2003 Mercedes-Benz SL500                                    ...

by Dore & Rees Auctions
1/31

Estimate

£14,000 - £18,000

Fees

2003 Mercedes-Benz SL500                                              
Registration Number: LF53 YPV
Chassis Number: TBA
Recorded mileage: 10,829 miles

- Under 11,000 miles from new

The R230 generation, produced from 2001 to 2008, marked a significant evolution in Mercedes-Benz’s iconic SL roadster line. Representing the fifth iteration of the flagship two-door GT, the R230 debuted with an all-new design and cutting-edge technology, setting a benchmark for luxury roadsters.

The SL500 was powered by a 302bhp, 5.0-litre V8 engine, widely regarded as the sweet spot in the range. While the SL line expanded to include variants like the powerful yet nose-heavy V12 SL600 and, later, the SL350, the V8 struck an ideal balance between performance and refinement. Unlike its predecessors, the R230 introduced a retractable metal folding roof—a first for the SL. This innovation transformed the car into a hard-top coupé when closed, with the rare distinction of looking equally elegant whether the roof was up or down.

While the model underwent a facelift in 2008 that modernized its design and introduced new engines, early examples like this 2003 SL500 remain highly sought after. Their clean, understated styling and retro-modern charm have earned them a dedicated following among enthusiasts who value their timeless design and engineering pedigree.

This particular SL500 stands apart due to its exceptionally low mileage of just c.11,000 miles, a rare find in a high-performance luxury roadster. Finished in Telurium Silver metallic, the car presents beautifully, with exterior paint, glass, and wheels in near-pristine condition. Inside, it's the same story, the cabin is trimmed in blue leather, complemented by burr walnut wood veneer dashboard inlays and shows minimal wear.

The vehicle comes complete with its original owner’s book pack, a stamped service history folder, a collection of maintenance invoices, and two keys.


 


Additional Information

Buyer's Premiums for cars are as follows.

Room and Absentee Bids:
12% inc VAT*

Online and Autobid:
13.2% inc VAT*

+ Calendar 2024-12-04 14:00:00 2024-12-04 23:59:59 Europe/London Automobilia, Watches and Collector's Cars at Five Zeros Supercars, Kingston Farm, Holt Road, Bradford-on-Avon BA15 1TS AUCTION Wednesday 4 December 2:00pm Automobilia and Watches 6.00pm Cars VIEWING Tuesday 3 December 10:00am to 6:00pm Wednesday 4 December 9:00am onwards BUYER'S PREMIUM RATES Automobilia and Watches: Room and Absentee Bids: 24% inc VAT* Online and Autobid: 25.2% inc VAT* Cars: Room and Absentee Bids: 12% inc VAT* Online and Autobid: 13.2% inc VAT* REGISTRATION TO BID All bidders will be requested to provide a copy of identification (Passport/Driving Licence) and proof of address (utility bill, Council Tax bill) to register to bid. PAYMENT Lots must be paid for in cleared funds prior to collection. COLLECTION OF CARS AFTER THE AUCTION All cars are to be collected after the auction, by 12:00 midday on Thursday 5 December. Lots that cannot be collected from the auction site by 12:00midday on Thursday 5 December will be taken into secure storage at the buyer’s expense. Costs are as follows: Transport - £110 + VAT Storage - £14 + VAT per day for the first 14 days, £10 + VAT per day thereafter Storage details: Rudler Car Transportation and Storage P.O. Box 11, Royal Wootton Bassett, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN4 7SY Tel: +44 (0)1793 73 11 07 Dore & Rees Auctions Dore & Rees Auctions [email protected]
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Auction Date:
4th Dec 24 at 2pm GMT

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Sale Dates:
Wed 4th Dec 2024 2pm GMT (Lots 1 to 327)