2014 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT Roadster - one of two UK cars

The SLS AMG was designed to be a modern interpretation of the legendary Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing of the 1950s. Designed by Mark Fetherston, the new Mercedes-Benz supercar adapted the feature of wing doors that swing upwards with the help of gas struts - just like the doors of the original Gullwing, today, as then, as dramatic an entrance as one could make in a car. Called the SLS, for Sport Leicht Super, the car was developed by Mercedes-Benz and their in-house tuning and high-performance partners, AMG. Built as an extreme high-performance, front-engined, two-seat luxury grand tourer, the SLS soon graced the covers of the motoring press upon its unveiling at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show.

Available in both Gullwing Coupé and soft top Roadster versions, they offered sensational supercar performance with the typical Mercedes hallmarks of luxury and high build quality. The car was a sensation, the three-pronged star stopping rampant horses and angry bulls in their tracks, but like the special sports cars of Mercedes’ past, they were produced in very limited numbers in right-hand drive. Of the 12,000 Gullwinged Coupés and Roadsters manufactured for the global market just 320 were destined for the UK.

A large capacity V8 was rarely seen in a European sportscar of this era and this 6.2-litre unit, naturally aspirated and engineered to perfection, is an absolute gem. The first V8 from the AMG stable to be designed from the ground up, the engine was further developed for the SLS with a dry-sump set-up and 120 unique parts and, in this guise, could muster a very healthy 563bhp. A superb engine that even under light pressure rumbles and crackles like distant thunder, it is notable as the last naturally aspirated V8 engine to be used by a major European manufacturer. Mated to a 7-speed, dual-clutch transmission complete with a 'Race Start' launch-control system enabling a 0-62mph time of 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 197mph, there is a reason the SLS has a long bonnet.

The finest evolution of the SLS AMG - the SLS AMG GT - was unveiled at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show and like all the best final edition cars the GT was not just produced in limited numbers but was more powerful, the engineers at AMG squeezing an extra 20hp out of the fabulously potent V8. With improved gearbox software resulting in quicker shift times, the SLS GT Roadster also benefits from an improved suspension system with increased spring and damping rates. Whilst just ten SLS AMG GT cars came to the UK, the Roadster is perhaps the rarest of all to be supplied in right-hand drive, with just two cars delivered. As such it is our privilege to offer one of these two UK cars to auction, and naturally the rarity is matched by its condition and history.

Registered to the first of just two former keepers on 29th January 2014 this very special motorcar was delivered in Obsidian Black with matching canvas roof. Complemented by the two-tone 'Designo' leather interior of Mystic Red over Porcelain against a carbon fibre centre console. Mystic Red, were it a fine wine, would be described by a sommelier as a full-bodied burgundy with dark chocolate overtones. The quilted seat panels are replicated in the door cards, the contrasting stitching matching the creamy off-white shade of the Porcelain leather, a sumptuously modern combination that sits beautifully within the gloss black coachwork.

The accompanying V5C confirms that the second, and current, keeper was registered on 29th August 2015. Maintained by Mercedes-Benz main dealers, the service history confirms the car’s last visit on the 25th November 2022. Records show that the majority of the mileage was covered during the car’s early years and between 2017 to the present day just a few hundred miles were covered annually, amounting to the 10,500 miles showing on the odometer at the time of cataloguing. Presented to auction with bookpacks and aforementioned V5C, the advisory-free MOT history concludes with the most recently issued certificate, valid until 20th March 2023.

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