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2002 MERCEDES-BENZ (R170) SLK32 AMG

This Mercedes-Benz SLK32 AMG is a sound example of the marque’s ‘brute in a suit’ roadster, which is in good cosmetic and mechanical condition. The engine is a 3.2-litre supercharged V6 producing 349bhp, with rear-wheel drive via the 5G-Tronic SpeedShift transmission. The odometer shows 105,305 miles.

The AMG-fettled SLK featured revised bumpers, with larger air intakes at the front, uprated brake discs, and modifications to the interior trim and instrument dials. The performance on offer was seriously impressive, with Autocar magazine’s road test at launch clocking it from 0-60mph in just 4.9 seconds.

First registered on 13 February 2002, there are just three previous registered keepers on the log book. It has been owned by the seller for the last four years, who has covered around 2,000 miles on the road in that time. Overall, the car has proved to be a reliable and enjoyable open-top cruiser.

The bodywork is presented in excellent condition, and the Brilliant Silver paint is largely free of blemishes. The seller notes some minor stone chips to the front bumper and bonnet, but there are no dents or corrosion around the panels. Its window and door seals are in good order, and the convertible hard-top roof mechanism works as it should. The car rides on the original five-spoke double-arm AMG alloy wheels, which present very well.

Inside, the black leather upholstery on the seats still looks great given its age and mileage, though there is some more prominent wear on the steering wheel rim. There are a few other scuffs around the door cards and sill trims, but in general the interior finishes have held up very well over the last 18 years. There are smart Bird’s Eye Maple wood veneers throughout.

Factory-fitted equipment includes air-conditioning, heated seats, cruise control, and xenon headlights. An aftermarket Alpine stereo head unit is fitted, with Bluetooth, USB and aux-in connectivity. There are no known electrical faults, and all of the switchgear works well.

The last scheduled maintenance was carried out in November 2018 at 104,551 miles, by Mercedes-Benz specialist SS Motors in Surrey. This consisted of a routine engine oil and filter service. Prior to this, it was also seen by another marque specialist in June 2015 at 101,829 miles for a B schedule service, a fresh set of spark plugs, and new air and fuel filters.

The most recent MOT test was on 14 May 2020 at 105,305 miles, which resulted in a first-time pass with no advisories whatsoever. Accompanying the car is the complete original book pack, including the owner’s manual as well as the stamped guarantee and maintenance record, plus an excellent history file of paperwork. The original tools are still in place in the boot floor, and two keys are also present.

This Mercedes-Benz SLK32 AMG is more of a top-down hot rod than a balletic sports car, offering tremendous performance from its supercharged engine. Its folding metal roof makes it a great year-round cruiser, and it is sufficiently comfortable and well-appointed to make an enjoyable car for longer road trips. Just 263 examples are understood to have been sold new in the UK, so this is a rare modern classic that is sure to impress its next owner.

Summary of service history: