2005 Mercedes SL 5.0L Petrol · OY05 NKA

The vehicle currently holds a roadworthy status, following a clean MOT pass on May 11, 2026 at 36,263 miles. The maintenance trend shows improved stability after a period where recurring tyre-related failures were addressed. While the car failed in May 2025 due to structural failure of the offside front tyre and perished rubber elsewhere, subsequent passes indicate that the owner is responding to safety defects to maintain legal compliance. The mileage profile is exceptionally low for a 21-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 1,727 miles per year. Between May 2023 and May 2025, the car covered only 2,240 miles, suggesting it is used sparingly or remains stationary for long periods. This low usage typically reduces mechanical wear on the drivetrain and engine, but it significantly increases the risk of age-related degradation in rubber-based components regardless of distance travelled. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of all rubber elements, as the record shows a consistent history of cracking and perishing from 2023 through to 2025. Low mileage often masks deteriorating suspension bushes, brake hoses, and engine seals which may dry out or split from disuse. The buyer should specifically check the sidewalls of the current tyres for flat spotting or cracking, as the previous failure involved structural cord damage. Additionally, given the age of this Mercedes SL, the chassis and mounting points must be inspected for corrosion to ensure that the low mileage has not masked the structural integrity of the vehicle.