2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK 320

With just 42,000 miles on the odometer, this 2001 Brilliant Silver Metallic Mercedes-Benz SLK320 features the 3.2-litre V6 engine and the five-speed automatic gearbox for effortless cruising between B-road blasts.

With just two former registered keepers, ‘EA51 JLU’ (the registration number S28 TDE you see in the photos is the seller’s own number and does not come with the car) has been in the care of the seller for the past nine years.

He admits he hasn’t used the car a great deal during this time, but he did take it on a 3,500-mile journey down to southern Italy, so it was important to him that everything worked as it should – and did so reliably. 

As you can see from the SLK’s comprehensive history file, both he and the previous keeper were happy to pay the right money to the right people to ensure this, something the new owner should find hugely reassuring.

The hewed-from-solid coachwork still looks great, doesn’t it? So tight and consistent are the shutlines and so shiny is the Brilliant Silver Metallic paint it is hard to believe that 22 years have passed under its wheels.

Even the usual touchpoints, things like the four corners and the door mirrors, the areas that betray careless owners, are untouched and after two decades, things like this matter because they go to the heart of how well a car has been looked after.

As do the wheels, and the 17-inch AMG alloys that are fitted here are also in fine fettle with only the odd mark on them. 

They’re fitted with a matching set of four Pirelli P-Zero Nero tyres too, all of which have good tread left on them.

We will never get tired of telling you we think matching high-quality tyres are a 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 lamp lenses, window glass, and badges are all good too.

As for the roof, it rises and falls at the touch of a button as it should. It seals well when it is up and tucks neatly away when it’s down, all the while combining the security and weatherproofing of a coupé with the open-top joys of a convertible. 

It’s a brilliant design and one we’re sure the new owner will adore. As for its condition, it is every bit as good as the rest of the coachwork – and that’s high praise indeed.

This means flaws are few. There are some decent-sized stonechips to the bonnet but that’s about all there is for you to worry about.

You could be forgiven for thinking that the SLK’s black leather interior might be a bit gloomy but nothing could be further from the truth thanks to the fabulous engine-turned alloy trim and white-faced instruments, which work in concert to lift the cabin.

Of course, it helps that everything is still in such a good condition.  The leather seats, for example, are still plump and seemingly unmarred by the passage of time. Electrically adjustable, they’re as comfortable now as they’ve ever been and still wonderfully supportive.

The door cards are unmarked and the elasticated pockets along their lower edge are still taut, as is the netting pocket in the passenger’s footwell.

It’s also nice to see the original headunit in the centre console.

The boot, which is clean and very well presented, still has its first-aid kit and warning triangle, plus three bespoke Roadsterbag suitcases, which maximise the space in the boot. Made of nylon and artificial leather, they offer around 100 litres of capacity and are a practical and elegant way to pack your clothes on your travels. 

Two are ‘cabin luggage’ size while the other is a little smaller, and while the boot is bigger than this using these three cases ensures you can still fold the roof down; if you need to carry more you can, of course, but the roof has to stay up as the interlocks prevent it being lowered if the boot is too full to accommodate it.

The SLK’s service history is very good. First registered by Mercedes-Benz Stanstead, the owner thinks it was used as a demonstrator before being sold to its first private owner in March 2002.

This chap ran the car for the next twelve years, selling it with fewer than 25,000 on the clock. He used Mercedes-Benz main agents to service it initially before switching to an independent expert in August 2009. 

The seller bought it in September 2014 and restarted the car’s main dealer history, a history that can be summarised thus:

• 07.08.2003 and 12,068 miles – service 1 by Mercedes-Benz Brentford
• 14.09.2005 and 22,936 miles – service 2 by Mercedes-Benz Park Royal including new sparkplugs and a battery
• 03.08.2009 and 24,582 miles – service 3, an oil and filter change by Colin Ferns, an independent Mercedes-Benz expert
• 22.07.2013 and 24,861 miles – service 4 by Colin Ferns, an independent Mercedes-Benz expert
• 14.10.2014 and 26,133 miles – automatic transmission service including fresh oil and a new filter by Autotrans of Gloucester
• 02.03.2015 and 27,267 miles – service 5, an oil and filter change, by Mercedes-Benz Neyland
• 10.06.2016 and 29,991 miles – service 6, all fluids changed, by Mercedes-Benz Neyland
• 24.07.2018 and 38,000 miles – service 7, an oil and filter change, by Mercedes-Benz Neyland

The ball joints were also replaced using genuine Mercedes-Benz parts, and the air-conditioning system was serviced and recharged, in June 2016 by the seller’s local garage.

A new PSE pump for the central locking was fitted in February 2017 too, this time by Mercedes-Benz Neyland.

As you’d expect given this meticulous servicing, the engine bay is cleaner and tidier than 90 percent we see, which means it’s probably good enough for most of you. Obviously, there’s scope to detail it further if that’s your thing but there’s really no need unless you plan to show it.

As for the underside, the seller took it to STP Motor Services at Malvern Link to be rust-proofed by the chap who used to do the same for every new Morgan to roll out of the factory. Given his pedigree, and the condition of the underside, it’s fair to say he did a good job.

The SLK’s MoT certificate is valid until October 2024, and while it might have picked up three advisories this year, these were the first for more than a decade…

The SLK’s history file contains the stamped service history booklet plus the invoices to support hose stamps.

The recent Vehicle History Check is clear, and it was on SORN from April 2020 for a while due to the pandemic.

The Mercedes-Benz SLK might not be the sort of tarmac-ripping sportscar your teenage self dreamed of owning but that’s no bad thing.

Because it isn’t as fragile as the sportscar you dreamed of either, and will probably more reliable too. And less prone to rust. Almost certainly more comfortable, as well.

And cheaper. A helluva lot cheaper. Because our estimate is that this very well maintained, low-mileage, three-owner-from-new example will only sell for somewhere between £3,000 and £6,000 - and as it’s being offered with no reserve, it’s going to sell no matter how derisory the bidding.

Merry bloomin’ Christmas, eh?!

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located with the vendor in Tavernspite, Pembrokeshire. 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’.