I can still remember the first time I saw the SLA concept, which would later materialize as the second generation R171 Mercedes SLK roadster, up close and in person. I was at the Indianapolis Formula One race in 2000 and was immediately taken with the design. Compared to the first generation SLK that I found completely uninspiring, the new car had a sort of retro-modern look and was one of those designs that looks fast standing still. Somehow, most of the elements of that concept car would be utilized in the R171 SLK roadster, making it what is in my opinion one of the most exciting Mercedes designs of the era. In addition to being nice to look at, the SLK was much more fun to drive than the lD model while being a smaller and more sporty alternative to the Mercedes SL. This was something that had been lacking at Mercedes for decades.
Our Pick of the Day is one of these cars, a 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 and is being offered by a dealer on ClassicCars.com located in Glen Ellyn, Illinois.
The seller describes this SLK350 as a car with only 30,000 original miles from new, and one that is loaded with options, something I tend to expect from a Mercedes. The car is painted in Mars Red with a black leather interior.
Options on this SLK350 include a 7-speed automatic transmission ($1,410 option), the Comfort Package (a $1,300 option), dual powered seats with memory, power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, automatically dimming mirrors, the Heating Package (which includes heated seats, and the ingenious AIRSCARF neck heaters). It also is equipped with satellite radio, 17-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels, a power convertible hardtop, and cruise control.
These cars are quite quick for their era. Powered by Mercedes’ DOHC 268-hp 3.5-liter V6, they cover 0-60 in 5.3 seconds with a limited top speed of 161 mph, which leaves the old SLK in the dust (as well as any Miata from the time).
The best thing about these cars is that I feel that they are at the very bottom of their depreciation. In addition to this they have proven to be quite reliable and can be serviced at any independent Mercedes tech as well as at any Mercedes dealer. This makes them an excellent buy today.
This specific car looks to be just what you would expect a 30k mile to look like, with excellent paint and a perfect interior. It is the type of car where you could fly to Illinois to get and drive home…to California. They are fun to drive, comfortable and split the difference between a sports car and a GT better than anything I can think of. At an asking price of only $17,995 it is hard to find a better value for the money in a European roadster.
Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com
