Vehicle Description
Since the 1950s, the Mercedes-Benz SL has been a showcase for
sophisticated style and engineering excellence. The original 300SL
Gullwing was a highly exotic, thinly disguised racer for the road.
But it was its 300SL Roadster sibling that set the standard for
future SL models. It had been subtly refined into a comfortable,
enormously capable, and achingly beautiful sports car that could be
used every day. The arrival of the R113 series in the 1960s
developed the brand further, showing buyers that a sports car need
not be fussy, uncomfortable or unreliable. Unlike its competitors,
the SL was a true year-round sports car. It acted as an open
two-seat runabout, or with the hardtop in place, it was a laid-back
grand touring coupe. While it wasn't going to set any records on
the track, it was the dependable, relaxed nature and exquisite
build quality that set it apart. The R129 of 1989 was one of the
most advanced cars Mercedes had built to date, putting a renewed
emphasis on active and passive safety systems in the SL range.
Later, the R230 of 2001 featured the first appearance of the
folding hard top on the big SL which is now a signature of the
brand. Today's SLs continue the tradition by blending advanced
technology with staggering performance, all the while retaining
unmistakable SL DNA. This 2017 Mercedes-Benz SL550 is an impeccably
presented, one-owner example that has covered just 1,037 miles from
new. Equipped with over $8,000 in options, it is finished in the
striking combination of black (040) over a vivid red and black
Designo interior. The body and paint quality is outstanding,
reflective of the exceptionally low mileage and backed with a clean
Carfax report. Rolling stock consists of optional 19" AMG alloy
wheels which are unmarked and wrapped in excellent original rubber.
For the 2017 model year, the styling of the R231 has been updated
with an aggressive new face that features perforated grilles and
all new headlamps. The lamps feature adaptive LED technology with
automatic high beam assist. Of course, this being an SL, it
seamlessly blends astonishing performance with a dizzying array of
high tech safety features. This car is equipped with the optional
Driver Assistance Package (997) which includes lane departure
assist, Pre-Safe Plus automatic braking, adaptable cruise control,
and blind spot monitoring among other driver aids. The so-called
"Varioroof" folding hardtop can be raised or lowered at speeds up
to 25 mph, and an automatic partition in the boot deploys when the
top is folded to prevent damage when loading luggage. The interior
is trimmed in optional Designo Red leather (code X17) with a black
"Dinamica" (synthetic suede) headlining for a sportier feel. All of
the necessary comfort and convenience options are featured, which
includes satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay, rearview camera,
heated and ventilated seats, and a power-operated wind-deflector,
among many, many others. This car is also equipped with the
Harman/Kardon audio system for excellent quality surround-sound
whether the top us up or down. In true SL tradition, there is
tremendous performance on tap to match its high-tech specification.
The 4.7 liter V8 wears a pair of turbos to produce 449 horsepower
and 516 ft/lbs of torque. It is supercar-quick in a straight line,
hitting 60 in 4.3 seconds from a standstill. Power goes through a
9-speed automatic transmission, and stop-start technology keep
efficiency in check when not exploring the limits of the engine and
chassis. Thanks to the active suspension system, ride and handling
are excellent, and the SL550 feels equally at home carving back
roads or chewing up relaxing miles of interstate with ease. With a
unique blend of sophisticated style, luxury, and performance, the
SL has always been in a class of its own. This newest generation
pushes those boundaries while remaining true to its heritage. The
sale of this excellent example includes all original books,
manuals, and two keys, and it remains under the balance of the
factory 4-year/50,000 mile warranty.
