"Drawing inspiration from the 300SL and 190SL yesteryear roadsters,
the lean SLK shares their timeless proportions on a diminutive
modern platform with a profile that appears to be moving even at a
standstill. Parking lot friendly, the SLK measures 19.8 inches
shorter than big brother SL convertibles, and weighs 1200 pounds
less." MotorTrend magazine, Dec. 1998
For consignment, a 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK230 Kompressor convertible
with a title verified 26,602 actual miles. MotorTrend continues,
"Succeeding to bridge the gap between fixed roof coupe and
convertible in such a tidy package without sacrifices is an
impressive accomplishment that sets a high engineering benchmark
for future roadsters."
Exterior
Bahama Blue Metallic covers our little roadster and its rounded
edges and domed roof look wind defying from any angle. The wedge
veers from pointy nosed sportscars and carries all of the Mercedes
DNA, from the headlights and grille to the tail lights with
vertical bands of clear lenses, and the 3 point star making an
appearance of nose, back, and of course, the 16-inch Mercedes
wheels. The rounded hardtop fits neatly and virtually seamlessly on
the body, while body colored sport mirrors flank a steeply raked
windshield. Fog lights are integrated into the chin spoiler and
subtle body lines on the hood give the front even more character.
Imperfections include some extra holes on the front bumper at the
license plate area and just a few minor chips.
Interior
Not just basic black in this German sports car, but light gray
inserts framed by black on the door panels and a wooden faceplate
for an unexpected bit of pizazz, and it's all tight and clean and
in good shape. The bucket seats repeat the pattern with some slight
wear on the driver's seat leather, but in overall nice condition
with high headrests and roll bars behind each seat. Gray frames the
instrument panel where white faced gauges live in coves, each dial
sporting a digital window as well, for time display, temperature,
and odometer. A honey colored wood backs the center stack where A/C
dials tops an AM/FM/Cassette radio and an in-dash cell phone panel.
The black dash pad caps off the passenger side, over a gray glove
box while a stout shifter lives in the center console surrounded by
more wood and low pile gray carpet cleanly covers the floor. A
small trunk is present but is mostly reserved for the folding
hardtop and presents cleanly.
Drivetrain
A bright red plate on the cam cover highlights the very clean 2.3
liter DOHC supercharged 4 cylinder, rated at a healthy 190
horsepower and fuel injected. It's mated to a Getrag 5-speed manual
transmission that routes power not too far back to the rear axle
and 3.46 gears.
Undercarriage
Super clean and dry underneath where the single exhaust flows
through its original muffler which emits a pair of short tail pipes
shrouded in a single chrome tip. Power disc brakes are at all four
wheels and suspension is composed of Macpherson struts up front and
coil springs in back, and both ends are independent.
Drive-Ability
No surprises for this low mileage Bremen native and it delivers a
spirited run with nimble handling, good power, and on point
braking. The cabin is comfortable and visibility is very good as
C-pillars are kept narrow. All functions work on this clean
roadster and it's time to put it under the showroom lights. While
Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at
the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions
will be working at the time of your purchase.
The sale brochure states, "The SLK, first as a show car, now in
production form, has captured something rare and elusive. It's a
design that's innovative and advanced, yet evokes the rich
tradition of Mercedes-Benz.". Well, we can't argue with that. This
car, nearly 30 years later, still seems fresh in design and
exciting on the road. They were nearly $40,000 when new, but here's
one you can drive for a fraction of the price.
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee
is not included in the advertised price.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
ClassicCars.com has been recognized as one of the fastest-growing private companies in the United States, successfully making the Inc. 5000 list in both 2015,
2016, 2017 and 2018. This prestigious accolade represents the continued growth of the company, and ClassicCars.com's dominance as the world's largest online marketplace for
buying and selling classic and collector vehicles.
The Stevie Awards, the world's premier business awards recognized
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