1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK 230 Kompressor

Lot details
Registration No: JIW1689
Chassis No: WDB1704472F106869
Mot Expiry: June 2011

Mercedes-Benz's SLK Class was introduced in 1997 as a competitor for the Porsche Boxster and BMW Z3. SLK stands for Sportlich, Leicht und Kurz - ie sporty, light and short. The range is notable for being one of the first to feature an electro-hydraulic retractable hardtop complete with glass rear window - a subsequently much copied invention that has made wind-in-the hair motoring a much more practical proposition for UK drivers. The newcomer was initially available with a choice of two supercharged (Kompressor) in-line, four-cylinder engines - one of 1998cc and the other of 2295cc - mated to an automatic gearbox. The latter proved by far the most popular of the two, the 197bhp of which was sufficient to urge the baby Merc to 60mph in under 7 seconds and on to a top speed of almost 150mph. The suspension featured wishbones and coil springs at the front and a multi link system with coil springs at the rear. Braking was by discs all round, ventilated at the front. The first generation SLKs (codename R170) were manufactured until 2004, when they were superseded by the substantially revised R171 series that remains in production today.

The righthand drive SLK being offered is a 230 Kompressor model that was first registered in December 1998. It features silver metallic coachwork and a black leather interior. The vendor has owned the car for the last four and a half years and describes it as being in "lovely all round condition". The comprehensive specification includes air conditioning, radio/CD, heated seats, cruise control and electric windows. The paintwork is said to be "original and in good condition", the supercharged engine to be "good" and to "use no oil", the automatic transmission to be "good" and the foldaway roof to be "without fault". The vendor also describes the leather interior trim to be "in good condition". The Mercedes comes complete with what's described as a "good" service history, a full set of spare keys and the wind deflector for the headrests. The car is MOT'd into June 2011 and taxed until the end of November this year. At today's prices, these practical, prestige two-seaters represent outstanding value for money.