2003 Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG (R230)

• At launch, AMG's 493bhp, 5.4-litre supercharged V8 propelled the car to 62mph in 4.2 seconds

• Finished in Obsidian Black over Exclusive Red Leather with Designo Alcantara headlining.
• Fantastic condition in rare and desirable specification. Superb engine bay
• The theatrical metal folding-roof never fails to impress
• Just 28,495 miles with a full service history from Mercedes-Benz
• NB: The Cherished Registration Number illustrated (SG 55) does not form part of the sale

Introduced in 2002, after some five years in development, the R230 Series SL Roadster was an engineering ‘tour de force’. Painstakingly modelled on a state-of-the-art supercomputer which enabled the designers to analyse every curve and line, it looked utterly sensational with an air of barely contained aggression that gave it huge road presence. Packed full of sophisticated electronic driver aids which made it immensely safe but still fun to drive, it was an instant success and is widely considered to be the best-looking Mercedes for many years.

In late 2003, the stunning SL55 AMG was introduced causing shockwaves in the early-2000s performance car market with near-supercar levels of acceleration and handling, packaged in a comfortable, elegant convertible geared towards touring capability. Seriously powerful and impressively fast, the supercharged 5.4-litre V8 was rated at 493bhp with a stump-pulling 520 lbs.ft of torque. The cars were fitted with an uprated 5-speed automatic featuring AMG's 'Speedshift', there were a number of trim difference including uprated seats and the SL55 sat on a set of striking, multi-spoke AMG alloys.

First registered on the 29 September 2003, this SL55 is finished in Obsidian Black over Exclusive Red Leather with Designo Alcantara headlining. The options list in 2003 was packed full of state-of-the-art equipment and, it would appear in this case, most of the boxes had been ticked. The history file is rather nicely stocked for such a modern car and includes many receipts and a full service history from Mercedes. Showing an odometer reading of some 28,495 miles, at the time of cataloguing this car represents incredible value for money. 

This SL55 AMG presents really, really well and appears almost unmarked. The engine bay appears showroom fresh and the whole car has patently been looked after. Ballistically quick, fabulous looks, continent covering pace, yet as civilised in town as a Toyota Corolla, it's no wonder that some 'supercar' owners tend to get a little upset.