Only 660 miles from new
2003 Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG Convertible

• Supplied direct from AMG Germany
• Specified with options costing £5,355
• Only 660 miles from new
• Kept in heated storage
• Recently recommissioned for sale

Mercedes-Benz launched its new SL-Class (R230) of high-performance GTs in September 2001 at the Frankfurt Motor Show, though one had already served as Formula 1's Safety Car at Hockenheim in July. One of the new SLs' standout features was an automatic retractable hardtop, known as the 'Vario Roof', while other innovations included ABC active suspension and an electronic braking system. In 2002 the SL55 AMG went on sale. Hailed by evo magazine as 'a supercar in disguise', the latter was powered by a 5.4-litre V8 engine producing 493bhp and a monstrous 516lb/ft of torque. Top speed was a (limited) 155mph. And if that was not enough, the seriously speed-addicted could opt for the F1 version, which came with AMG's Performance Package that had been developed for the 2002 Formula 1 Safety Car. Costing an additional £10,000, AMG's upgrades included 'relaxing' the electronic speed restriction, enabling the car to reach 300km/h (186mph), plus changes to the suspension and brakes. There was also an extra oil cooler, a limited-slip differential, and various changes to the exterior and interior styling. For the SL55 AMG a more robust five-speed automatic transmission was specified, the standard car's seven-speeder being considered not man enough for the job. Top Gear's Jeremy Clarkson was an enthusiastic SL55 AMG 'early adopter'.

This SL55 was supplied directly from AMG in Germany at a cost of £96,055, which included £5,355-worth of factory options that included a panoramic glass roof, keyless go, TV tuner, comfort seats, fixed Nokia 6090 phone, Parktronic, Linguatronic, and AMG 18" five-spoke alloy wheels. Intended for the first owner's wife, the SL55 joined his CL55 but unlike the latter was driven only for a short time before being stored in a heated garage environment under a towel cover, hence the exceptionally low mileage. The car has recently been recommissioned for the sale, which included an oil change, draining old fuel, and fitting new Mercedes-Benz batteries. The related invoice is on file and the car also comes with the original service booklet and a V5C Registration Certificate. Finished in metallic silver with contrasting blood red interior, this beautiful SL55 AMG represents unique opportunity to own one of the most collectable of AMG models in effectively 'as new' condition.