2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK SLK230 Kompressor

2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK230 Kompressor Designo Copper Edition
Private Collection | Display-Only | Not For Sale

• Rare Designo Copper Edition
• Exclusive Designo Factory Customization
• AMG Styling Package
• AMG 17" 5-Spoke Alloy Wheels
• Designo Copper Metallic Exterior Paint (020U)
• Black & Orange Two-Tone Designo Nappa Leather Interior
• 2.3L Supercharged Kompressor Inline-4 Engine
• 5-Speed Automatic Transmission
• Rear-Wheel Drive
• Electro-Hydraulic Retractable Hardtop
• Designo Leather-Trimmed Steering Wheel & Shift Knob
• Designo Leather-Trimmed Roll Bars
• Designo Embroidered Floor Mats w/ Orange Leather Edging
• Factory AM/FM Stereo w/ Cassette Player
• Keyless Entry
• Cruise Control
• Integrated Rollover Protection
• Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Braking System

The 2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK230 Kompressor is a compact, two-seat luxury roadster best known for reintroducing the power-retractable hardtop to modern production automobiles. Internally designated the R170, the SLK was developed as a smaller, more accessible alternative to the flagship Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, competing with contemporary roadsters such as the BMW Z3 and Porsche Boxster. Its defining feature is the electro-hydraulic Vario-Roof, a folding steel hardtop that transforms the vehicle from a weather-sealed coupe into an open-top roadster in approximately 25 seconds at the push of a button. The system combines the security, insulation, and refinement of a fixed-roof coupe with the open-air driving experience of a traditional convertible.

Power is supplied by a 2.3-liter supercharged DOHC 16-valve M111 Kompressor inline-four engine producing 185 horsepower and 200 lb-ft of torque in U.S.-market specification. Unlike turbocharged engines that rely on exhaust pressure, the mechanically driven supercharger provides immediate boost response and substantial torque at relatively low engine speeds. Power is delivered to the rear wheels through a five-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission, providing smooth gear changes and a combination of relaxed cruising and responsive acceleration. The R170 also incorporates several notable safety features, including reinforced windshield pillars, fixed rollover protection bars behind the seats, front and side airbags, and four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes.

This particular example is the exceptionally uncommon Designo Copper Edition, a limited-production configuration offered through Mercedes-Benz's exclusive Designo personalization program. Introduced to provide buyers with distinctive exterior finishes, specially selected interior materials, and individualized color combinations, Designo represented a level of craftsmanship and customization beyond the standard Mercedes-Benz options catalog. The Copper Edition was distinguished by its striking Designo Copper Metallic exterior finish (paint code 020U), paired with a specially coordinated black and orange two-tone Nappa leather interior. The color treatment extends beyond the seats to the door panels, steering wheel, shift knob, and leather-trimmed rollover bars, creating a cohesive interior design unique to this edition. Even the floor mats incorporate orange leather edging and embroidered Designo identification.

This example is further equipped with the AMG Styling Package, adding a more aggressive exterior appearance to the distinctive Designo Copper configuration. The AMG treatment includes sportier front and rear bumper styling and complementary lower-body detailing, giving the compact roadster a more purposeful appearance while retaining its original SLK230 Kompressor powertrain. The exterior is completed by AMG five-spoke alloy wheels, complementing the Copper Edition's distinctive metallic finish. The combination of Designo personalization and AMG styling represents an especially unusual specification for the R170-generation SLK.

The Designo Copper Edition was offered in limited numbers around the turn of the millennium, with examples documented for both the 2000 and 2001 model years. Published estimates suggest approximately 127 examples were imported into the United States, although definitive production figures have not been consistently documented. Its distinctive color combination, extensive use of bespoke leather trim, and substantial original price premium made it one of the most unusual configurations available for the R170 SLK. Alongside the similarly exclusive Designo Electric Green Edition, the Copper Edition represents the bold, experimental approach to color and interior design that characterized Mercedes-Benz's turn-of-the-century personalization program.

PRIVATE COLLECTION | DISPLAY-ONLY | NOT FOR SALE

This vehicle is part of the Regal Motors private collection and is displayed for automotive appreciation and historical interest. It is not currently offered for sale.

For additional information about our collection and available inventory, visit www.regalmotorshouma.com or call 985-873-8180.