2012 Mercedes-Benz SL350

Now creeping up on 14 years old but showing fewer than 66,000 miles on the odometer, ‘J4 XPP’ is the very definition of a modern classic: Stuffed to the gunnels with life-saving technology beneath a lightweight alloy body, buying a modern classic has never been safer.

There’s fun to be had too thanks to the 3.5-litre V6 under the bonnet, a powerplant whose 303bhp, 273lb.ft of torque, and seven-speed automatic gearbox help it waft past 62mph in 5.9 seconds on its way to an artificially limited top speed of 155mph.

It’ll do it reliably and economically too; if you’ve ever fancied a classic Mercedes SL but can’t shake your fears about running a car that’s older than you, this might be the solution you’ve been dreaming of.

Finished in a discreet black, the SL presents very well. Of course, rust and rot aren’t a consideration thanks to that aluminium body, but we were nonetheless struck by how well it looks.

Especially given the hue, because black highlights flaws and imperfections with a ruthlessness that will make you feel positively benevolent towards your ex’s divorce lawyer.

Not that the colour is an issue here because there are no dents or dinks to worry about, nor any ripples along the flanks; it doesn’t look new but if we were to tell you this is a four-year-old example rather than one that’s a decade older, you’d probably believe us.

The lamp units that are set into the bodywork are in fine fettle; free of chips and cracks, they’ve weathered the passage of 14 summers without incurring any UV damage.

Largely debadged, what decoration remains is bright and shiny, and the glazing is free of any obvious cosmetic problems.

Other attractive features include a carbonfibre boot spoiler and unsullied mesh screens for the various vents and intakes.

The folding roof struts its stuff with the usual balletic nonchalance, rising and falling gracefully at the touch of a button. It seals well when it is up too and tucks itself away out of sight when it isn’t needed.

And when it is up, the large glass sunroof floods the cabin with light – and if you’re an English Rose, a sunblind can be drawn across to keep your complexion pale and interesting.

The state of the alloy wheels could probably be best described as ‘fair’ but then parking with tyres with such a low profile as these is always going to be tricky. There is some lacquer loss too thanks to underlying alloy corrosion.

The front tyres are recent 255/35ZR19 Sumitomo HTRZ5s, while the rear rubber is by way of 285/30ZR19 Toyo Proxes Sport 2. All were made in 2025 and, as you’d expect give their age, all have very good tread on them.

The aluminium coachwork has sustained a few stonechips over the years, with many of these having been diligently touched-up, which is good news because no-one can dodge that sort of damage.

However, as we move around the car we spotted a scuff to the indicator lens on the offside door mirror; a scratch above the driver’s door handle; peeling paint to the offside of the rear bumper; faded trim on both sides of the rear window; chips below the rear numberplate; heavy road rash on both sides of the rear bumper; and scratches to the nearside door mirror casing.

You might also want to replace the numberplates with ones that are correctly spaced: No point giving the Boys in Blue an open goal, is there?

The cream hide interior is in an even better condition than the coachwork, and the fact we can mention its one noticeable flaw – a heavily scratched screen in the middle of the dashboard – speaks volumes about how good everything else is.

Because it really does belie the car’s age; with a winning blend of brushed metal, butter-soft leather, and a dashboard that combines analogue dials and a digital display, it straddles the competing demand of modernism and classicism better than most.

The leather seats are piped in dark blue, a small feature but one that adds disproportionate interest. They’re intricately shaped too with high backs, deep bolsters and soft cushions, and they’re every bit as comfortable and supportive as they look.

The driver’s seat has some creasing to its surface, but we suspect a professional could minimise that at little cost; in fact, it would be worth trying a professional-grade leather cleaner followed by some hide food first to see if you could do the job even more cheaply.

This light wear is made more obvious because the passenger’s seat is so clean and smooth. Cosmetics aside, both are electrically operated and heated, and all the functions work as they should.

In fact, everything we tried, displays and controls, did what it was supposed to do.

The boot is somewhat compromised by need to leave room for the clever folding roof, but it remains a good size, and you’ll only be carrying luggage for two anyway.

It is also very nicely trimmed with good carpets and no significant wear. A false floor hides the tyre repair and first aid kits, plus an indoor car cover.

Finally, there are an awful lot of places to store stuff in the cabin, from the netting pockets on the back of the seats through to the cubby boxes that sit in lieu of rear seats.

There’s a good-sized glovebox too, plus a couple of useful lidded compartments between the seats, another (with a broken lid) behind them, plus door pockets and even a place to store your sunglasses above the rearview mirror.

The R231 is as practical as it is eye-catching.

The SL’s service history is recorded as follows:

· 02.06.2025 and (unknown) miles – service by Holcar Auto Services Ltd including a new battery, front brake pads, and an ABS sensor

· 27.03.2023 and 61,227 miles – service by Holcar Auto Services Ltd

· 01.10.2018 and 51,563 miles – service by Mercedes-Benz of Oxford

· 02.10.2017 and 39,057 miles – service by Mercedes-Benz of Oxford

· 06.10.2016 and 25,994 miles – service by Cruikshank Motors Limited

· 24.09.2015 and 18,553 miles – service by Cruikshank Motors Limited

· 19.09.2014 and 11,711 miles – service by Cruikshank Motors Limited

· 13.09.2013 and 4,471 miles – service by Cruikshank Motors Limited

Our man’s test drive resulted in the terse comment: “It drives great and everything works”, which is fine as we pay him for his judgment, not by the word.

As the video demonstrates, it starts well and settles into an immediate steady idle. It also revs with the sort of enthusiasm you’d expect of a sportscar from Mercedes, and makes all the right noises, which is to say it is almost imperceptible unless you’re at full chat, at which point the hairs on the back of your neck are standing up.

Just as importantly, none of the dashboard warning lights are illuminated.

The engine bay is in a very good condition too, being clean and neatly presented. You could ask your man to give it the onceover with his detailing stuff but if you were to leave it as it is then no-one would accuse you of maintaining an unkempt car.

The underside is in good order too. Yes, there is a little light scuffing to some of the plastics at the front but that’s just about inevitable these days.

The SL’s MoT certificate, which expires in February 2027, was issued with no advisories.

The recent Vehicle History Check is clear, and the Mercedes comes with two key fobs.

Being sold as part of an estate sale, we understand it’s been in the registered keeper’s care since last August, during which time a £6,000 investment has been made with Mercedes-Benz of Carlisle, a hefty bill but one that included a new rear subframe, two new lower arms, a full suspension alignment, and two NOX sensors.

Fitted in February 2026, a clear MoT pass was the result.

If an R231 were to pass you in the street you’d be forgiven for thinking it was a new model.

Which it could almost be as production only ended six years ago.

As one of the earlier cars, you get to benefit from a recognizably modern design without the premium price tag: whereas advertised prices go as high as £22,000 for the newest examples, this one will probably fetch somewhere between £12,000 and £15,000 – but it’ll be going to a new home no matter what because it’s being offered with no reserve.

And even upper end of our estimate would represent staggering value considering the amount of car you’re getting in return.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at THE MARKET HQ in South Oxfordshire. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays (apart from Bank Holidays) between 10am - 12pm or 2pm - 4pm. To make a booking, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.