Footnotes

"For anyone wishing to give their Mercedes that extra personal touch, Mercedes-AMG GmbH has just the answers. The Daimler-Chrysler subsidiary offers the combined experience of Mercedes-Benz and AMG in the field of high-quality enhancements for Mercedes-Benz passenger cars and puts the emphasis firmly on individuality when creating the customer's dream Mercedes." - Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

AMG, which is now the official performance division of Mercedes-Benz, has a long history of producing high-performance derivatives of Mercedes' standard production vehicles, and these improved versions enjoy an enthusiastic following world-wide, with prominent figures of the motorsports, entertainment, sport, and business communities being counted among aficionados.

With the introduction of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG in 2010, the Affalterbach-based firm took a significant step forward. First seen at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show and acknowledged as a tribute to the legendary 300 SL 'Gullwing' coupé of the 1950s – arguably the world's first supercar – the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG was notable as the first car to be designed in-house by AMG. A collectors' item from the day it was announced, the newcomer featured 'Gullwing' doors like its illustrious predecessor and succeeded the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren at the top of the German manufacturer's range. Styled by Mercedes-Benz's Mark Fetherston, the SLS AMG received numerous prestigious design awards, and is the only automobile ever to have won the (gold) Design Award of the Federal Republic of Germany. An open roadster version was introduced for 2011.

Boasting a chassis/body of mainly aluminium construction, the SLS (Sport Licht Super) was powered by a 6.2-litre V12 engine producing 563bhp initially - the most powerful normally aspirated production car engine of its day - while the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission was similarly state-of-the-art. A rear wing, extendable at high speeds, kept the SLS stable at its near-200mph maximum, while its low weight (3,573lbs) helped the car lap the Mercedes-Benz test track quicker than its SLR McLaren predecessor.

Not surprisingly, given its pedigree, the SLS AMG proved very popular with racing drivers, Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton among them, while the list of celebrity owners includes Eddie Murphy, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Al Pacino, Roger Federer, Sylvester Stallone, and Tom Hanks. Several limited edition versions were introduced, including a GT3 racer, leading up to the SLS AMG GT Final Edition of 2014. Mercedes-AMG CEO Tobias Moers has said that there are no plans for a successor, so for the time being the SLS AMG remains the ultimate expression of the noble 'Gullwing' tradition.

Finished in AMG Le Mans Red metallic with Designo Exclusive Classic Red leather interior, this stunning example was built to Swiss specification and Euro 5 compliance. A 2011 model, the car was invoiced to the vendor, its first owner, in April 2010 by the local Mercedes-Benz agent in the middle east. Little used since then and most likely requiring some recommissioning, the car comes with documentation including photocopy of a Swiss Carte Grise (the original is not present) and the purchase invoice detailing its exceptional and unique specification (perusal recommended).

Please note that if this vehicle is to stay in the UK, it will be subject to Import VAT at the standard rate of 20% on the hammer price. Import Duty will also be applicable at 10% (plus VAT) on the hammer price. This vehicle will also require a NOVA (Notification of Vehicle Arrival). An additional fee of £250 (plus VAT) will be charged to prepare the NOVA. This vehicle will not be available for immediate collection after the sale and will only be released on completion of customs clearance. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department or our recommended shippers. Please note that this vehicle is only offered with a photocopy of its old registration document, bidders should satisfy themselves as to registration requirements in their own jurisdiction. Please contact the department for further information.