***Private plate is not included in the sale, an age related plate will be issued***
****Please note the cracked SatNav screen has been replaced with a new one****
Highlights
・Desirable BiTurbo V12 S-Class
・The only known car in Designo Graphite Green
・Only three keepers
・Incredible history - fastidious ownership
The Background
Introduced at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show as the successor to the W220 S-Class, the W221 became the new flagship sedan of Mercedes-Benz’ range, offering near-unparalleled luxury and comfort at the cutting-edge of technology and design.
For those that are looking to blend supreme comfort with a raucous exhaust note and mind-bending performance, Mercedes-AMG offered the S63 with a naturally aspirated V8 engine, and the hardcore S65, which boasted a gargantuan 6.0-litre, twin-turbocharged V12 engine.
This gave the S-Class 604bhp, and a whopping 738 lb-ft of torque, but restricted transmission choice to the older five-speed item, in order to cope with the incredible torque and power produced by the engine.DSC_0512.jpg14.11 MB
The History
Boasting an incredible specification, low owners and unusual ‘Designo’ Graphite Green paintwork, this may well be one of the best-specified W221 S65s to hit the market in recent years. In fact, according to our vendor, it is the only known example in this colour, which is an excellent ‘top trumps’ fact for your local watering hole.
Immaculately maintained as a ‘money-no-object’ daily driver, highlights of this S-Class’ specification include the aforementioned paintwork, Designo Porcelain, semi-aniline, diamond-quilted leather, a black Alcantara headlining, 19-inch split-rim wheels, harman/kardon sound system and ABC hydraulic suspension.
Not only has this example been spec’d up to the gunwales, but it has also benefitted from significant recent investment from a mechanical point of view, including new coil packs and voltage regulator (£3,500) an intercooler pump upgrade and coolant flush, 3 ABC Pulsation dampers, new gearbox mount and prop shaft donut, full ABS suspension system flush and filter change, brand new brake discs front and rear and a set of new Continental tyres all round, with 7mm+ remaining.
Included with the car is an extensive history, consisting of a “massive” binder with thousands of pounds worth of invoices from both our vendor and the prior owners, all of which is ordered chronologically and divided into categories depending on the type of work carried out.
There are also two sets of keys, the V5 showing three former owners, and the full complement of Mercedes-Benz books and manuals.DSC_0596-2.jpg8.24 MB
The Interior
Looking at the cabin of this S-Class, you’d be forgiven for thinking it’s 10 years its junior, that’s how well it presents.
Looking at the gorgeous diamond-quilted leather, there are very few signs of heavy wear, and certainly no notable scuffs, scrapes or deep creasing, nor any rips or tears to the seats. There is some light wear to the outer bolster of the driver’s seat and some very faint wear to the front passenger seat, but this is extremely minimal and far less than expected for the car’s age and mileage - testament to Mercedes’ build quality of the period.
The Piano Black inserts all look to be outstanding and free of any noticeable scrapes or scratches, even on high-traffic areas such as the gear selector and steering wheel.
In the back, the rear seats are virtually unmarked, as are the rears of the front seats. The carpets are all in excellent shape throughout, and all systems are working as they should, including the fridge between the rear seats - perfect for chilling champagne on the go!
Keen-eyed viewers will note and upgraded stereo unit, which supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, whilst retaining all the usual factory features and is fully integrated into the car’s software system.DSC_0588.jpg8.54 MB
The Exterior
As with the interior, you can really tell this is a cherished example of the W221 S65 from the condition of the bodywork, which is astounding throughout.
From what we can see, and as far as we’ve been told, there are no dents, dings or impacts to be found on the impressively restrained lines of the V12-powered super sedan, nor can we find any scuffs or notable scratches. A few stone chips on the front end and on exposed areas such as the mirrors are par for the course, but other than this there doesn’t seem to be any issues with the bodywork.
The vendor recently had the 19-inch, split-rim wheels refurbished at the cost of £1,800 which involved splitting the wheels, powder coating the barrels, painting the centres, diamond-cut polishing the hoops and fitting new titanium bolts when re-assembling. The results speak for themselves, as the wheels are absolutely immaculate. DSC_0563.jpg11.3 MB
The Mechanicals
There’s not doubting that the jewel in the crown of the S65 is the 6.0-litre, BiTurbo V12 engine, and the one in this example is squeaky-clean.
In this instance, however, beauty is far from being skin-deep, as this S65 is in rude mechanical health, having been lavished with any required maintenance along with a few choice upgrades, such as a mild re-map from prestigious Mercedes tuners Eurocharged, boosting power to an almost unbelievable 690bhp.
Our vendor reports that there are no faults with the car, and that any issues have always been taken care of, meaning this high-performance S-Class is ready for the next owner to enjoy.
The S65 AMG V12 really is a no-compromise car. Offering outstanding luxury and design with arguably ridiculous performance, the W221 blends show and go into one wonderfully ‘under the radar’ package.
Presenting in excellent condition throughout and with a history folder that would make most bidders weak at the knees, this S-Class would make an excellent potent daily driver, or fantastic ‘Q car’ weekend toy - if you know, you know!
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
Please see our FAQ's here and our Terms & Conditions here
