Vehicle Description
Vehicle to be offered for Auction sale January 19th - 22nd, 2017 at Russo and Steele's 17th Annual Scottsdale Arizona Auction at the Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. Please contact us for more information.
Following the long-running R129 SL models, the new R230 series debuted to acclaim for 2001. Heralding a return to the SL's sportier roots, the new car was also measurably lighter. In Mercedes-Benz tradition, the R230 bristled with new technology and welcome amenities including the new folding 'Vario-roof' design, Sensotronic electronically-controlled brakes, stability control system, and Active Body Control hydraulics replacing the old anti-roll bars underneath the car. Looking and feeling much sportier than before, the R230 SLs also featured a welcome blend of outstanding proportions, gentle curves, iconic features leaving no doubt as to their impeccable heritage.
Sales were strong and the new SL took pride of place as an unqualified object of automotive desire. Careful refinement and improvement culminated in the updated SL for 2007, which was available starting in April that year. Stylistic changes were limited to the three-bar grille and the taillights, now bisected by a clear horizontal stripe, plus a slightly revised front bumper and new 18-inch wheels. Mechanical changes, however, were indeed substantial for 2007. An all-new 4-cam, 4-valve-per-cylinder 5.5-liter V-8 debuted with 382 bhp and 391 pounds-feet of torque, with all that power delivered through a new 7-speed automatic transmission with pushbutton shifters for manual capability on the steering wheel. Equipped with an aluminum cylinder block, this smooth-running engine was first seen in the large S550 sedan. Other highlights included a two-stage intake manifold and continuously variable valve timing yielding the SL550 EPA fuel-economy ratings equal to the prior year's SL500, yet with 80 additional horsepower and 52 lb.-ft. of extra torque.
Performance, a crucial Mercedes-Benz SL virtue, was abundantly better than ever before. Factory claims included 0-100 km/h (62 mph) sprints in just 5.4 seconds, with the 7-speed automatic shifting so smoothly that they are heard easier - even with the SL550's pleasing exhaust rumble - than they are felt. Second-generation Active Body Control (ABC) utilized multiple sensors to measure body movement, hydraulic pistons, and computer controls to effectively eliminate squat and dive, and reduce body roll by up to 60 per cent. Magazine road testers reported the ABC works very well, delivering comfortable and compliant ride with well-composed cornering, enhanced by a new, slightly quicker steering rack. The interior was beautifully enhanced to match, with softer leather upholstery, smartly restyled instruments, wider steel sill plates, and even an aluminum-finish switch operating the retractable hardtop.
Listed new from about $95,000, the SL550 remains a fantastic high-performance touring machine. A stylistic and technical tour de force with a folding roof requiring just 16 seconds to raise or lower, it is luxurious yet tasteful and one of only a mere handful possessing a heritage of excellence and competition success dating back more than 50 years. Featuring outstanding Black and Tan colors, this exceptional SL550 is a quality, fully optioned example with fewer than 65,000 miles of use. According to the clean Carfax report included with the SL550, it was sold new in Sherman Oaks, California and latterly based since late 206 in Arizona. Just three prior owners are recorded. As such, this striking and incredibly well-equipped 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL550 marks an outstanding and captivating find at auction.
