One of only 19,022 ever made
Rare color combination
Many desirable options
Only 31,588 documented kilometers

Chassis no.: WDB2304741F053972
Engine no.: 113.992-60-015967
Paint: 960 Alabaster White
Interior: 281 Leather black/anthracite

Factory options:
220 Parktronic system (PTS)
349 Provision for emergency call system "E-Call"
352 Operation and monitoring system Comand (navigation + radio/cassette)
401 Single seats
404 Orthopaedic front seat backrest (multiple contour backrest in model 140), left
405 Orthopaedic front seat backrest (multiple contour backrest in model 140), right
423 5 speed automatic transmission / NAG
487 ABC suspension (Active Body Control)
498 Japan version
500 Outside rear view mirror left and right, folding
524 Paintcoat preservation
618 Bi-xenon headlamps for left-hand traffic
673 High-capacity battery
761 Radio RC w. reduced range w/o panic (315 MHz)
772 AMG styling package-front spoiler and side skirts
810 Sound system
819 CD changer
860 TV-tuner analog
875 Heated screen wash system

Provenance:
01/2003 – Unknown, JP
2017 – 株式会社 ユー・エス・エス (USS Co. Ltd.), Kobe, JP

Documents:
Japanese export certificate (2017)

About the model line:
W 230
In 1996, Mercedes-Benz began developing the successor to the R129 SL. This time, the company broke entirely new ground, particularly in terms of design. Ten designers from Germany, California and Japan were invited to submit proposals, resulting in twelve digital design models. At the same time, Mercedes-Benz employed CAVE – the Computer Aided Virtual Environment – capable of projecting full-scale virtual designs. The final proposal was selected in the summer of 1997. From that moment on, technical development gathered real momentum.
Visually, the new SL remained faithful to its heritage while interpreting it in a far more contemporary way. Crisp lines, short overhangs and muscular shoulders defined its proportions. Its most distinctive feature was the front end with four elliptical headlamps, closely echoing the design language of the newly introduced E-Class. Yet despite its thoroughly modern appearance, the SL remained instantly recognisable as exactly that.
The greatest revolution, however, lay beneath the elegant bodywork. For the first time, a Mercedes-Benz flagship roadster came equipped as standard with a two-piece retractable aluminium Vario-Roof. In just 16 seconds, the roadster transformed itself into a coupé—and back again. At the same time, Mercedes-Benz introduced one of the most sophisticated suspension systems of its era: Active Body Control (ABC). Hydraulically controlled suspension struts virtually eliminated body roll and pitch, achieving a level of composure previously thought impossible. Comfort and sporting dynamics were suddenly no longer mutually exclusive.
The engine range left little to be desired. From refined V6s and effortlessly powerful V8s to the legendary V12, there was a powerplant for every taste. The SL55 AMG, however, stood in a class of its own. It created an entirely new breed of high-performance grand tourer, combining immense power with exceptional comfort in a way few automobiles had achieved before. Its mechanically supercharged 5.4-litre V8 initially produced 476 horsepower, later rising to as much as 517 horsepower, making the SL one of the fastest production automobiles of its day. The discreet „V8 KOMPRESSOR“ badges behind the front wheel arches hinted at the drama unfolding beneath the bonnet. Power was delivered to the rear wheels through a five-speed automatic transmission, launching the almost 1.9-tonne roadster from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.7 seconds.
The AMG philosophy continued inside the cabin. Integral sports seats with outstanding lateral support, aluminium sand-cast trim and bright instrument dials with red needles created an environment equally suited to effortless long-distance touring and spirited driving on demanding roads.
Throughout its eleven-year production run, the R230 evolved continuously. New generations of engines, a seven-speed automatic transmission, PRE- SAFE, DISTRONIC, KEYLESS-GO, Night View Assist and numerous electronic driver-assistance systems ensured that the SL remained at the forefront of automotive technology. The 2008 facelift introduced a noticeably more dynamic front-end design together with even more powerful engines. More than 169,000 examples were built by the time production ended in 2011. The R230 was the first SL to unite the concepts of a luxurious roadster and a coupé without any meaningful compromises. It was no longer merely a classic SL—it had become a high-tech grand tourer for every season.