Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG Roadster

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The most powerful production car ever to storm out of the factory gates, the Mercedes SL55 AMG was launched in 2002 and remained in production until 2008 when it was replaced by the even more bonkers SL63.

While it was the immense 500bhp power output that grabbed all the headlines, the really astounding figure was the torque generated by the supercharged V8. With 520lb/ft available at just 2,650rpm, the SL55 could literally melt its tyres away from the lights and needed all manner of sophisticated electronic aids just to keep it on the road.

“The engine is amazing,” said AutoExpress. “Even at idle, it reverberates through your ears and makes the ground tremble. Crack the throttle open and the full-blooded roar is nothing short of phenomenal. However, it takes a while to notice the sound – to begin with, you're too busy concentrating on the speed. Despite weighing the best part of two tons, AMG's flagship will pass 60mph in 4.5 seconds. By that stage, though, it's only just getting into its stride. With the standard car's 155mph limiter removed, Mercedes claims 180mph is easily achievable, and an AMG engineer has admitted to us that an otherwise unmodified SL55 has already achieved over 205mph in testing.”

Costing £89,000 at launch before any options were added, ownership was always going to be restricted to a privileged few and only around 1,500 were sold in the UK, so seeing one on the road today is always quite an event and makes it a sure-fire classic of the future.

First registered in July 2002, this particular AMG looks superb in Obsidian Black with a special order red leather interior with satin silver trim inserts. It has covered only 57,500 miles with an excellent service history comprising five stamps to date, the last at 55,775 miles in September 2013, plus supporting invoices. The car is packed full of options including: proximity-sensing cruise control; active body control suspension; Parktronic system; Linguatronic; built-in sat nav; heated, Pulse massaging seats; tyre pressure monitors; bi-xenon headlamps; hands-free kit; 18" Turbine alloys; keyless go etc.

Appearing to be in excellent order throughout and performing beautifully on a brief test drive with seemingly endless reserves of power, it is MOTd until November 2016 with no advisories recorded, the vendor stating that the only known fault is the keyless go system which seems to have blown a fuse so you still need to twist the key to start it – no great hardship!

These magnificent machines offer neck-snapping performance, eye-popping looks and earth-shaking V8 sounds all for the price of a modest family hatchback. We can’t believe that they will stay at this humble price point for much longer so bid vigorously today or kick yourself for your hesitancy hereafter!