2010 Mercedes-Benz SL500

With less than 29,000 miles on the odometer and only one previous keeper, ‘HW59 AYV’ is a 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL500 with such an uncommonly good MoT record that if you were to whisper the word “advisory” in its ear it wouldn’t have a clue what you were talking about.

Despite the R230’s legendary build quality, these things don’t happen by chance; they’re the result of careful curation and diligent servicing, in this case by a combination of Mercedes-Benz main dealers and an independent Mercedes specialist.

In the care of the seller since it came to the UK mainland in 2017, the 382bhp, 5.5-litre V8 engine and seven-speed G-Tronic transmission combination have covered less than 29,000 miles, which in Mercedes-Benz terms means they’re barely run-in.

Finished in Silver with a black Nappa hide interior and chestnut wood trim, this low-mileage, impeccably spec’d example has spent the last eight years in a dry garage after enjoying its first years in the benign Jersey climate.

As a result it oozes the sort of timeless class that lets you waft as easily in the South of France as Southend and is only being offered for sale because the seller isn’t using as much as he would like.

The SL’s coachwork was professionally machine polished and waxed as part of a full valet in June 2024. This detailing work cost him a not inconsequential £500 but we think was worth every penny because not only does the colour give it a hewn-from-solid look we love but the combination of gleaming paintwork and excellent panel alignment makes it look like the shutlines have been drawn in with a Sharpie.

Nor is the quality only skin deep because the roof goes up and down at the press of a button too, sealing well when it’s up and tucking away neatly out of sight when it is down.

The lamp lenses, badges, and window glass are all also good, and further proof of the car’s no-expense-spared maintenance regimen comes by way of the tyres that are fitted to the 18-inch, five-spoke alloy wheels, which are matching Pirelli P-Zero tyres.

The front pair are still almost new as they were only replaced in 2023, while the rears are date-stamped 2015. All have good tread.

We will never get tired of telling you that experience shows that matching high-quality tyres are an infallible sign of a caring and mechanically sympathetic owner who is prepared to spend the appropriate amount in maintaining their car properly.

Other useful indicators of careful owners include the continued presence of a sticker from the supplying dealer in the rear window.

As for flaws, a couple of the wheels have some light scuffs on them. They’re minor though, so definitely a job for Future You.

The Nappa hide interior might lack the visual drama of some its Italian rivals but by hell it’s a survivor; installed 15 years ago, you could be forgiven for mistaking it for one in a vehicle that’s just had its first MoT.

It’s a clever car, too. Take the front seats for example. Not only are they electrically adjustable, they’re also heated and fold forward at the touch of a button to give access to the rear luggage space.

The roof is just as clever, giving all the weather-sealing benefits of a coupé with the wind-in-your-hair freedom of a convertible, all – again – at the touch of a button.

And even that wind-in-your-hair experience is optional thanks to the effective fold-down wind deflector, which minimises buffeting and gives ruffle-free motoring with the roof down even at motorway speeds.

In addition to being heated, the front seats also feature Mercedes’ clever AIRSCARF system that blows hot air at your neck, y’know, like a high-tech scarf.

The combination of heated seats, a powerful climate-controlled air-conditioning and heating system, and the AIRSCARF means you can enjoy the full convertible experience in any weather bar heavy rain – and trust us when we say your children or grandchildren will LOVE sitting next to you with the hard-top folded away as you waft through falling snow.

Other cleverness includes:

• Keyless Go entry and ignition,
• COMAND APS with satellite navigation,
• Bluetooth telephone connectivity,
• Mercedes audio with the Harman Kardon sound upgrade,
• Electrically adjustable steering column that terminates in a wood-and-leather-trimmed multi-function steering wheel,
• Flappy paddles for the gearchange,
• Powered boot lift,
• Dual-zone climate-controlled air conditioning,
• Front and rear parking sensors,
• Electrically adjustable door mirrors that fold at the touch of a button,
• Zenon headlights.

In terms of brainpower, it therefore outguns three-quarters of our office. Maybe even more on a Monday morning.

The seller tells us that everything works as it should, and as you can see for yourselves, everything, including the headlining and carpets, is very clean.

The boot contains a space-saver spare wheel, the tyre inflator, jack, and tool kit. It, like the rest of the cabin, is beautifully presented.

Lifting the spare wheel out shows nothing other than solid metal but then you could have guessed that by now, eh?

If we’re being picky – and we do try to be as we know so many of you rely on our photos and description to bid – then the driver’s seat is very gently rumpled and creased (and we do mean “gently”) and both front seats have the odd small mark on them.

That’s pretty much it though as the rest of the cabin is every bit as good as it looks in the photos.

The 12th of this month saw a new auxiliary battery being fitted, work that builds on the replacement of the main battery in 2023, the same year in which a new starter motor was fitted.

More recently, March 2024 saw the seller’s local M-B dealer fit a new coil.

As for the car’s servicing and maintenance history, why not make yourself a brew and feast your eyes on this:

• 20.02.2023 and 27,456 miles – service by Godstone Mercedes
• 24.08.2021 and 26,512 miles – a new boot lock, battery, and PSE Pump by Godstone Mercedes at a cost of £1,285
• 15.03.2021 and 26,342 miles – service by Godstone Mercedes
• 20.03.2020 and 25,119 miles – service by Godstone Mercedes including a new Control Unit, PSE Pump, and battery
• 03.04.2018 and 21,990 miles – service by Godstone Mercedes
• 21.11.2016 and 18,948 miles – service by Ruellan’s Garage, Jersey 27.11.2015 and 15,955 miles – service by Ruellan’s Garage, Jersey
• 18.11.2014 and 12,787 miles – service by Ruellan’s Garage, Jersey 28.11.2013 and 9,567 miles – service by Ruellan’s Garage, Jersey including fresh brake fluid
• 03.12.2012 and 6,468 miles – service by Jacksons of Jersey
• 12.01.2012 and 5,273 miles – service by Jacksons of Jersey
• 05.01.2011 and 2,572 miles – service by Jacksons of Jersey

As you can see, the ULEZ-compliant V8 fires into life and immediately settles into a steady idle. It also revs well and does it all with no odd noises or illuminating any warning lights – and the exhaust note is yet another reason to drive with the roof down whenever you can!

The engine and underbonnet area are still very clean following the professional valet back in June 2024.

The underside is in good shape too, with the only areas to remark upon being cracks to the plastic covers (photos 44/62, 59/62, and 62/62).

The SL’s MoT certificate, which is valid until March 2025, was issued with no advisories, just like every single one so far.

That’s a helluva record – and quite a responsibility, so please don’t bid unless you’re prepared to put the time and money into keeping it free of advisories ;-)

The recent Vehicle History Check is clear and while the SL comes with two key fobs only one of them locks and unlocks the car.

The history file includes the Mercedes’ book pack and wallet, a bunch of expired MoT certificates, invoices for servicing and repair, and the first aid kit.

Look, we get it: you fancy an open-top classic sportscar. A hairy-chested brute to blat around in and relive your youth.

But, as Billy Joel says, the good old days weren’t always good, and unless you like grease under your fingernails you might be better off in something like this.

Because this SL500 offers the sensory overload you’re looking for but is underpinned by modern-day safety systems, performance, civility, and reliability – and with an estimate of between £14,000 and £18,000, it’s still likely to be cheap fun.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays 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’.