Tuesday 10th February 2015

Mercedes SL55 AMG: Spotted

Pretty damn fast, pretty cheap and just quite pretty too

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When it comes to AMG, there are a few facets of its character guaranteed. Well there were until the 45 AMG range of cars. It will have a gratuitously large V8, an unhealthy appetite for speed and a frightening propensity to depreciate. Excellent fodder for the classifieds trawler, naturally. Actual buyers are always advised to enter with a substantial contingency fund thanks to a significant bork factor.

Panoramic roof on a long list of extras

But gosh is the temptation there. All manner of saloons, coupes and cabrios could feature here but there's something about the pre-facelift R230 SL55. It's still a very pretty car, even more so in light of the heavy handed facelift and rather gopping R231 replacement. Mercedes isn't known for producing the most beautiful cars but occasionally it pulls out a belter. This SL, especially in SL55 spec, could be one of the few.

Then we're onto the other big part of the 55's appeal: the noise. All the metaphors about its 5.4-litre supercharged V8 have already been made as we all know it's utterly glorious. Supercharger whine and V8 rumble are quite a heady mix and one seldom encountered, especially with the roof down.

Sure, an SL won't be as sharp to drive as newer Affalterbach products but I would argue that's missing the point. Sport Leicht had been deserted a long time before this generation. The SL is for going exceptionally fast while looking great and sounding even better.

No need for stereo with V8 etc etc

Now it can be done for comfortably under £20K. Admittedly that threshold has been breached for a little while but when cars like this '05 SL are available at £17,950 you have to take notice. It's had two owners, the mileage is reasonable and all the services have been at MB. It's had four recent Pirelli P Zeros too; always encouraging to see matching decent tyres. Obviously it will still have the running costs of a £100K GT and it also has the dubious honour of being a mid-2000s Mercedes but, to use that most hackneyed of used car expressions, it does look like a lot of car but for not much money. Scratch that, it looks like a damn lovely car for not much money.

Particularly when the alternatives are considered. You can't buy one of the outgoing Jaguar XKRs for this money, a car that's less powerful and (one could argue) less attractive too. A 6 Series? £18K buys a lot of 650i if you're that way inclined. Lexus SC4... actually no. Lord no. Sorry.

Everything is stacked very much in the SL's favour. Go in with that healthy contingency fund, wary that the roof and ECU are known to cause problems, and it could be fantastic. And at least it's nice to look at if it's not moving.

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MERCEDES SL55 AMG
Engine: 5,439cc supercharged V8
Transmission: 5-speed auto, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 476@6,100rpm
Torque (lb ft): 516@2,650rpm
MPG: 20
CO2: N/A
First registered: 2005
Recorded mileage: 72,000
Price new: £89,040
Yours for: £17,950

See the original advert here.

[Mark-C]

Lovely ... grab that for less than 20k and then let everyone with a similarly priced Mondeo tell you what a flash git you are for having such an expensive car.

I've never owned a Merc but that looks a very tempting way to scratch that particular itch. A friend had one from new (04 I think) and it was a lovely thing to tool around in - very relaxed but howled when prodded. Mind you we turned up at a half marathon in it and the girl in the car next door assumed we were gay! She is now Mrs-C ....