2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK 32 AMG

First registered in December 2002, this late-production silver roadster was one of only 263 AMG 32s officially imported into the UK. So it has the full AMG mechanical and cosmetic treatment. Not only that, this car was ordered with a considerable amount of extras, which included the top of the line Mercedes-Benz audio package - with navigation discs - enhanced theft protection, electric seats on both sides, Xenon headlamps and an adjustable steering column. You’ll also notice that the car has the full AMG two-tone leather treatment, in this case; anthracite and alpaca.

‘We bought it in 2019,’ states the vendor. ‘It had a full service history which included its last service carried out by Mercedes-benz Sheffield in December 2019.

Besides the Benz’s beautiful condition and performance (349BHP) one feature that drew our vendor to this example was that it had both front wings replaced.

‘They were a known problem area, rust-wise,’ he explains. ‘But this one had them replaced in 2016. They are original manufacturer parts, and the work was done through Mercedes-Benz Sheffield.’ He also points out that the car was fitted with a new supercharger in 2017. So it is very much reinvigorated and ready to go.

Sadly, due to unforeseen health reasons this cherished SLK32 isn’t going to be used as intended hence the reason for selling. This therefore creates a fantastic chance to get your hands on a summer autobahn sportscar and a future collector classic.

This is a very neat little car in a great colour combination. As mentioned, the front wings are relatively new, and they are perfectly matched to the rest of the car. The whole finish retains a deep gloss and consistent colour. These were, of course, original manufacturer equipment, and the fit is excellent, as is that of the panel work across the whole car. Shut-lines are narrow and consistent and the SLK is symmetrical side to side. This applies both with the folding steel roof raised and lowered. It rises smoothly without squeaks or creaking (our writer of this report also inspected and photographed the car) and folds itself neatly back into the boot space without needing to be poked or prodded to refashion the smooth lines of the top-down roadster.

There are no scratches around the door handles or filler cap, nor around the moving panels of the rear deck. Nor are there any polishing swirls in the paintwork. There are a few minor blemishes of course, but these are small. Understandably, there are a few small stone chips to that low chin spoiler, and there is perhaps a very slight discolouring to the paint at one place on the inner lip of the wheel arch on the drivers side.

Also, there is a small touched in chip on the edge of the roof panel (driver’s side) just behind the roof fold above the B-pillar. As you see, we are talking small details now. All the lights look clean with no cracks in their glass.

There is almost no bright metal on the SLK, but what there is; Kompressor badges and three-pointed star, are in good condition. Likewise, the black/grey coated parts are similarly looking good - no chips or discolouration. All in all, very smart.

On a small convertible like this, the interior is just as visible as the outside, so it’s good to see that the cabin makes as good an impression as the bodywork. That ‘anthracite/alpaca’ colour combination works nicely. The hides of both colours have withstood the years very well. In fact, it’s hard to see much wear at all to the seats. The stitching remains tight and there are no stains to the colour. There is mild creasing to the leather and a little de rigueur scuff to the outer bolster of the driver’s seat. Interior plastics are good, there are some small chips to the paint of centre console around the storage box lid, but a distinct lack of finger nail marks to the gear stick and good-looking leather steering wheel. Maybe everyone just wore gloves in this car. The birds eye maple wood veneers throughout as well as the minimal chrome are also scratch free.

There is a little scuffing to the thick driver’s door handle, but all panels are firmly mounted and show no signs of warping and don’t rattle. The leather here too is in fine condition and colour. Carpets and mats are clean, with no signs of damp or water ingress - and really no wear.

It’s also noticeable just how supple and new-looking the rubber seals are in general. There is understandably a little wear where the roof has been sitting against them, but all retain a good black colour with no signs of perishing.

The mesh fabric wind stop that positions in between the seats and bulkhead is present and in good order. A smart cabin befitting this slightly more bespoke convertible.

