The Mercedes-Benz SLK turns 30 years old this year, time for collectors to pick these up.
The year 2026 marks a major milestone for a beloved modern classic: the first-generation Mercedes-Benz SLK (R 170 model series) turns 30. Launched in April 1996, this compact roadster didn’t just turn heads—it pioneered an entirely new market segment with its groundbreaking feature: the steel vario-roof.
Debuting at the Turin Motor Show, the Mercedes-Benz SLK was instantly celebrated for its ingenious folding hardtop. In a mere 25 seconds, the two-seater could transform from an open, elegant roadster into a weatherproof coupé, all at the press of a button.
This unique design offered the best of both worlds, setting a new benchmark for sports cars in the compact class. The innovation of the SLK 170 series successfully established Mercedes-Benz as a major player in the small roadster segment.
If your dream Mercedes-Benz is reaching this age, maintaining its pristine condition is key. Fortunately, the brand provides exceptional support. Mercedes-Benz Classic offers a comprehensive spare parts portfolio with approximately 160,000 part items available worldwide. Owners can easily source specific components for the premiere generation SLK. Many parts are ready for pick-up within 24 hours from authorised dealers across 170 countries. Otherwise there are a small number of local specialists who can provide support at a reasonable price, but some have long customer queues.
The Mercedes-Benz SLK nameplate is a pretty unique one – it existed for just 3 generations and was discontinued in 2020 after being renamed the ‘SLC’ to be more in line with the revised Mercedes nomenclature. There was no spiritual successor to the SLC, but you can still get the Mercedes-AMG SL Roadster, which is larger, more luxurious but lacks a metal vario-roof.
In Malaysia, the Mercedes-AMG SL 63 4MATIC+ comes with a 4.0L V8 biturbo with 585hp and 800Nm of torque allowing for a 0-100km/h sprint time of just 3.6 seconds. It is priced at RM1,898,888 including 10% sales tax.
