2005 Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG

Highlights 

• An incredibly fast and stylish GT sports car

• 493bhp supercharged V8

• Usable, well-presented example

• Full MOT

• Mechanically sound

Overview

We all know that AMG stands for Aufrecht, Melcher, and Großaspach – the first two being the surnames of former Mercedes-Benz engineers and founders Hans Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher, with the last being Aufrecht's birthplace – but in the case of the AMG SL55 the words “Aim, Mash, Go” would be more appropriate because this tweaked GT sports car is a bit of a pocket rocket!

Mercedes-Benz's SL series have consistently been a highlight of its impressive oeuvre since the legendary 300SL that debuted back in the 1950s, with every generation since having achieved God-like status among classic car fans and collectors. And rightly so. Still being made today the SL, or "Sport-Leicht", is wholly deserving of all the praise that has been lavished on it over the years and generations. It's just a great car. It always has been.

But when AMG got involved, beginning with the R129 series in the early '90s, we saw just how capable and impressive these cars could truly be. Dropping ever larger V8 engines under the bonnet, the AMG SL became an overnight performance sensation.

AMG would continue this theme with the next generation of SL, the R230. Debuting at the 2001 Frankfurt Motor Show it was already an impressive car from the outset but then the boffins at AMG fitted 5.4-litre, supercharged V8 that developed just shy of 500 horsepower, making it the  fastest automatic car in the world at the time. And yes, we know Jeremy Clarkson owned one.

The example we have available is a beautiful 2005 model year AMG SL55 in stunning silver paintwork. Yep, that means that aforementioned supercharged V8 under the bonnet delivering staggering performance, as well as all of the toys prevalent in the R230 generation, including that trick folding metal roof and active body control suspension. 

History and documentation

• 2005 model year

• Original bill of sale from 2005

• Numerous invoices showing previous servicing and work carried out throughout the car's life

• Previous MOT certificates

• V5C present

• First registered 01 Aug 2005

• MOT until 29 May 2026

• Tracker fitted (with receipt)

• 103,345 miles 

Interior

• Wholly original

• In great condition throughout

• Front seats are wearing well with just some light patina to the driver's side to note

• Carpets, door cards and headlining appear in great shape

• All switchgear, gauges and electrics work as they should

• Dashboard is undamaged

• Kick plates look to be unmarked

• Original sound system with CD changer

• Boot area remains tidy

Exterior

• The car is tidy overall and the paintwork generally presents well

• All shut lines appear straight and the folding metal roof functions correctly

• There is some surface corrosion to the underside of the wheel arches as well as some bubbling to the paint on the offside front and nearside rear arches

• All of the glasswork is in good order

• The silver 18” wheels look to be in great shape

• Tyres are a mix of Kutstone Passion P9 models on the rear and Davanti DX640s up front, all with what looks to be decent tread

• The underneath is tidy with no sign of damage or corrosion

• Engine bay presents honestly with some pitting to the exposed aluminium

Mechanical

• 5.4-litre supercharged V8 engine

• 493bhp

• Automatic gearbox

• Rear-wheel drive

• 0-60mph in 4.5s

• 155mph top speed (electronically limited)

• New Bosch battery fitted in May 2025

• The vendor informs us that the car starts first time and goes like a rocket

• No mechanical issues to report

Summary

Any generation SL would be a joy to own but the R230 sits in the sweet spot between potential age-related capriciousness and disconnected tech-laden modernity, with this particular car being an inherently usable example. It's been around the block enough for any larger issues to have been dealt with by now and remains mechanically on point and in decent condition. Buy it, use it and enjoy it. That sublime supercharged V8 is worth the price of admission alone.

To arrange a viewing, click the 'Book Viewing' button located under the 'Place Bid' button. Viewings can be booked up until the day before the auction ends, after which the option will change to 'Contact Seller' for further enquiries. This seller is located in Cwmbran, Wales.