Estimated Price: £28,000 - £32,000

Mercedes-Benz launched its new SL-Class (R230) of high performance GTs in September 2001 at the Frankfurt Motor Show, though one had already served as Formula 1's Safety Car at Hockenheim in July. In 2002, the SL55 AMG went on sale. Hailed by Evo magazine as a supercar in disguise, the latter was powered by a supercharged 5.4-litre V8 engine initially producing 469bhp and a monstrous 520lb/ft of torque.

The second generation of the R230 SL500, marketed as the Phase II, was introduced in 2006 and naturally the SL55 AMG benefited from the same changes. The revisions for the 2006 SL55 AMG included a new grille inspired by the SL65 AMG and the front bumper was redesigned and looked more aggressive than before.

Inside, there was a new steering wheel and new options available, including heated and ventilated seats, adaptive cruise-control and a push-button start on top of the gearbox stick.

Most of the major changes were technical, the front disc-brakes were carried over from the SL65 AMG and were bigger, with 6-pot calipers instead of the older 8-pot units, the engine was re-tuned with a new compressor now generating 510bhp (up from 493bhp) and the gearbox reverted to the old and reliable 5G-Tronic box allowing for the increase in torque.

Naturally, the AMG F1 Performance pack was available on the Phase II car at around £10,000 and this included an AMG Alcantara-trimmed sports steering wheel, active suspension with 20% stiffer Nürburgring settings, larger brakes cooled by vents in the SL65 front bumper, 19" two-piece double spoke alloys, AMG locking differential, carbon fibre trim and the speed limiter was recalibrated to 186mph although the power output remained at 510bhp.

The superb example offered here was purchased from us (Silverstone Auctions at the time) some four years ago for use by the current custodian, a New Zealand resident, during his summer excursions  to the UK and Europe. It's finished in Iridium Silver with a Charcoal leather interior complemented by electric memory seats, air-conditioning with climate-control and a wind deflector and is accompanied by a comprehensive service history with main dealer attention covering the majority of works completed with 'specialist' attention covering later services. Specific details of note are a major service in August 2019, which included the drive belts and plugs with an invoice total of £3,880 with c.15,000 miles covered since and more recently, the rather dated 'Command' satellite navigation system was updated with a modern Apple CarPlay touch screen unit. Prior to each of his regular European trips, the SL was fully checked over and serviced as required and it has not missed a beat over the c.15,000 miles that he has covered. 

Remaining in superb condition throughout and maintained regardless of cost, we suggest that this desirable Mercedes is worthy of your early inspection to fully appreciate the extensive specification on offer.