Mercedes boasts of hundreds of classic cars that have attracted some of the highest prices in the resale market. For instance, the 1963 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster was sold for more than $5 million at an auction in France. But will the Mercedes-Benz SLK become a classic one day?
Of course, yes. Mercedes-Benz SLK will become a classic car. However, it will take at least 15 more years for it to become one. Since the last production of Mercedes SLK cars was in 2016, it will officially become a classic car in 2036. Thanks to its unique design that will make it a nice collection to have in the future.
For a car to be considered classic, it has to be 20 to 40 years old. Secondly, the car should have sufficient history that makes it worth collecting and preserving. Additionally, it should be restorable instead of being scrapped. The Mercedes SLK meets most of these criteria, making it a classic car in the making.
Why does the Mercedes SLK qualify as a classic car?
The Mercedes SLK qualifies as a classic car because of the simple yet stylish entry into the Mercedes convertible cars. Besides, cars like the Mercedes R170 SLK were the first to popularize the trend of the electric folding hardtop, which was later embraced by other competitors.
When the development of the SLK began in 1994, there was a huge waiting list after the car was displayed at the 1994 Turin motor show. It was later launched at the same event in 1996 and customers in American had to wait for over a year to have their orders delivered.
The first SLK to be made was a 4-cylinder engine that delivered up to 136bhp 2-liter and a 193 bhp supercharged version. In 2000, Mercedes introduced a powerful engine with a 3.2-liter V6 powerplant, and in 2001, AMG also joined and made a supercharged version (SLK 32 AMG).
At the moment, the first generation of the Mercedes SLK (made between 1994 and 2001) is a rising modern classic car. Thanks to features like the folding hardtop that provides a high degree of practicality. What’s more, this is one of the most reliable convertibles and its parts are easy to find.
So, if you have a first-generation Mercedes SLK, keep it properly as you will one day reap from it. Mercedes SLK is a classic in the making because of the impact it had in the world of convertibles. Besides, since it’s reliable, this car will not break down easily even after being kept in the garage for long.
Read what SLK stands for.
What makes the Mercedes SLK so special?
Unlike other convertibles that were made in the 1990s, the Mercedes SLK proved to be durable, safe, and reliable. For instance, the electric metal folding roof that worked so perfectly on the Mercedes SLK failed on both the inventor (Peugeot 401/402 Eclipse) and Ford Fairline 500 Skyliner
Aside from having a reliable retractable rooftop, this car also came with a reliable engine. What’s more, the second-generation models made between 2000 and 2004 had an even more reliable engine than the first generation. So, even as this car attains the classic badge, working on it is straightforward.
Other features that made this car stand out from its competition are actual handbrake, leather seats, and the driver-oriented dash and steering wheel. Most convertibles at that time didn’t have such luxuries as most of them were made up of cheap plastics and normal foot park-brake.
What is the price of a used Mercedes SLK?
Currently, the Mercedes SLK goes for about $1500 to $25,000 in the used car market. Even though the prices are down, this doesn’t mean that they will stay that way for long. As the SLK becomes older and starts being a collectible, the prices will suddenly increase. So, this is the best time to buy this reliable and light car.
FAQ
Is the Mercedes SLK a girly or manly car?
The Mercedes SLK is a transgender car. So, both males and females can enjoy the ride. However, it also depends on the model of the car. The SLK 250 and 350 are girly cars, while the SLK 55 AMG is a manly car. Always pick the right car if you’re worried about driving a girly or a manly car.
Read more about how girly the SLK is.
Are Mercedes SLKs good cars?
Yes, Mercedes SLKs are good cars for people looking for compact convertibles. But if you’re a tall or oversized person, this is not the car for you. Overall, they are reliable, sturdily made, and easy to drive. That’s why they are referred to as girly cars.
What is the Mercedes SLK R171?
The Mercedes-Benz SLK R171 is a second-generation Mercedes SLK. This two-door model comes with a rear-wheel-drive system and a retractable hardtop. It was unleashed at the Geneva Motor Show and produced between 2004 and 2010. It replaced the original R170 model.
Is the Mercedes-Benz SLK expensive to maintain?
If you compare this car to the BMW Z4 or Audi TT, you will find that the Mercedes SLK is way cheaper to maintain. Besides, this car is more reliable than its competitors, making it cheaper to maintain. But when compared to mainstream cars like the MX-5 Miata, you will find that this car is slightly costly to maintain.
How fast is the Mercedes-Benz SLK 350?
The Mercedes-Benz SLK 350 was among the fastest convertibles of its era. Fitted with a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter 24v V6 gasoline engine, this car delivers up to 301-hp and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.4-seconds. On top of that, it has a maximum speed of about 155 mph, which is excellent.
Conclusion
So, if you’ve been wondering whether the Mercedes-Benz SLK will become a classic, you don’t have to. The Mercedes SLK is a modern classic in the making. Apart from being uniquely designed, the Mercedes SLK comes with a unique body design and retractable rooftop that stood out from its competitors.
Additionally, this compact convertible is reliable, sturdy, and replaceable parts are available. So, if new buyers want to modify it or restore it in the future, there won’t be any challenge. In a few years, the Mercedes-Benz SLK should be rated as a classic Mercedes model.
