather is in superb condition, not just around the seats but also the door trim and associated stitching. The worst you’ll see are one or two pressure marks on the leather in the rear seats/luggage area, and on the side of the transmission tunnel. Our photographer has zoomed into the driver’s seat bolster and plastic surrounding its base so you can see that the only signs of wear are very gentle. 

If you’re new to these cars, note the storage bins in the doors and under the rear seats – it’s a surprisingly practical interior. The original first-aid kit is present under the passenger seat.

The door jambs and tread plates on both sides are very well preserved, and there are no signs of water ingress. Carpets and headlining are all excellent, and a clean set of Mercedes mats is included.

Everything looks straight and tidy underneath. It’s obvious the car has been kept garaged as there’s no major corrosion to worry about, nor any accumulation of mud or traces of impact damage. 

The engine bay is as smart as the rest of the car. The Hand-built V8, serviced by Mercedes in March, doesn’t appear to be leaking any fuel, and there are no signs of perishing materials.

There’s decent tread on the four 255/35 R19 Continental tyres, although the MoT certificate mentions a nail in the offside rear. This is apparently small enough not to be an imminent danger, but it will require monitoring. 

Maintenance has been carried out by Mercedes-Benz for most if not all of the car’s life, as the previous owner paid for an extended service plan. The latest service was carried out in March this year, as was a fresh MOT. During his tenure the car accrued very few miles, but it did faithfully show up for its MOT most years. Records of all these services are included in logbook which accompanies a large package of original operating instructions.           

The car has had a few numberplate changes during its life (please see the documentation section of our images for details). The current plate SB54 AMG, which suits it brilliantly, is included in the sale.

With this much Mercedes available in such lovely condition, why buy a new one? The R230 is loaded with modern classic appeal, and the SL55 AMG is arguably the connoisseur’s choice. This generation of SL offers the best value of all, especially if a modern driving experience is what you’re after, and the sheer performance of these supercharged V8s has to be experienced to be believed. They hit the sweetspot between the more straight-laced SL350 and the somewhat berserk V12s.

Earlier this year we auctioned one of these cars for over £17,000. This example has covered half the mileage, and its condition is hard to fault. It deserves a buyer who can afford to cherish it “in the manner to which it has been accustomed”.

We are happy to offer this vehicle for auction with an estimate in the range of £20,000 - £25,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are strictly by appointment.  To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.