2008 Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG

Finished in Bright Silver Metallic (775U) with a Black Anthracite leather interior (211A) and still showing fewer than 31,000 miles on the odometer, this 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG is as beautifully presented as it is stunningly quick.

In the seller’s care since June 2021 and only for sale because a pair of dodgy knees makes getting in and out more difficult than it used to be, this low-mileage car demonstrates why professionals in the motor industry rate them so highly. Please note, the numberplate is on retention and age-related plates will be issued on point of sale.

The Bright Silver Metallic coachwork is stunning. The seller describes it as “unmarked” and, bar the odd stonechip, he’s pretty much right. MM-perfect shutlines, beautiful panel alignment and a great sheen to the paintwork add up to a car that could be a couple of years old rather than 15.

It’s a neat, understated design and one whose colour lends it a hewn-from-solid look and the only sign of its performance potential are the quad exhausts – and the ‘6.3 AMG’ badges, obviously.

Speaking of which, the light lenses, window glass, windscreen and badges are all excellent too.

The 19-inch AMG alloy wheels are in fine fettle and fitted with Michelin tyres, all of which look to have decent tread left on them.

We will never get tired of telling you that experience shows that matching high-quality tyres are an infallible sign of a caring and mechanically sympathetic owner who is prepared to spend the appropriate amount in maintaining their car properly. Their presence does not, of course, preclude the need for a thorough inspection - something the vendor would welcome, by the way – but it does perhaps give you a shortcut into their attitude towards maintenance.

The convertible roof offers the very best of all words, being snug and cosy when it’s up and yet able to deliver the full wind-in-the-hair experience when it’s down. It fits perfectly too, operates as it should and even the headlining within is spotless.

As the owner says: “It really comes into its own in the summer!”

Flaws are minor. There’s a mark on the edge of the boot lid (#38), a scuff to the front spoiler (#168) and some of the lacquer is starting to lift on the alloy wheels (e.g. #69).

The cabin is every bit as good as the exterior; while some convertibles suffer from exposure to wind, rain and sun over the years this one looks very nearly as good now as it ever has.

It’s as unpretentious as the coachwork too, offering everything you need with flawless ergonomics.

Take the leather seats, for example. AMG-branded, they might lack the dramatic visual impact of some of their contemporaries but they support and hold as effectively as any while offering full electrical adjustment and heat.

Carbonfibre, rather than wood, adds a modern, elegant touch, while the white-faced dials leave the driver in no doubt as to the fact they’re driving something very potent indeed.

Alloy flappy paddles allow full control of the seven-speed gearbox and there are buttons to turn the ESP off and switch the damping into Sport mode. This is a car that’s as capable of wanging its way around a racetrack as it is wafting its way across continents.

A wind deflector allows for ruffle-free top-down motoring and there are two lidded cubby boxes behind the seats for secure storage.

It has a full suite of toys to keep you occupied and the seller tells us that the Mercedes has “no issues whatsoever and everything works as it should”.

The boot is a good size and very nicely preserved. There’s a space saver spare wheel in there plus a warning triangle, tool kit and an air compressor. Lifting it all out shows nothing but solid metal underneath.

The only thing we know that will need sorting is a new Vodafone SIM card for the phone.

The engine bay is very good and while those of a fastidious nature might like to detail it, everyone else would be perfectly happy to leave it as it is.

It’s been well looked after and its service and maintenance history is recorded as follows:

· 26.03.2012 and (unknown) mileage – ECU remapped by ADS Ltd

· 17.07.2013 and 18,376 miles – service at TCRM Motors Ltd., an independent Mercedes-Benz specialist

· 27.06.2014 and 19,217 miles – service at TCRM Motors Ltd., an independent Mercedes-Benz specialist

· 08.12.2015 and 22,688 miles – service at TCRM Motors Ltd., an independent Mercedes-Benz specialist

· 24.09.2020 and 24,166 miles – service at Vehicle Solutions Ltd

· 20.12.2021 and 27,682 miles – service at John Haynes Auto Technics, an independent Mercedes-Benz specialist

· 07.06.2022 and 29,262 miles – new front brake discs and pads plus fresh brake fluid and one tyre by Cresta Motors

· 27.01.2023 and 30,708 miles – oil service at Chaseside Tyres Ltd

As you can see, it starts well and settles down to a steady tickover with no warning lights on the dashboard.

It revs freely without making any untoward mechanical noises.

However, the exhaust note is something else - but then would you want a V8 that didn’t raise the hairs on the back of your neck?

The seller says it “drives fantastic”, something we cannot disagree with.

The underside is very good being free of corrosion and damage.

The SL’s MoT certificate is valid until June 2023 and it was issued with just one advisory for a cracked offside rear tyre.

The recent Vehicle History Check is clean and the car comes with its book pack and two sets of keys.

With a guide price of somewhere between £27,000 and £32,000 it’s hard to think of a more capable and versatile car than this; you could take your dear old mum out for lunch before collecting your partner and whisking them down to the South of France, taking in the odd track day along the way.

It’s massively flexible and would, no doubt, do it all with complete reliability.

High-quality, low-mileage examples like this are always in demand too, which means it should look after you when the time comes to pass it on.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with us at The Market HQ near Abingdon; we are open weekdays 9am-5pm, to arrange an appointment 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, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.