****** Interested parties should note, this vehicle was subject to a CAT D insurance loss ******
HIGHLIGHTS
Striking F1-inspired SL55
Unique Designo specification
Rare two-tone trim
Ultra-rare Designo Star Galaxy trim and Pebble Alcantara headlining
THE APPEAL
When Mercedes-Benz replaced the R129SL in 2001, it brought the model bang up to date with a car that also celebrated the brand’s return to F1 in conjunction with McLaren.
The new R230 model was not only sleek and stylish, but it added new technology in the form of advanced electronics such as Mercedes-Benz’s Active Body Control (ABC) system. It also introduced the company’s trademark electric folding hard top to the larger model, following its debut four years earlier on the SLK.
It was a strikingly handsome car but also a very expensive one. At launch, it was offered only as the 386bhp SL500 but at the end of 2001, Mercedes-Benz introduced the supercharged flagship model - the SL55 AMG .
Even without options, the 476bhp SL55 AMG was an extremely expensive car, retailing at over £95,000. As soon as you touched the options list, it was very easy to tip this over £100k – and this one would have been substantially more than that. One of the very last 230s made, it comes with a number of off-brochure Designo premium extras that would have pushed it well over £130k, while being an ‘F1’ edition it also has a replica of the FIA Pace Car front bumper and sleek SL65 alloy wheels.
It also has a reducer pulley for the supercharger and has been remapped to produce around 600bhp. It's an incredible car with a phenomenal specification.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
All original manuals and book pack
UK V5C
Two Keys
MOTs and previous service documents
Ultra-rare Designo spec
One of the very last R230 SLs registered
Private plate in photos not included it will be sold with reg plate LT08 YBO
THE INTERIOR
Mocha Black and Porcelain two-tone Designo leather
Seats in excellent order with no major signs of wear
Designo Star Galaxy door trim, dash and centre console inlays
Glass panoramic roof
If there’s one area of this car that is truly unique then it’s the interior, which has a number of Designo features that were only available through the Mercedes-Benz Designo off-brochure VIP programme.
Among them, the two most distinctive features are the ultra-rare Pebble Alcantara headlining and the fantastic ‘Star Galaxy Stone’ trim infills, which are like no standard SL and give the car an incredible ambiance, as does the optional glass panoramic roof
In addition, it has bespoke Deisgno Merino leather, with body-coloured Mocha Black outer facings and Porcelain inners. It’s an incredible combination, almost unique and in fabulous overall order, while it has the optional dynamic heated, cooled and pulsating massage seats.
Otherwise it's standard SL spec - keyless entry, cruise control, Mercedes-Benz COMAND infotainment, brushed steel kick plates, parking assistance and a split zone climate control.
Finally, there's also a genuine Mercedes-Benz weekend saddle bag, a bespoke hand-stitched leather piece of luggage that fits snugly in the gap between the front seats, along with a factory-fitted optional windbreaker.
THE EXTERIOR
Striking Mocha Black paint
Superb quality deep and glossy respray
20-inch SL65 alloys
F1 Pace Car bumper
Finished in subtle Mocha Black, which has just the slightest hint of brown to its metallic finish, the SL is a striking and incredibly handsome car to look at. The F1 Edition features include a front bumper the same as that of the FIA Formula One Pace Car and split rim 20-inch alloys from the SL65 AMG R230 flagship.
Both the body and wheels are in near-perfect condition, the car having received a top quality full respray. The alloys were refurbished less than 100 miles ago and come with excellent Bridgestone Potenza alloys all-round.
The electric folding hardtop is in full working order and all of the glass, trim and badges are in fine condition.
THE MECHANICS
5.5-litre V8
Six-speed auto
Composite brakes
Limited slip diff
Under the bonnet lives a 510bhp 5.5-litre supercharged V8 which delivers incredible acceleration, while this example also comes with the AMG performance pack, meaning competition brakes, a limited slip diff, uprated suspension, an X-Pipe exhaust and a derestricted top speed.
The vendor reports that the car is in good mechanical order, with no known or apparent faults.
SUMMARY
We probably don't need to explain the appeal of an SL55 AMG in general, as when it was new it was one of the finest cars in the world and in many ways it still is.
From that thumping V8 to its curvaceous yet imposing good looks, this generation of SL is still one of the finest looking sports cars you can buy. The flagship AMG model only serves to make it even more desirable, while the F1 Edition status and Designo extras of this one make it even more special.
It’s an incredible thing in lovely condition.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
