Highlights

An entirely original example of the SL AMG built range topper in Jasper Blue Metallic – understood to be a special-order colour for the SL55 AMG
A highly specified car with a massive performance and engineered by AMG
Complete with a great depth of provenance providing paperwork
12 Months MOT
ULEZ Compliant

The Appeal

The fifth generation of the venerable SL range had some big shoes to fill and some illustrious forebears to live up to. A key development for the R230 was the fully retractable hardtop, known as the Vario Roof, a first for the SL class. Touted as operating in 16 seconds, it was marketed as being the fastest retractable hardtop available at launch

Another key differentiator for the R230 was the emphasis on its performance prowess, dramatically underscored by the development of the SL55 and SL65 models by the performance gurus at AMG.

This car, for example, is powered by a mighty 5.5 litre V8 producing nearly 500bhp and good for a sub-five second 0-60 time. Such was AMG’s attention to detail that a single technician built the engine and finished by affixing a build plate bearing their name. This car’s engine was crafted by Frank Siewert.

The History and Paperwork

This car has been used and enjoyed by a total of four owners to date
Highly specified by the original owner with all the key extras
The car is complete with a good level of provenance providing paperwork
This includes the current V5 and a hard copy of the MOT
The advisory free MOT is valid until May 2023
The original book pack is present including a duplicate service book
The service book contains a number of stamps from both dealers and independents
There are a number of invoices present detailing the part-service history

The Interior

The sumptuous interior is entirely appropriate to a range topping AMG sports car
The “multicontour” AMG seats are dressed in perforated leather in dark grey
The seats are fully electrically adjustable with a three-setting memory function
The “climatised” seats are heated and ventilated with massage functions
The door cars are exquisitely trimmed in stitched leather with brushed aluminium accents
The dashboard is fully specified with factory satellite navigation / entertainment system
The white centred AMG dials are housed in a deep, hooded binnacle
The steering wheel is a sporty, multifunctional item in excellent, original condition
Behind the hi-tech seats are two useful storage lockers, one containing the original CD changer
Everything in the cabin appears to be in excellent used condition with no areas of concern noted or reported
The interior boasts a huge specification providing for every need
The boot is nicely carpeted and includes all original Mercedes Benz accessories

This is an interior fitting of an AMG engineered car. The perforated, box pleated leather of the seats and signature “AMG” branding sets the tone as soon as you open a door.

The innovative, “Vario-roof” is a key feature too. With the steel roof in place, you have a fully insulated and refined sports coupe on your hands, yet at a touch of a button you have a fully fledged convertible supercar at your disposal. Truly a car for all seasons.

The Exterior

Presenting very well in the special-order Jasper Blue Metallic paintwork
The bodywork appears to be in excellent condition overall
The odd paint chip is evident but very much in keeping with a cared for car of this age
The build quality and panel gaps are as “vault-like” as you would expect from a high specification Mercedes
The 18-inch, multi-spoke alloys wheels are in a good overall condition
There is some minor marks and peeling evident but only upon close inspection
The wheels have an open-spoke pattern helping to showcasing the AMG branded callipers
The wheels are fitted with good quality 225/40 configuration tyres
The tyres are reported to offer a good level of remaining tread all round

This special Jasper Blue Metallic colour looks amazing on the SL55 AMG and makes a refreshing change from the usual silver and more usual colourways.

The car is in great order externally and the faultless quality of Mercedes Benz cars of this era is very evident indeed. All the doors and other panels open and close positively. The roof operates faultlessly and, although we didn’t time it, it wouldn’t surprise us if it is still achieving its original 16 second cycle time.

The Mechanics

The big 5.5 litre V8 supercharged engine is almost certainly the headline act of this car
Pushing out close to 500bhp and torque to match
Power is fed to the rear wheels via the AMG Speedshift, 5-speed automatic gearbox
For this car the Active Body Control and Sensotronic brakes were recalibrated by AMG
Eight piston front callipers and larger 14.2” brakes are fitted to help quell all that power
This car appears to have been well maintained across its history
The current owner attests to the mechanical condition being in fine fettle throughout

The numbers associated with this car – nearly 500 bhp and over 500 lb-ft of torque – are still eye-widening today but image how emphatic this car’s performance was back in 2004. It sounds amazing too with that big V8 burbling through the four chromed tail pipes. It’s a very impressive car indeed and a contender for the most performance per pound available in the sports coupe market today.

Summary

The SL55 really represents the performance pinnacle of SL series development. Engineered by AMG to a standard and specification which were previously unimaginable. This is really a car that epitomises Mercedes Benz transition from sensible saloon car manufacturers to performance coupe specialists with genuine Formula One heritage.

This is a great example of the esteemed SL55, too. It has all the key attributes that make these cars so desirable and great value. It presents in excellent condition throughout. A highly useable example and will offer the new owner a huge amount of thoroughbred car at a surprisingly attainable price-point.

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