THE STORY

Listed for an eye-watering $ 299,900 when new, the fifth generation (R230) of the Mercedes-Benz SL 500 sports roadster was produced between 2001 and 2011.

Powered by a smooth 5.0 litre V8 engine that put out 225kW of power, the cars were stopped by 4-wheel ventilated disc brakes.

They handled extremely well due to the all-new “Active Body Control” (ABC) active suspension with body lowering function.

Power was put to the road by a 5-speed automatic transmission through 17-inch alloy wheels sporting smart Mercedes-Benz centre caps.

Loaded with goodies for the era, these cars had keyless entry, power and memory seats, a multi-function steering wheel, satellite navigation, ABS, electronic stability, xenon headlights, front and side airbags, dual zone air conditioner with climate control, cruise control and central locking.

The power “Vario Roof” retractable hard top operation is a wonderful engineering feat and a thing of beauty to behold when in action.

THE CAR

Sold new into Toorak Victoria by Central Star Auto Haus from Brunswick Victoria, this car has all its service books and original manuals.

Believed to be a 3-owner example, it was purchased by its current South Australian owner from Queensland in 2017.

Finished in stunning Topaz Blue, the vehicle is beautifully complemented by its soft grey leather and complementary silver accents on the dash and around the cabin. The interior is in fantastic condition and when you ease into the seat, you know you are in a driver's car.

Our test drive revealed a very smooth, solid and powerful ride with fantastic cornering ability and good stopping power. The sports automatic gearbox can be used as a clutch-less manual to enhance driver feedback and allows a more spirited drive.

The cabin is ergonomically designed and the instrument cluster is simple and classic. In this example, the colour of the dials is in harmony with that of the car interior.

The power retractable top action is fluid, quick and a work of art in itself. When the top is retracted, a roll bar automatically rises to add further protection to the cabin.

On South Australian registration with European plates, this is a fast, luxurious sports roadster that oozes class and turns heads.