2004 Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG F1 Performance Pack

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 striking SL55 AMG was introduced. Seriously powerful and impressively fast, the 5.4-litre V8 was rated at 493bhp with a stump-pulling 520 lbs/ft of torque.

From 2004, the SL55 AMG could be further enhanced by the addition of the £8,500 ‘F1’ Performance Pack (Code 030) offering a host of upgrades including a limited-slip differential, SL65 front bumper, SL65 19" split-rim alloys, bigger composite disc brakes, an uprated oil cooler, modified software for the ABC as modelled at the Nurburgring and the top-speed limiter was raised to 186mph.

This superb example is presented in Iridium Silver with a red leather interior and was first registered on 10th March 2004. Since then, it's patently been well cared for and lightly used on special occasions to account for its 23,071 miles at the time of cataloguing. The car is presented to auction with book packs, reams of receipts, Swansea V5C and an advisory-free MOT valid until August 2024.

Elegantly styled with an interior flourish that sets it apart, this car is very much a 'wolf in sheep’s clothing'.