Mercedes C63 AMG Black Series | Spotted

Can it really be true that we experienced peak BS in 2011? Quite possibly...

Where once the AMG Black Series cars seemed to arrive thick and fast - SLK, CLK and SL in short order - they come much less regularly in the 2020s. There are fewer models in the line-up to suit the treatment, for one thing, and it’s becoming harder and harder to squeeze enthusiast-focused V8s into the product plan. Look how much more modest the current AMG GT Pro is against the old car, the one which would go on to be the last Black Series of 2020 - complete with ‘ring record-breaking ability. The upcoming Track Sport, which we should see during the year, seems like being the ideal continuation of the hallowed Black Series badge. Let’s see.

For now, an icon of the back catalogue. It would be reasonable to say that not every Black Series was brilliant (usually the ones where a convertible was made into a carbon-topped coupe), but the C63 of 2011 could hardly have hit the mark more emphatically. It did this by following the template laid out by its predecessor, the 2007 CLK 63 Black Series: take a handsome C-Class-sized coupe powered by the M156 6.2, furnish it with some motorsport-grade hardware, up the power and reduce the weight slightly and, voila, an AMG hero for the ages.

Actually, that’s forgetting one key element of both that was central to the appeal: outrageous good looks. Flared arches to accommodate wider tracks, perfect fitment of wheels and a suggestive ride height made both CLK and C63 properly arresting road racers. Many of the latter tended to come with an aero pack that added a rear spoiler, which always seemed a tad out of place - much like its E92 M3 GTS contemporary. Look at this one, for example, of how good a C63 BS looks without it. You wouldn’t change a thing. Even black wheels seem to suit a Black Series.

Because it was such a rare beast, with just 66 delivered to the UK, it’s easy to forget what a sight the BS is. It bristles with motorsport purpose; it might actually be a 1,800kg V8 C-Class, but it seems to have driven straight from the track. Back when it was new, and with Porsche having recently introduced a 4.0 GT3 RS, some felt this was a bit of a missed opportunity to make a properly raw rival. Despite its coilover suspension and stickier Dunlop tyres, it wasn’t the same sort of circuit weapon as the Porsche.

Which, actually, didn’t matter. It still doesn’t, in fact. Consider the Black Series instead as the ultimate iteration of the 63 era; those cars that charmed with their stunning performance, epic soundtrack, eminent usability and easily accessible wild side. The Black Series turned the dial on all those attributes, while also boasting the best AMG ride-handling compromise this side of an SLS. And looked how it did. That’s why it remains so highly regarded.

As an automatic-only car with most of its interior retained, the C63 Black Series was (and surely must still be) the ideal road trip companion. This one, however, has covered just 10,000 miles since first registration in 2012, and 7,000 of those were up by 2017. In 2026, with a fresh service at Mercedes-Benz and advisory-free MOT, it presents pretty much perfectly for whatever’s in store next. Whether road or track, a Black Series promises old-school AMG joy like nothing else. It must be a relatively safe place for the money, too, given the narrower future of Affalterbach V8s and Black Series specials. And if all else fails, there’d be worse ways to pass the time than just gawping at it…

SPECIFICATION | MERCEDES C63 AMG BLACK SERIES

Engine: 6,208cc, V8
Transmission: 7-speed AMG MCT automatic, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 517@6,800rpm
Torque (lb ft): 457@5,200rpm
MPG: 23.2 (NEDC combined)
CO2: 286g/km
Year registered: 2012
Recorded mileage: 10,775
Price new: £138,514
Yours for: £149,995

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Iamnotkloot

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