2004 Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG

• Only 4,500 miles
• Superbly presented in Brilliant Silver Metallic with a black/anthracite leather interior
• Hardly used by its first two owners. In a private collection since 2017
• Well-documented service and MOT history
• Full book pack in Mercedes-Benz leather wallet
• A very special example of Mercedes' market-leading Grand Tourer and surely unrepeatable at this mileage

Introduced in 2002, after some five years in development, the R230 Series SL Roadster was an engineering 'tour de force'. Painstakingly modelled on a state-of-the-art supercomputer which enabled the designers to analyse every curve and line, it looked utterly sensational with an air of barely contained aggression that gave it huge road presence. Packed full of sophisticated electronic driver aids which made it immensely safe but also fun to drive, it was an instant hit with press and public alike and is widely considered to be the best-looking Mercedes for many years. The power-operated aluminium folding roof was particularly admired and would disappear into the top of the boot at the press of a button in just 16 seconds, yet still leave enough room underneath for 206 litres of luggage space. It was in 2003 that the stunning looking SL55 AMG version was introduced. Seriously powerful and massively fast, the 5.4-litre engine gave 476 bhp and a tree stump pulling 520lbs/ feet of torque! Early owners included the, notoriously difficult to please, Jeremy Clarkson, who became quite vocal about his enthusiasm for the way it drove, the way it looked and above all, the way it sounded! Featuring the amazing panoramic electric glass roof system, it became the sports car to own between 2003 and 2006.

LM53 OTV is finished in Brilliant Silver Metallic (744) with a sumptuous black/anthracite (261) leather interior featuring air-cooled electrically adjusted seating and was first registered in early January 2004, to Mercedes-Benz directly and then subsequently sold to its first owner who was a merchant banker. The car's second owner obviously was also selective about when he drove it and, since 2017, it has been part of a private collection all of which explains the tiny mileage of 4,500. Lack of mileage does not mean lack of maintenance, however, and the service record has been stamped at the following intervals; 07/08/2008 at 1,775, 20/04/2017 at 4,315, 18/09/2019 at 4,476 miles.

The MOT history is also well documented; 2009 at 1,962 miles, 2010 at 3,087, 2011 at 4,268, 2017 at 4,339, 2019 at 4,481 and all of this information is in the original book pack in the proper Mercedes presenter. The car clearly has had little wear, still generating that lovely combination of aromatic leather and new car feel when sitting in it for the first time.

This SL55 AMG presents really, really well and appears almost unmarked. The engine bay appears showroom fresh and the whole car has patently been looked after. Ballistically quick, fabulous looks, continent covering pace, yet as civilised in town as a Toyota Corolla.