The underneath of this SLK fits with the summer-use/garage car narrative. Indeed, during the vendor’s time with the car, he says it’s spent too long in the garage (he has several other tasty motors). There is nothing untoward going on down there. Much is protected by under-trays and these are intact, showing only a few scuffs. There is the general light ‘grit blasting’ of the aforementioned summer use, and a light dappling of surface corrosion on exhaust and a couple of suspension arms, but for its 103,000 miles driven, there is little wear.

Wheels and brake calipers look to be in excellent condition and the tyres have good life left on them. Not easily visible, but the car also had new brake pipes fitted in August of last year. Springs look good and the engine sump clean.

Moving up into the engine bay itself, everything looks eminently serviceable, clean and intact. There is no evidence of overheating - under-bonnet soundproofing looks healthy and firmly fixed in place - and fluids appear clean and at the right levels. Around the motor itself, all the hoses remain a very healthy shade of black, and, like the wiring and cables, look supple and fresh. The battery looks fresh and ancillaries look good. Remember, the supercharger is relatively new, fitted in January 2017.

Nooks and crannies are refreshingly free of stains, residue of any kind or dusk-caked oil. The hinges and metal folds of the lids - both bonnet and boot - are likewise clean and free-moving. The are no creaks or groans. Nothing sticks. This is a very smart engine bay with nothing under the bonnet to imply neglect of any kind.

The space into which the roof stows is likewise clean and tidy. The mechanism moves freely, looks free of any significant wear, and folds exactly into the space in the way it was always meant to. The boot behind is similarly clean and its lining stain-free and intact.

Most of the stamps in the service book are reassuringly from a main dealer, while the bulk of the invoices come from later in the cars life. That’s certainly no bad thing with any classic as, obviously, this is when major items start to wear out. Happily, the owners have been prepared to step up and tackle issues as they arose. There have been some hefty bills on replacement items including new discs and pads all round, as well as the all-important front wings. The invoice from Mercedes-appointed Moorcroft and Son is present from June 2016 and totals £2921. The supercharger is documented some six months later, costing £3236. All in all there are some £15k-worth of invoices with the car, also present with the car are past mot’s complete from 2007.

So the good news is that virtually no expense has been spared in looking after this car. The even better news is that you will likely have a bill-free Summer driving it.

The vehicle still retains all of the original book packs plus 2 sets of keys.

Many a 320SLK sports an AMG badge or AMG wheels or AMG something. But this one is the real deal - AMG everything - the whole nine yards, and as such, commands a premium over most other SLKs out there. It’s sightly higher mileage may hold it back from the highest values, but its spec and solid service history make it a serious car to consider for anyone wanting one of these as a stylish summer sportster. Add to that it’s just plain cute too. With all that in mind, we reckon it will command between £5,500 and £8,000.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with us at The Market HQ near Abingdon; 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’.

If needed, please remember we have a network of trusted suppliers we work with regularly and can recommend: Classic & Sportscar Finance for purchase-financing, Footman James for classic car insurance Thames Valley Car Storage for storing your car and AnyVan for transporting it.

BORING, but IMPORTANT: Please note that whilst we at The Market always aim to offer the most descriptive and transparent auction listings available, we cannot claim they are perfect analyses of any of the vehicles for sale. We offer far greater opportunity for bidders to view, or arrange inspections for each vehicle thoroughly prior to bidding than traditional auctions, and we never stop encouraging bidders to take advantage of this. We do take a good look at the vehicles delivered to our premises for sale, but this only results in our unbiased personal observations, not those of a qualified inspector or other professional, or the result of a long test drive.

Also, localized paint repairs are common with collectable and classic cars and if they have been professionally carried out then they may be impossible to detect, even if we see the car in person. So, unless we state otherwise, please assume that any vehicle could have had remedial bodywork at some point in its life.

Additionally, please note that most of the videos on our site have been recorded using simple cameras which often result in 'average' sound quality; in particular, engines and exhausts notes can sound a little different to how they are in reality.

Please note that this is sold as seen and that, as is normal for used goods bought at auction, the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. See our FAQs for more info, and feel free to inspect any vehicle as much as you wish.